ISSA
Modern Yacht Training Programs.
At ISSA Sailing Schools, we understand that many sailors come to us with prior certifications. Our courses are designed to seamlessly integrate with your existing knowledge and skills, allowing you to pick up where you left off and continue your sailing journey.
ICC Compliant
Some of our courses are ICC compliant, ensuring that you meet the international standards for sailing proficiency around Europe.
Recognition Worldwide
ISSA certifications are recognised the world over for chartering, and proof of capability.
About the International Sailing Schools Association (ISSA)
Headquartered in Cyprus, the International Sailing Schools Association (ISSA) is an international non-governmental organisation committed to offering opportunities worldwide for people who dream of learning sailing. ISSA helps those looking to start their sailing education in schools and also provides an international career pathway for sailing and windsurfing instructors to teach in different countries.
As a non-profit international association, ISSA sets common standards for quality and safety in sailing and windsurfing schools globally. These standards apply universally, ensuring consistent certification for students completing courses at all levels.ISSA ensures that all its sailing and windsurfing instructors are trained to the same high standards.
History
ISSA was created in 1969 in London by:
- Les Glenans FRA
- Polish Yachting Association POL
- Yacht Club de Morges SUI
- Casa di Vela Caprera ITA
- National Schools Sailing Association GBR
- Centro Internacional de Navigacion de Arousa ESP
ISSA was founded in 1969 in Paris on the initiative of the national sailing associations of England, France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland and Poland.
ISSA remains a public organisation with the Administrative Council setting and controls the standards of yachting training in the schools-members of the Association and controlling yachting training standards.
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ISSA Mission and Vision
Promote Yachting in the regions, areas and among people where it is not popular yet. This is an excellent activity for individuals and families. Helps to develop respect to other people and nature.
Educate those who decided to occupy themselves with water sports. Water sport activities
provide a lot of fun, but we need to obtain some preparation to enjoy it to a full extent.
Standardise training worldwide. We are committed to assist the ISSA schools to maintain
the highest and most modern standards of education. We are also open to help those who
are not associated. With safety being the main priority.
Exchange Cultural Experiences between various countries. As an organisation present on
most of the continents we aim to contribute to mutual understanding of people originating
from different cultures.
Expand Your Skills.
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At ISS, learning is a continuous journey. After completing a course, you can further enhance your skills by working through our competence tree. Each step builds on your existing knowledge, from dinghy to Commercial.
Questions & Answers
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Let's meet our instructors
CHRISTOFOROS GKRITZELAKIS
Founder-instructor of N.A.S.C. & ISSA
He has 30 years of sailing experience and for the last 20 years he is a professional skipper with many distinctions in national offshore races.
He is also one of the best known instructors of sailing in Greece and Bulgaria and mentor of hundreds of sailors and skippers, sharing his vast knowledge and experience with them.PANAGIOTIS VAFIAS
Started sailing 25years ago. Sailor, offshore sailing instructor and ORCI/int official measurer of E.I.O (Hellenic National Federation)& ISSA instructor.
Has big experience in offshore sailing as he has participated in many national offshore races with distinctions. His racing miles are over 4500nm.
Now he passes his knowledge, passion and love for the sea to new sailors (beginners and advanced).