frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find answers to the most common questions about Sailing Compass Academy, including how the 3D learning platform works, what you’ll learn, technical requirements, access, and practical sailing training.
About the Academy
Sailing Compass Academy is an interactive 3D sailing learning platform built around IRIS, a real Beneteau Oceanis 40.1. Explore the yacht, its equipment and systems through a detailed 3D environment combined with instructional videos, diagrams, interactive learning points, and practical exercises.
The Academy is designed for beginners, returning sailors, yacht owners, charter skippers, crew members, and anyone who wants to become more familiar with a modern sailing yacht before stepping onboard. It is also useful for experienced sailors looking to refresh or deepen their knowledge.
The 3D environment allows you to virtually step aboard IRIS and explore the yacht at your own pace. Learning directly within the boat’s real layout helps you understand where equipment is located, how systems connect, and how sailing concepts relate to the onboard environment.
Yes. Sailing Compass Academy is fully online and can be accessed through a modern web browser during your active access period. For the best experience, we recommend using a desktop, laptop, or tablet with a stable internet connection.
Skills & Course Content
The Academy includes 7 structured modules, 120+ video lessons, and 500+ interactive learning points, covering yacht familiarisation, knots and sail handling, safety, COLREGs, anchoring and mooring, navigation, and marine communication.
The Academy goes beyond memorising procedures. It helps you understand what to do, how things work, and why they matter, developing greater awareness and practical understanding before you step onboard.
No. Sailing Compass Academy is an online learning platform and does not include on-water training as part of the Academy membership. Practical sailing courses are available separately through our Sailing School.
Participants who successfully complete the Final Exam can receive an optional, instructor-signed Sailing Skills Endorsement at no additional cost.
The Sailing Skills Endorsement is an Academy completion document and is not an official sailing licence or professional qualification.
The Academy works on modern desktop and laptop computers, as well as tablets, using an up-to-date web browser.
For the best experience, we recommend a desktop or laptop computer and a stable broadband internet connection. Mobile access is possible, but the smaller screen may limit the 3D experience. No special software installation is required.
Before You Start
Yes. You can explore our free 3D Experience and step inside IRIS before joining the Academy. No account or registration is required.
No. The Academy is designed to be accessible to complete beginners while also providing useful material for sailors who want to refresh or expand their knowledge.
No special preparation is required. You only need a compatible device, an up-to-date web browser, and a stable internet connection.
There are no specific physical requirements for using the online Academy. Users simply need to be able to comfortably use a computer or tablet and navigate the interactive learning environment.
Yes. The Academy helps you become familiar with yacht layout, equipment, terminology, procedures, and common onboard situations before practical training or a charter.
It complements — rather than replaces — real experience at sea.
Support & Further Training
You can contact our team through the support form, email, or WhatsApp for assistance with access, technical issues, or questions about the Academy.
Yes. Sailing Compass Academy continues to develop with additional educational content, while practical and more advanced training is also available separately through our Sailing School.
No. The Academy is designed to complement practical sailing instruction, not replace it. It helps you arrive onboard better prepared, but real experience at sea remains essential for developing practical sailing skills.
Sailing Compass also operates a certified Sailing School in Athens, offering theory and practical sailing training.
Students interested in practical lessons or sailing certification can explore our Sailing School for course information, requirements, and upcoming training dates.
Your access period depends on the membership plan you choose. Full details are shown on the Membership page before purchase.
Sailing Compass Academy is currently available in English.