Sailing catamaran on turquoise water along the Turkish coast
Catamaran Handling Course • Fethiye, Turkey

Learn to Captain a Catamaran — Not Just Get a License.

8 days of intensive hands-on training aboard a Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42.

  • 8 days
  • Max 4 students
  • Private cabin
  • €2,000
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Fethiye, Turkey 8 days on board Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42 ISSA certification

Catamaran Handling Course

€2,000

8 days • Private cabin • Max. 4 students • Practical training + theory

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When can I join?

Upcoming catamaran courses

New dates are released throughout the season

Fethiye, Turkey · €2,000 / person · max. 4 students per course

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Why this course exists

Most sailing courses hand you a certificate, not confidence.

On crowded training boats you spend most of the day watching someone else steer — then freeze the first time you're handed the helm in a crosswind.

Real confidence is built with your own hands, on a real catamaran, in real conditions.

Your transformation in 8 days

From first maneuver to taking command

This course is about real confidence and practical experience — not simply receiving a certificate.

  1. Day
    1

    Day 1

    "I'm getting familiar with the catamaran."

  2. Day
    2–3

    Day 2–3

    "I can maneuver, dock and anchor with instructor guidance."

  3. Day
    4–5

    Day 4–5

    "I understand navigation, passage planning and crew management."

  4. Day
    6–7

    Day 6–7

    "I take command and make decisions myself — under supervision."

  5. Day
    8

    Day 8

    "I'm ready for the next step toward chartering a catamaran independently."

Progress depends on each student — your instructor adapts the pace to the crew.

Small group

Only 4 students. More time at the helm.

With a maximum of four students, everyone gets significantly more hands-on practice, more instructor attention and more opportunities to perform real maneuvers.

SeaPilgrims small group

4 students

  • More helm time
  • More maneuvers
  • More instructor attention
  • Private cabin for everyone

Typical crowded training boat

8–10 people

  • Waiting your turn
  • Mostly watching
  • Shared attention
  • Shared cabins

Trust the people on board

Meet your instructors

You're not learning from someone who only teaches theory. Our instructors have spent years at sea, trained hundreds of students, and know what it takes to confidently take command of a yacht or catamaran.

Dmytro Kyrylenko

Dmytro Kyrylenko

Founder & Chief Skipper Instructor

Svitlana Botchenko

Svitlana Botchenko

Yacht Skipper Instructor

10+

Years at sea

20,000+

Nautical miles

300+

Students trained

ENG / UA / RU

Languages

Ask an instructor

Student reviews

Real students. Real experience.

Hear it straight from SeaPilgrims students.

“Slow-speed control, two-engine turns, mooring — we practiced every maneuver until it felt natural. Day by day the catamaran stopped feeling intimidating, and by the end I docked and anchored with a calm, confident helm. Useful, interesting and absolutely worth it.”
Mariia Markina

Mariia Markina

SeaPilgrims student · Ukraine

“We took turns at the helm and at mooring every single day. By the end I could handle the twin engines in tight marinas, read the wind, unfurl and furl the sails, enter the marina, refuel and moor the catamaran myself. The practical training was simply top-notch.”
Dmytro Stamikov

Dmytro Stamikov

SeaPilgrims student · Moldova

Laura Meier

SeaPilgrims student · Switzerland

Swipe for more reviews →

Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42

Your classroom for 8 days

Train aboard a modern, comfortable cruising catamaran — similar to the type of boat you may later encounter on charter.

The training catamaran under full sail Exterior
Students working the winches at the helm Cockpit & helm
Bright saloon and galley of the catamaran Saloon
Private double cabin with fresh linen Private cabin
The catamaran anchored in a turquoise bay Deck

What you'll learn

Practical skills, taught at sea

Theory is built into each day — but most of your time is spent doing, not listening.

Maneuvering

  • Docking
  • Close-quarter handling
  • Two-engine handling & prop walk
  • Marina & Mediterranean mooring
  • Anchoring with lines ashore

Sailing

  • Sail handling
  • Points of sail
  • Trim
  • Tacking & gybing
  • Catamaran-specific techniques

Navigation

  • Charts
  • Route planning
  • Weather
  • Passage planning
  • Electronic navigation

Safety

  • Man overboard
  • Emergency procedures
  • VHF radio
  • Safety equipment
  • First aid for sailors

Skipper skills

  • Crew management
  • Decision-making
  • Responsibility
  • Charter procedures
  • Border check-in / check-out

Day-by-day route along the Lycian Coast

A typical flow — exact days flex with weather and the crew's progress.

