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    7-Day Mile-Building Passage: Lavrion, Greece to Malta

    Oct 2025

    An Unforgettable Offshore Adventure

    Set sail on an unforgettable journey from Greece to Malta, navigating through the Aegean’s deep blue waters, past rugged island coastlines, and across the vast open sea. This week-long mile-building adventure blends the thrill of offshore passages with the charm of historic Mediterranean ports, offering the perfect challenge for aspiring skippers and seasoned sailors alike.

    Take turns at the helm as you navigate through the Greek islands, cross the Ionian Sea, and sail past Sicily, logging over 600NM, including Yachtmaster qualifying passages. With hands-on coaching, passage planning, night sailing, watch rotation, and real offshore experience, this passage is both a training ground and an unforgettable voyage.

    • Your own cabin! No-one shares unless by choice when booking
    • Option for couples, families or groups on 46ft cruise yachts
    • You can join this trip as RYA Competent Crew course (if you completed theory)
    • You will be expected to helm and keep watch!

    7-Day Mile Builder

    4.9 rating of 46 reviews

    Bavaria 46C - 4 cabins

    24th-31st Aug 2025

    14 - 65 years old

    Meet interesting and active people from all over the world, and discover new spots.

    3 - 8 people onboard

    600 Nautical Miles

    All year available

    Lavrion Port, Greece

    No assumed knowledge

    Prices from 1400 per person

    Upcoming Trip Dates

    This course is arranged upon request, please contact us or send us an enquiry if you're interested. 😉‍

    Essential Skills Practiced During Mile Building

    Passage Planning & Navigation

    Passage Planning & Navigation

    • Planning the route before departure, taking into account weather, tides, currents, hazards, and stopovers. • Identifying way points, adjusting course, and ensuring the passage is safe and efficient.

    Night Sailing & Watchkeeping

    Night Sailing & Watchkeeping

    • Sailing in darkness with limited visibility using navigation lights, radar, AIS, and chart plotters. • Watchkeeping involves standing shifts (watches) during long passages, where crew members rotate roles.

    Sail Handling & Trim Optimization

    Sail Handling & Trim Optimization

    • Adjusting sails to maximize speed, efficiency, and comfort based on wind conditions. • Understanding how different sail settings affect the boat's performance.

    Heavy Weather Sailing & MOB

    Heavy Weather Sailing & MOB

    • Techniques to handle strong winds, rough seas, and unexpected squalls. • Using storm sails, heaving-to, deploying drogues, and managing crew fatigue. • Practicing man-overboard drills.

    Anchoring & Mooring Techniques

    Anchoring & Mooring Techniques

    • Learning how to safely anchor in different seabed conditions. • Mooring in various settings, including marinas, pontoons, and mooring buoys.

    Radio Communication & COLREGS

    Radio Communication & COLREGS

    • Using VHF radio to communicate with harbormasters, coast guards, and nearby vessels. • Understanding Collision Regulations (COLREGs) for right of way at sea.

    Between Malta and Sicily

    A region in the central Mediterranean known for its rich history, stunning coastlines, and vibrant sailing traditions

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    Greece - Lavrion

    A Perfect Sailing Gateway

    Greece - Lavrion

    Lavrion, on Greece’s southeastern coast, is a vibrant port and perfect starting point for sailing the Aegean. Its marina and proximity to Cape Sounion make it both practical and scenic.

    itinerary map-mobile

    * example mile builder stops, subject to weather

    Typical Itinerary (one week passage)

    Visit Malta, Gozo, Syracuse, Catania, and Tourmina, with some night sailing. Sail coaching available for those wishing to improve their skills. C. f350NM (7 day) logged, with the possibility of 60NM YM qualifying passages.

    Lavrion → Mykonos (~60NM, Coastal Sailing)

    ⛵ Training Focus: Coastal navigation, sail trim, anchoring practice. • Morning: Crew arrival, safety briefing, provisioning, and passage planning session. • Midday: Set sail through the Cyclades, experiencing the Meltemi winds. • Afternoon: Swim stop in Ornos Bay, then dock in Mykonos Marina. • Evening: Explore Mykonos Town, with dinner at a waterfront taverna. 📍 Overnight: Marina or anchorage in Mykonos

