FAQ

MANEUVERING MASTERY FAQ

General

Do I need previous sailing experience?

No, previous sailing experience is not strictly required.
However, participants who already have some sailing exposure, hold a certificate, or have spent time onboard yachts generally benefit the most from the training, as they can focus entirely on developing their maneuvering skills.

Yes, the course can be suitable for beginners, provided they are comfortable onboard and genuinely interested in developing practical boat-handling skills.
That said, the training is intensive and focuses specifically on maneuvering rather than introducing the fundamentals of sailing from scratch.

Absolutely.
This is one of the most common participant profiles we see.
Many sailors complete a certification course but do not have enough opportunities to practice marina maneuvers afterwards. The Maneuvering Mastery program is specifically designed to bridge that gap and help transform theoretical knowledge into practical confidence.

Yes.
Many experienced skippers attend the program to refine their techniques, improve efficiency, build confidence in challenging marina conditions, or gain experience on a different type of yacht.
Even highly experienced sailors often discover new approaches and techniques during the training.

Yes.
A sailing certificate is not required to participate.
What matters most is your willingness to learn and your interest in developing practical maneuvering skills. If you are unsure whether the course is suitable for your experience level, feel free to contact us and we will be happy to advise you.

Detailed joining instructions are sent to all participants before the course begins.
For most Athens-based programs, participants meet directly at the marina where the training yacht is located.

Most Maneuvering Mastery programs take place in Alimos Marina, Athens.
The exact meeting point, pier number and yacht location are provided in the final joining instructions.

Alimos Marina is approximately 40–60 minutes from Athens International Airport, depending on traffic.
Participants may reach the marina by:

  • Taxi
  • Uber
  • Private transfer
  • Public transportation

Detailed directions are provided before the course starts.

Yes.
Parking is generally available within or near the marina. Availability may vary depending on the season and marina activity.

We recommend bringing:

  • Comfortable clothing suitable for the weather
  • Non-marking boat shoes or clean athletic shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat or cap
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Light waterproof jacket (depending on season)

Any additional recommendations will be included in the joining instructions.

No specialized sailing gear is required.
The training is designed to be accessible to participants regardless of whether they already own sailing equipment. Comfortable clothing and suitable footwear are generally all that is needed.
If you already own sailing gear and feel comfortable using it, you are welcome to bring it with you.

Accommodation

Can I sleep onboard?

In some cases, limited onboard accommodation may be available between training days, subject to availability.
As availability depends on the specific yacht and operational schedule, please contact us before making any travel arrangements.

No.
Accommodation is not included in the course fee.
Most participants choose to stay in a nearby hotel or apartment and attend the training during the day.

When available, onboard accommodation between training days is charged at €40 per cabin per night.
Please note that onboard accommodation is offered purely as a convenience and availability cannot always be guaranteed.

Yes.
If two participants are attending together, they may share a cabin, subject to availability and the yacht’s cabin configuration.

Yes.
The training yachts are equipped with onboard bathrooms and showers which may be used during the training.
However, participants should keep in mind that water onboard is limited and should be used responsibly, as on any cruising yacht.

Pricing & Cancellation

What is the cost?

The participation fee depends on the type of yacht used for the training:

  • Monohull Maneuvering Mastery: €400 per person
  • Catamaran Maneuvering Mastery: €600 per person

Places are limited to a maximum of five participants per yacht to ensure significant hands-on practice for everyone onboard.

The course fee includes:

  • Use of the training yacht
  • Practical onboard training
  • Instruction from an experienced Epic Navigator instructor
  • Fuel
  • Marina fees


Accommodation, transportation, meals and personal expenses are not included unless specifically stated otherwise.

Yes.
All published prices include VAT and there are no hidden charges.

Once your place is confirmed, you will receive a Proforma Invoice together with payment instructions.
To secure your place, a 50% deposit is required.
The remaining balance is due 15 days before the start of the course.

Yes.
We accept card payments through our secure online payment system. Bank transfer is also available.
Detailed payment instructions are provided during the booking process.

Bookings are secured with a 50% deposit, with the remaining balance due 15 days before the course starts.
At present, we do not offer additional installment plans beyond this standard payment structure.

