Learning to captain near 10 meters is thrilling. This RYA Powerboat Level 1 and 2 course runs from Sani Resort, with training built around real time at the helm and Evita-style coaching that focuses on safety and confidence. One catch to plan for: the ICC is not included, so you’ll need to apply for it yourself if you need that extra document.

I also like how the course uses a high-quality setup. You’re not just watching. You practice on the Styx powerboat, and the marina space helps you fine-tune docking and parking skills before you spend more time out on the Aegean.

Key things to know before you go

• Small groups (max 3 travelers) means more hands-on time at the controls.
• Evita’s instruction style stands out for clear teaching and correcting mistakes calmly.
• Training near 10 meters helps you build real-world boat-handling confidence.
• Sani Marina is the training base, so practice starts in a controlled setting.
• Tows and practical maneuvers are part of the learning mix.
• English course delivery makes it straightforward for most visitors.

Why Sani Resort in Halkidiki works so well for RYA Powerboat Level 1–2

Halkidiki is a pretty place to learn how to drive a boat. But the smarter reason this course fits the region is the training environment: Sani Marina gives you a clean, predictable starting point. You get a place to practice slow-speed skills like handling lines and parking, without immediately throwing yourself into busy open water.

The other advantage is the vibe. This isn’t a classroom-only credential grind. It’s a holiday course where your time is structured around practical driving, with instructors who can talk you through what to feel and what to fix. That matters because powerboating is muscle memory as much as it is rules.

And yes, the sea views help. Even when you’re focused on technique, the scenery keeps the course from feeling like work.

Price and what you actually get for $1,441.90 per person

At $1,441.90 per person (for this two-day format), you’re paying for more than a certificate. You’re paying for access to the boats, the instructor time, and the safety setup that lets you practice real maneuvers.

The good news is that all course costs are included. That typically means the driving sessions, training materials, and safety gear are covered inside the price. In plain terms: you shouldn’t get hit with surprise add-ons once you show up for the course itself.

The one extra cost you should factor in is the ICC, listed separately at £50 per person if you need it. The ICC point is important because it affects how you’ll use your new license outside Greece. If you only care about using the qualification for boat rental situations that accept the RYA certificate directly, you might not need the ICC. If your planned rental country or operator requires it, you’ll want to handle that in advance.

Where you start: Pirgos Sani meeting point and a 10:00 am launch window

Your course starts at 10:00 am from the Pirgos Sani meeting point (listed at 38X6+3P Pirgos Sani). It ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not dealing with multiple drop-offs or confusing end-of-day logistics.

Starting mid-morning is a practical choice for learning. You’re awake, you’re not sprinting out the door before breakfast, and the marina conditions are often more stable than early dawn calm. It also gives you time to settle in, check gear, and get your head in the right space for the first driving session.

If you’re pairing this with other Sani Resort activities, plan your schedule around a full two-day block. It’s not a quick half-day taster. The structure is built for gradual skill-building.

Day 1: Get comfortable at the helm, then practice the small skills that matter

On day one, your goal is simple: learn the feel of the boat and build safe habits fast. The course is designed for people with no prior experience, which usually means you’ll get step-by-step guidance at the controls rather than being thrown into the deep end.

Expect a lot of focus on safe operation. Powerboating has a short learning curve in theory, but the real test is doing it smoothly—throttle control, steering response, and understanding how the boat behaves at different speeds. That’s exactly why the course includes practical training aboard powerboats rather than only theory sessions.

You’ll also benefit from the controlled practice space at Sani Marina. Reviews specifically highlight how the marina is good for testing parking skills. That’s a huge deal on day one, because it reduces stress. If you can handle the boat close to the marina, open-water driving feels far more manageable later.

A likely challenge on day one is mental, not physical. When you’re new, it’s easy to overthink every small input. Having an instructor like Evita matters because she can help you correct mistakes without drama—so you keep moving forward.

Day 2: Maneuvers, tow practice, and the near-10-meter confidence boost

Day two is where the course tends to feel more like certification training. The learning shifts from basic comfort to more purposeful maneuvers and handling challenges that test your skills without putting you in chaos.

One of the standout details is the boat size and training feel. The Styx is described as training on something close to 10 meters, and that’s meaningful. Handling a bigger powerboat is different than steering something small. You learn to plan turns earlier, manage speed with more care, and handle spacing with confidence.

Tow practice shows up in the experience too. You’ll see this reflected in the course feedback, including mention of boats and tows with Evita. Even if you’re not planning to tow anything yourself soon, practicing towing skills usually teaches you important habits: stability awareness, speed control, and proper boat-to-load management.

Another thing I like about a two-day setup is the built-in improvement curve. You’re not learning one skill, then stopping forever. You’re practicing, getting feedback, and then using that feedback the next day in a more advanced way.