    Mykonos → Paros (~25NM) → Santorini (~55NM, Overnight Passage)⛵ Training Focus: Night sailing, watchkeeping, offshore passage-making. • Morning: Short sail to Paros, stopping at Naoussa Bay for lunch and a swim. • Afternoon: Prepare for night passage, reviewing night navigation and watch schedules. • Evening & Night: Offshore passage to Santorini, rotating watches and helming under the stars. 📍 Overnight: Arriving in Santorini by morning
    Santorini → Crete (~70NM, Full-Day Sail)⛵ Training Focus: Longer passage planning, weather routing, sail changes. • Morning: Explore Santorini’s caldera views and volcanic cliffs. • Midday: Depart for Crete, experiencing stronger Aegean winds. • Evening: Arrive in Heraklion or Agios Nikolaos, enjoying a traditional Cretan dinner ashore. 📍 Overnight: Marina in Crete (Heraklion or Agios Nikolaos)
    Crete → Offshore (~140NM, Start of Offshore Passage to Sicily)⛵ Training Focus: Watchkeeping, celestial navigation practice, fatigue management. • Morning: Final weather briefing and provisioning for multi-day offshore sailing. • Midday: Depart Crete, beginning the 140NM open-sea passage. • Night: Watch system in effect, crew rotating shifts. 📍 Overnight: At sea, sailing towards Sicily
    Continue Offshore → Arrive in Sicily (~140NM, Total 280NM from Crete)⛵ Training Focus: Post-passage debrief, harbor maneuvering. • Morning: Final miles of the offshore passage, approaching Sicily’s east coast. • Afternoon: Arrive in Syracuse, docking in its historic harbor. • Evening: Explore Ortigia, with dinner at a Sicilian trattoria. 📍 Overnight: Marina in Syracuse, Sicily
    Syracuse → Offshore (~90NM, Final Passage to Malta)⛵ Training Focus: Final offshore sailing techniques, passage planning under real conditions. • Morning: Relaxed start to the day, with time to explore Ortigia, Syracuse’s stunning old town. • Afternoon: Depart Sicily for Malta. Final offshore passage, logging another 60NM+ passage. • Night: Last watch rotations, refining night navigation skills. 📍 Overnight: At sea, sailing towards Malta
    Offshore → Arrive in Valletta (~90NM, Grand Harbour Entry)📍 Final Stop: Manoel Island Yacht Marina, Malta • Morning: Sail into Valletta’s Grand Harbour, navigating Malta’s historic entryway. • Midday: Docking at Manoel Island Marina, celebrating 600+NM completed! • Afternoon: Final debrief and optional farewell meal in Valletta or Sliema. • Evening: Crew disembarks, officially completing the passage. ⚓ End of an epic offshore mile-building adventure!
    Tips from instructors

    Avoiding Seasickness & Staying Healthy

    To prevent seasickness, stay hydrated, eat light meals, and get plenty of fresh air. If you start feeling queasy, focus on the horizon and try to stay out of enclosed spaces. Consider taking seasickness tablets, ginger, or using acupressure wristbands as a preventive measure. Rest is key—fatigue can make seasickness worse. Keeping the cabin well-ventilated and practicing good hygiene will help you feel your best throughout the trip. A healthy crew makes for a smoother, more enjoyable sail!

    Tips from instructors

    Prioritize Seamanship and Boat Handling

    A great sailor knows their vessel inside and out. As you sail, focus on refining basic skills like tacking, gybing, and sail trimming. In particular, pay close attention to the boat's responsiveness in different wind conditions. Practicing tight turns and smooth maneuvering will make you more comfortable when entering marinas, docking, or navigating tight spaces. Don't rush, and always double-check your lines and fenders before any docking or anchoring. Consistent practice will boost your confidence.

    Tips from instructors

    Mastering Passage Planning

    A well-planned passage makes all the difference, especially on longer legs. Always study your route the night before, considering potential obstacles, wind forecasts, tides, and alternate anchorages or harbors. During the day, use the GPS and charts to confirm your course and make necessary adjustments. Remember to regularly monitor your position and check your speed. A good practice is to plan your arrival at a port during daylight, so you have plenty of time for entry and maneuvering.

    Tips from instructors

    Communicate and Delegate

    Clear communication among the crew is essential for a smooth sail. As the skipper, delegate tasks to ensure everyone remains engaged—whether it's adjusting sails, keeping watch, or taking bearings. Encourage a team environment where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and providing input. This teamwork builds confidence, improves safety, and allows for smoother transitions between shifts or tasks, especially during challenging weather or longer passages.