Deposits are subject to the cancellation terms outlined in the Booking Form and Terms & Conditions.
As places are limited and reserved specifically for each participant, deposits are generally non-refundable. We recommend reviewing the Terms & Conditions carefully before confirming your booking.

The participation fee includes:

  • Accommodation onboard
  • Daily practical training
  • Fuel
  • Marina fees
  • Bed linen and towels
  • Breakfast
  • Water and soft drinks



What is not included?
The participation fee does not include:

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Transportation to and from the embarkation point

Participants should budget for:

  • Food and dining expenses
  • Personal purchases
  • Transportation
  • The instructor’s meals, which are shared equally among all participants

Deposits are subject to the cancellation terms outlined in the Booking Form and Terms & Conditions.
As places are limited and reserved specifically for each participant, deposits are generally non-refundable.

Cancellation terms vary depending on the notice period and circumstances.
Full details are outlined in the Booking Form and Terms & Conditions provided before confirmation of the booking.

MEDITERRANEAN MASTERCLASS FAQ

General

What is the difference between Masterclass and Mile Building?

The Mediterranean Masterclass is not a mile-building program.
While participants naturally accumulate miles during the expedition, the primary objective is skill development rather than mileage accumulation.
The focus is on real-world skippering, leadership, decision-making, passage planning, sail handling, crew management, anchoring and yacht operations under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Participants are expected to actively contribute to the operation of the yacht rather than simply log miles.

The two programs have different objectives.
The Maneuvering Mastery focuses specifically on marina operations, docking, Mediterranean mooring and boat handling in confined spaces.
The Mediterranean Masterclass is a broader skipper development program that combines passage planning, sail handling, navigation, anchoring, crew leadership, decision-making and yacht management over an extended liveaboard expedition.
While maneuvering is practiced extensively during the Masterclass, it represents only one part of the overall training experience.

The Mediterranean Masterclass is a training program.
Participants live onboard, visit beautiful destinations and enjoy the experience of cruising through the Greek islands, but the primary purpose of the expedition is education and skill development.
Every day includes practical learning opportunities, with participants actively involved in the operation and management of the yacht.

The exact mileage varies depending on weather conditions, route planning and training objectives.
Most participants accumulate a significant number of nautical miles during the program, but mileage is never the primary goal. Training quality and decision-making always take priority over covering a specific distance.

The route varies from expedition to expedition and is influenced by weather conditions, training objectives and operational considerations.
Participants are involved in the passage-planning process, and the route may be adjusted during the program to maximize learning opportunities and safety.

There is no fixed schedule.
Some days may involve longer passages, while others may focus on maneuvering, anchoring exercises, navigation, weather analysis or skipper responsibilities ashore.
A typical day combines practical sailing, passage planning, yacht operations and leadership development rather than simply maximizing time under sail.

A private cabin is reserved exclusively for one participant or a couple travelling together.
No other participant will be assigned to that cabin.

A shared cabin is intended for two participants travelling together who choose to share accommodation.
At Epic Navigator, we generally do not assign unrelated participants to share the same cabin.

Yes.
Many couples choose to participate together and share a cabin throughout the program.

As we do not generally assign unrelated participants to share cabins, gender separation is normally not an issue.
Participants travelling alone are accommodated in private cabins.

The number of bathrooms depends on the yacht used for the specific expedition.
Full yacht specifications are provided before the start of each program.

Embarkation usually takes place between 12:00 and 14:00.
The exact time and meeting point are confirmed a few days before the program via the WhatsApp group and the final practical information email.

The yacht usually returns around 14:00 on the final day.
Participants are expected to disembark by 16:00.

Yes.
As this is an expedition-style program, embarkation and disembarkation locations may occasionally change due to weather conditions or operational requirements.
Any changes are communicated in advance through the WhatsApp group and the final practical information email.

Experience

What level is required?

The Mediterranean Masterclass is designed for sailors who already have some sailing experience and wish to develop their practical skippering skills.
Participants do not need to be expert skippers, but they should be comfortable onboard and willing to actively participate in all aspects of yacht operation.

Yes.
Many participants join the Masterclass after completing Day Skipper or an equivalent certification. The program provides an excellent opportunity to transform theoretical knowledge into practical experience under real cruising conditions.