The boats and instructors: why Evita’s feedback style seems to lock in the learning

In a course like this, instructor quality is the difference between feeling safe and feeling “okay.” The feedback is very consistent about Evita: clear instruction, strong English, patience, and the ability to spot errors quickly and correct them effectively.

You can also tell this training isn’t run on fragile equipment. The boat is described as superb in quality and maintained to perfection, which matters because a reliable craft helps you focus on technique instead of worrying about breakdowns or awkward handling.

Another practical point: having corrections happen in real time helps you connect cause and effect. When you steer and then the boat reacts, you understand the lesson immediately. That’s one reason the course’s small-group style (max 3 travelers) is such good value. It limits your “waiting your turn” time, and it makes feedback more targeted.

What certification means in real boating plans (Level 1 vs Level 2 and the license end goal)

The course is positioned to help you obtain your powerboat licences at the end. For many people, that’s the main reason to book: you want a formal RYA credential, not just a fun day on the water.

The listing notes that the course includes RYA Level 1 & 2 courses available daily during the season. That means you’re not stuck doing one small step. You’re working toward the next level of capability in one focused two-day block.

There’s also a practical promise in the course description: the qualification is meant to support you with renting and driving boats internationally. That’s a real benefit if you’re planning future coastal trips and want flexibility beyond Greece.

But here’s the careful part: the course also explicitly notes that the ICC is not included and must be applied for by yourself if you need it. So while your RYA certificate is the core credential, your exact rental plans may still depend on the ICC requirement. If your travel plans involve renting in places that require an ICC, don’t assume your new RYA course automatically solves that.

Group size, English instruction, and who this course fits best

The course runs with a maximum of 3 travelers, and that’s a big advantage if you learn better with individual attention. You’ll likely feel less rushed, and you can ask questions without waiting for a gap.

It’s also listed as suitable for adults and teens (12+). If you’re traveling as a family, it can be a great shared activity where your teen learns real skills instead of just watching from shore. One review example describes the course taken with a daughter, and the tone of the feedback suggests the instruction works well for mixed experience levels.

Language is English, so if you’re comfortable getting instruction and explanations in English, you’ll likely get more out of the course. If you’re not comfortable in English, double-check your comfort level before you book.

Weather and timing: plan around Aegean conditions

The course requires good weather. If it gets canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the normal reality of sea training, and it’s also a reason to build some slack into your Halkidiki schedule.

Since the course starts at 10:00 am, you’re not starting before conditions have fully settled. Still, the Aegean can change quickly. If you’re someone who hates uncertainty, this is worth factoring into your travel planning.

The good side is that this course is run daily from April to October, so if you need a reschedule, there are usually other options in the same seasonal window.

Practical tips to get the most from your two days

Here’s how you’ll make this course feel worth every dollar:

First, show up mentally ready to practice. This isn’t a once-per-trip photo stop. The point is that you’ll learn by doing, so you’ll get more if you’re engaged and paying attention between turns at the helm.

Second, lean into corrections. If you get an instructor like Evita who can correct you without making you feel clumsy, use that feedback immediately. The faster you apply the fix, the faster confidence grows.

Third, plan your other activities around the full two-day block. The course includes practical time on the water and training sessions tied to those driving skills. Treat it like the main event.

Finally, check your documentation needs early. The only clearly called-out paperwork gap is the ICC if you need it. If your plans require it, handle it before you arrive so you’re not scrambling mid-trip.

Should you book the RYA Powerboat Level 1 and 2 course at Sani Marina?

I’d book this if you want a structured route to a real boating credential, and you like the idea of learning in a small group with hands-on coaching. The Evita instruction style is repeatedly highlighted, and the combination of marina practice plus on-water driving makes the course feel practical, not theoretical.

You might think twice if the ICC matters for your future rentals and you don’t want extra steps or extra cost. You should also consider the weather dependency. If your trip dates are rigid with no flexibility, sea courses always carry some schedule risk.

If you’re in Halkidiki during April to October, and you want a confident start toward powerboating, this is a strong use of your time. Just be sure you plan for the ICC piece ahead of arrival, and you’ll walk away with skills you can actually use.

FAQ

What course levels are included?

The course includes RYA Powerboat Level 1 & 2.

Where does the course start?

It starts at the Pirgos Sani meeting point (38X6+3P Pirgos Sani / 38X6+3P7 Pirgos Sani, Greece) at 10:00 am, and ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the course?

The duration is 2 days (approximately).

Is prior boating experience required?

No prior experience is required.

What is the maximum group size?

The activity has a maximum of 3 travelers.

Is the course offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What documents do I need besides the RYA course?

The ICC is not included. If you need an ICC, you must apply for it yourself (listed at £50.00 per person).

Is the ICC included in the price?

No. The ICC cost is not included.

Do I need good weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What about age limits?

It’s suitable for adults and teens (12+).

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