    Tips from instructors

    Avoiding Seasickness & Staying Healthy

    To prevent seasickness, stay hydrated, eat light meals, and get plenty of fresh air. If you start feeling queasy, focus on the horizon and try to stay out of enclosed spaces. Consider taking seasickness tablets, ginger, or using acupressure wristbands as a preventive measure. Rest is key—fatigue can make seasickness worse. Keeping the cabin well-ventilated and practicing good hygiene will help you feel your best throughout the trip. A healthy crew makes for a smoother, more enjoyable sail!

    Tips from instructors

    Prioritize Seamanship and Boat Handling

    A great sailor knows their vessel inside and out. As you sail, focus on refining basic skills like tacking, gybing, and sail trimming. In particular, pay close attention to the boat's responsiveness in different wind conditions. Practicing tight turns and smooth maneuvering will make you more comfortable when entering marinas, docking, or navigating tight spaces. Don't rush, and always double-check your lines and fenders before any docking or anchoring. Consistent practice will boost your confidence.

    Tips from instructors

    Mastering Passage Planning

    A well-planned passage makes all the difference, especially on longer legs. Always study your route the night before, considering potential obstacles, wind forecasts, tides, and alternate anchorages or harbors. During the day, use the GPS and charts to confirm your course and make necessary adjustments. Remember to regularly monitor your position and check your speed. A good practice is to plan your arrival at a port during daylight, so you have plenty of time for entry and maneuvering.

    Tips from instructors

    Communicate and Delegate

    Clear communication among the crew is essential for a smooth sail. As the skipper, delegate tasks to ensure everyone remains engaged—whether it's adjusting sails, keeping watch, or taking bearings. Encourage a team environment where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and providing input. This teamwork builds confidence, improves safety, and allows for smoother transitions between shifts or tasks, especially during challenging weather or longer passages.

    Tips from instructors

    Avoiding Seasickness & Staying Healthy

    To prevent seasickness, stay hydrated, eat light meals, and get plenty of fresh air. If you start feeling queasy, focus on the horizon and try to stay out of enclosed spaces. Consider taking seasickness tablets, ginger, or using acupressure wristbands as a preventive measure. Rest is key—fatigue can make seasickness worse. Keeping the cabin well-ventilated and practicing good hygiene will help you feel your best throughout the trip. A healthy crew makes for a smoother, more enjoyable sail!

    Tips from instructors

    Prioritize Seamanship and Boat Handling

    A great sailor knows their vessel inside and out. As you sail, focus on refining basic skills like tacking, gybing, and sail trimming. In particular, pay close attention to the boat's responsiveness in different wind conditions. Practicing tight turns and smooth maneuvering will make you more comfortable when entering marinas, docking, or navigating tight spaces. Don't rush, and always double-check your lines and fenders before any docking or anchoring. Consistent practice will boost your confidence.

    Tips from instructors

    Mastering Passage Planning

    A well-planned passage makes all the difference, especially on longer legs. Always study your route the night before, considering potential obstacles, wind forecasts, tides, and alternate anchorages or harbors. During the day, use the GPS and charts to confirm your course and make necessary adjustments. Remember to regularly monitor your position and check your speed. A good practice is to plan your arrival at a port during daylight, so you have plenty of time for entry and maneuvering.

    Tips from instructors

    Communicate and Delegate

    Clear communication among the crew is essential for a smooth sail. As the skipper, delegate tasks to ensure everyone remains engaged—whether it's adjusting sails, keeping watch, or taking bearings. Encourage a team environment where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and providing input. This teamwork builds confidence, improves safety, and allows for smoother transitions between shifts or tasks, especially during challenging weather or longer passages.

    Never sailed before?

    You can still join the trip if you are in good physical and health condition,
    but we strongly recommend completing our RYA Competent Crew course as a minimum.

    See beginner courses

    What's included

    Accommodation onboard

    Opportunity to practice navigation, passage-making, and mooring techniques

    Food provisioning

    Free WiFi by Starlink

    Safety gear and wet weather clothing

    RYA recognized Instructor

    All necessary bedding and towels

    A mix of short coastal hops and longer offshore passages

    Fuel

    Final cleaning

    What's not included

    Marina fee, shared by crew, subject to passage

    Restaurant onshore

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    Mile building tour gallery

    Set sail on our mile-building adventure between Malta and Sicily, guided by an expert instructor, where you’ll experience the best of the Mediterranean’s coastal beauty and rich history.

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