Yes.
Many ICC holders join the program to build confidence, improve decision-making and gain experience in real-world skippering situations that are difficult to replicate during certification courses.

In many cases, yes.
Participants who have completed Competent Crew and wish to transition towards skipper responsibilities often find the Masterclass highly valuable. However, we recommend discussing your experience with us before booking so we can ensure the program is a good fit.

Yes.
Many participants join specifically because they want to develop the skills and confidence required to become skippers. Throughout the program, participants gradually take on greater responsibility under instructor supervision.

Onboard Life

Is the training held on a daily basis, or do participants stay onboard?

The Monohull Masterclass is a 7-day liveaboard training programme. Participants stay onboard the yacht throughout the course, allowing them to experience real-life cruising, passage planning, anchoring, marina manoeuvres and life onboard as part of the training.

Breakfast, water and soft drinks are included in the program.
Lunches and dinners are organized by the crew and participants during the expedition, either onboard or ashore depending on the day’s activities and destination.

Yes.
Cooking onboard is part of everyday cruising life and participants often take part in meal preparation, provisioning and galley management throughout the expedition.

This varies depending on personal preferences and dining choices.
Most participants should budget for groceries, occasional restaurant meals and personal snacks during the week.

Yes.
All marina fees associated with the training program are included in the participation fee.

Yes.
Fuel costs related to the operation of the yacht during the program are included.

Mobile internet coverage is generally available throughout most of the cruising area.
However, onboard Wi-Fi cannot be guaranteed and participants should not rely on continuous high-speed internet access during the expedition.

Travel

Which airport should I fly to?

The recommended airport depends on the specific expedition and itinerary.
Full joining instructions, including arrival airport recommendations, are provided well in advance of the program.

Participants should plan to arrive before the scheduled embarkation time on the first day of the program.
Exact joining times are provided in the practical information package.

Participants should arrange their departure after the official end of the program and allow sufficient time for disembarkation procedures and travel to the airport.

Please inform us as soon as possible.
While we will always do our best to assist, participants remain responsible for arranging their own travel and ensuring timely arrival at the embarkation point.

Yes.
We are happy to provide recommendations for hotels, apartments and accommodation options near the embarkation or disembarkation points.

PRIVATE COACHING FAQ

General

What is private coaching?

Private coaching is a fully customized training program designed around your specific goals, experience level and yacht.
Unlike scheduled group programs, private coaching allows Captain Alexandros to focus exclusively on the areas that are most relevant to you.

Group programs follow a predefined structure and curriculum.
Private coaching is tailored specifically to the participant, allowing the training content, pace, duration, location and objectives to be adjusted according to individual needs.
Many private coaching programs take place onboard the participant’s own yacht.

Yes.
Every private coaching program is designed individually after discussing your experience, objectives, yacht and preferred training area.
No two private coaching programs are exactly the same.

Absolutely.
Many participants book private coaching specifically to improve their confidence and competence during marina maneuvers.
The entire program can be dedicated to docking, Mediterranean mooring, close-quarters maneuvering and boat handling if desired.

Yes.
For experienced sailors, private coaching can focus on heavy weather seamanship, sail management, decision-making, passage planning, crew management and yacht handling in stronger conditions, always subject to weather and safety considerations.

Yes.
In fact, most private coaching programs are conducted onboard the participant’s own yacht.
This allows the training to focus on the systems, equipment and handling characteristics that you will actually be using in the future.

This depends on your objectives.
For maneuvering-focused training, two or three days are often sufficient to achieve significant progress.
For broader skipper development, yacht familiarization or advanced coaching, longer programs may be recommended.
After reviewing your goals, we will be happy to suggest the most appropriate duration.

Private coaching programs are customized based on several factors, including:

  • Number of participants
  • Duration of the program
  • Training location
  • Type of yacht
  • Whether the training takes place onboard your own yacht or a charter yacht


For this reason, pricing is provided individually after an initial discussion of your training objectives and requirements.

The voucher retains the monetary value of the amount you originally paid. If the price of your chosen course remains the same, no additional payment will be required. However, if the course price has increased by the time you redeem your voucher, you will simply be asked to pay the difference between the voucher value and the current course price. This ensures that all bookings are made according to the pricing applicable at the time of confirmation.