Day 1 — Arrival in Fethiye & Welcome Aboard
Meet your instructor and crew, settle into your cabin, walkthrough of the catamaran and marina safety. Group dinner at a local restaurant or the Fethiye fish market.
Day 2 — Catamaran Basics & Docking
Twin-hull handling and two-engine turns, slow-speed control, sternway, leaving and approaching the pontoon. Evening passage to the Göcek bays.
Day 3 — Mooring Buoys & Anchoring with Lines Ashore
Mooring buoy pickup and anchoring with long lines ashore. Every student works as skipper and mooring team. Evening in Sarsala Bay.
Day 4 — Sailing & Cleopatra's Baths
Hoisting and furling sails, trim, tacking and gybing. Anchor with lines ashore at Cleopatra's Baths, optional hike toward ancient Lydae.
Day 5 — Passage to Ekincik & Mediterranean Mooring
Plan the route, check the forecast, plot waypoints and keep watches. Stern-to Mediterranean mooring at Mu Marina, roles rotated.
Day 6 — Kaunos & Dalyan — Culture Day
Local boat up the Dalyan delta to ancient Kaunos and the rock-cut tombs, dinner in Dalyan. Review of the week and briefing for the long passage.
Day 7 — Gemiler Island — The Crew Takes Command
The crew runs the passage: weather, route, briefing, watches, navigation, fuel and anchoring plan — under the instructor's eye.
Day 8 — Return to Fethiye & Wrap-Up
Passage back, final docking under supervision, full personal debrief, cleaning and handover.
Skipper at the helm of the training catamaran

Captain for a day

Take command

During the course, students progressively take responsibility for navigation, maneuvers and crew coordination under instructor supervision.

You plan the route, brief the crew and make the calls — this is where everything you've learned comes together.

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Breakfast for two on the deck of the catamaran

Bring your partner

Your adventure doesn't have to be solo.

Your private double cabin is included in the course price. Your partner, a family member or a close friend can share your cabin for the whole voyage at no extra cost.

Ask about joining together

Pricing

Everything you need to start your catamaran journey

Catamaran Handling Course · 8 days

Fethiye, Turkey · Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42

€2,000

per person · €1,000 deposit to reserve

What's included

  • 8 days aboard the catamaran
  • Hands-on practical training every day
  • Full theory course
  • Private double cabin with toilet
  • Maximum 4 students
  • Experienced SeaPilgrims instructor
  • 200+ NM training route along the Lycian Coast
  • Your companion can share your cabin at no extra cost

Additional costs

  • Mandatory service package — bedding, transit log, final yacht cleaning. €300, split between all students.
  • Fuel — paid at the end of the course, split between all students.
  • 200 GB internet on board (if needed) — €50 shared by everyone.
  • Marina fees — berthing in marinas along the route.
  • Security deposit — €250 per participant, refunded in full right after the course.
  • ISSA association fee for the documents (plastic card production):1️⃣ Inshore Skipper ISSA (sailing yachts/catamarans up to 24 m) — €2102️⃣ Inshore Skipper ISSA (motor yachts up to 16 m) — €2103️⃣ Catamaran Skipper ISSA certificate — €2104️⃣ VHF operator certificate — €110Included in the fee:📘 Book "Marine Radio VHF + GMDSS"📓 Skipper LogBook ISSAYou can choose one or several options ✅
Sample of the ISSA Catamaran Skipper certificate — plastic sailing ID card
Sample of the plastic ISSA certificate you receive

ISSA certification is designed for recreational skippers and recognized by many charter operators internationally. Acceptance may depend on the country, flag state, local regulations and charter company.

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Have questions before booking?

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FAQ

Questions before you book

How much does the course cost?
€2,000 per person for the 8-day course. You reserve your place with a €1,000 deposit; the balance is due before departure.
Do I need previous sailing experience?
No. The course starts from the basics and builds up step by step. Students with some experience simply progress faster.
What is included in €2,000?
8 days aboard the catamaran, hands-on practical training every day, the full theory course, your private double cabin with toilet, a maximum of 4 students and an experienced SeaPilgrims instructor. Your companion can share your cabin at no extra cost.
Can my partner come with me?
Yes. Your private double cabin is included, so a partner, family member or friend can share your cabin for the whole voyage at no extra cost.
Where will I sleep?
On board, in your own private double cabin with a toilet.
What certificate will I receive?
On successful completion you can obtain the Catamaran Skipper ISSA certificate. ISSA certification is designed for recreational skippers and recognized by many charter operators internationally. Acceptance may depend on the country, flag state, local regulations and charter company. The ISSA document fee (€210) is paid separately.
Can I charter a catamaran after the course?
Many graduates go on to charter. Whether a charter company accepts you depends on your certificate, your logged experience and that company's requirements — we'll help you understand what to check.
What additional costs should I expect?
Shared service package (€300 split between students), shared fuel, optional internet (€50 shared), marina fees, a refundable €250 security deposit and the ISSA document fee (€210). Full details are in the pricing section.
How do I reserve my place?
Leave your contact details or message us on WhatsApp. We'll confirm the dates with you, then you secure your place with a €1,000 deposit. The balance is due before departure.
Can I join if I have never sailed a catamaran?
Yes — that's exactly who the course is designed for. You'll learn the specifics of twin-hull and two-engine handling from day one.
Where does the course start?
In Fethiye marina, Turkey. The route runs along the Lycian Coast: the Göcek bays, Sarsala Bay, Cleopatra's Baths, Ekincik and Gemiler Island.
What language is the course taught in?
English, Ukrainian or Russian.
What happens if I need to change my dates?
Message us as early as possible and we'll discuss the options for moving to another course date.
How many students are in each group?
A maximum of 4 students per course.
Turquoise bay on Turkey's Lycian Coast

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  • Deposit only after you decide
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Your first catamaran charter starts here.

8 days. Maximum 4 students. Real sailing. Real responsibility. Real experience.

Fethiye, Turkey 8 days Max. 4 students Private cabin €2,000
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