Kadikoy (Kalamis) Sailing Training

Located in the heart of Istanbul, right beside Kalamış Marina, this professional sailing school offers a structured training program guided by certified sailing instructors and experienced captains, spanning from beginner to advanced level in a city-accessible location. The Kadıköy and Kalamış area is home to one of Turkey's most established sailing cultures, serving as the country's main hub for after-work training sessions, corporate sailing teams, and preparation for TUYEP certificates. Here, sailing is taught not merely as a hobby but as a way of life, with patience and professional discipline. The bond you form with the sea grows stronger from the very first lesson.

Program Structure

The training consists of lessons that carefully blend theory and practice. Early sessions introduce nautical terminology, the parts of the boat, rope work, and safety equipment. Students learn to tie knots, rig the sails, and prepare the boat for sailing. This is followed by hands-on, on-the-water instruction in wind reading, points of sail, and positioning the boat relative to the wind. The sheltered yet lively waters of Kalamış allow students to practise in real conditions in a controlled manner. Each lesson builds upon the previous one, and the student's progress is regularly assessed.

What You Will Learn

Beginning with the skill of wind reading, you will grasp fundamental points of sail such as close-hauled, beam reach, and running. You will learn to read the wind's direction from the ripples on the water's surface and the movement of the burgee. You will learn to perform tacking and gybing manoeuvres with confidence, adjust sail trim according to the wind, and develop boat handling step by step. Advanced lessons cover anchoring, mooring, the man-overboard manoeuvre, and night navigation. Each student progresses at their own pace, with individual feedback from the instructor to address any gaps.

Wind and Sea at Kalamış

Kalamış bay has a variable but instructive wind regime shaped by the influence of the Bosphorus. The Poyraz (northeasterly) and Lodos (southwesterly) winds offer different sailing conditions; this variety enables students to gain a broad range of experience. The water area just outside the marina creates a learning environment that is both safe and sufficiently challenging. Students learn to control the boat in different wind strengths and to adapt quickly to changing conditions.

Certification Pathway

Our program is focused on preparation for TUYEP (Turkish Sailing Federation Training Program) certificates. It builds the theoretical and practical competencies required on the path to the amateur seafarer's license. For corporate teams, dedicated modules and group training sessions that develop team spirit and coordination are also available. Exam preparation, theory revision, and guidance are provided for those seeking certification, so that the student is ready both for the exam and for real seamanship.

Who It Is For

This school welcomes everyone, from beginner students meeting the sea for the first time to advanced sailors wishing to elevate their skills to a professional level. Urban professionals seeking to connect with the sea amid busy work schedules can benefit from flexibly timed after-work training. Bespoke programs are prepared for companies wishing to form a corporate sailing team, and families wishing to start sailing together will also find a suitable curriculum.

Safety Is Our Priority

Life jackets are mandatory in all training, and a safety briefing is held before every session. Boats undergo regular maintenance, weather conditions are continuously monitored, and instructors are trained in first aid. Our aim is to bring you to the sea as a competent and safe sailor. The sailing journey that begins at Kalamış will introduce you to a passion that lasts a lifetime and let you experience the freedom of the sea in the middle of the city.