Perfect Sailing Skills On a Bed of Cultural Meditation
I am Nihan, a freelance Royal Yachting Association Yachtmaster Instructor Sail, born in the same sea as Aphrodite and the Sirens.
About Nihan
Ahoy!
I am Nihan, a freelance Royal Yachting Association Yachtmaster Instructor Sail, born in the same sea as Aphrodite and the Sirens. When I say ‘the same sea,’ I mean the Mediterranean, or more specifically, the Aegean. It is the spray and the breeze that have shaped who I am even more than my family.Through the contributions of my second profession, English teaching, to my language skills and pedagogy, I had the opportunity to offer my sailing instruction to a large part of the world.
Sailing Into Adventure and New Experiences
Master Sailing Skills Along Ancient Routes
Sailing demands mastery of many essential skills, from tacking and gybing to reefing, anchoring, and precise boat maneuvering under both power and sail.
Gain new skills or sharpen the ones you already have as you embark on sailing courses or mile-building journeys along the stunning southwest and southern coasts of Turkey — including Bodrum, Marmaris, Gocek, Kas, Kekova — and explore the coasts of Greece and the islands of the Aegean, once thriving trade routes for ancient sailors.
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These rich coastlines, with their countless bays and ever-changing wind patterns shaped by unique coastal features, offer the perfect environment to learn, practice, and grow as a confident sailor.
Trim Well, Sail Efficiently
Perfect sail trim is essential for smooth, efficient sailing. It’s not just about adjusting the sails — it’s about understanding wind patterns, boat balance, and sail shape to maximize speed and control. Whether you’re cruising through the calm waters of Gocek or tackling the Aegean’s gusty winds, proper trimming makes all the difference.
In our courses, you’ll master the techniques of sail trimming, including:
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-Balancing headsail and mainsail trim
-Using telltales and helm feedback for real-time adjustment
-Reefing efficiently without sacrificing speed
-Adjusting sheets and traveler for optimal sail shape
Within these techniques also echoes an ancient knowledge — a dialogue between humans, nature, and time itself — that Mediterranean sailors have practiced for millennia.
Trim well, sail efficiently — and experience smoother, faster, and more enjoyable sailing. Join me and perfect your sail trim with hands-on training.
For those who don’t just want to listen, but are ready to play the symphony of the sea- a symphony once mastered by ancient sailors like the Phoenicians, mythological beings like the Sirens, the heroes of Homer’s Odyssey, and Aydınoglu Umur, who even carried his ships across the land at Corinth -are you ready to play this symphony? I’m here to guide you into the fantastic world of Mediterranean!
N. Ozyildirim
“Hoisting our burgee on the port side of the boat with the crew and Nihan on the first day of training, I felt the start of a true sailing experience — one deeply connected to the timeless spirit of the Mediterranean.”
R. Williams
From the blog
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Eros Sailing with the Nereids
This brass relief beautifully captures the spirit of my approach to sailing in the Aegean therefore in the Mediterranean. At its center is Eros, accompanied by the Nereids, the sea nymphs who man the sheets. It’s not merely an image; it’s a metaphor for the journey I invite participants to embark on. Because sailing is not
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Climbing Higher: Where Sailing Skill Meets Mediterranean Soul
This photo was taken while I was sailing around Britain. It reminds me of the journey through the different levels of learning I mentioned in ‘Sailing Courses’. Climbing a mast demands effort and practice, but once you reach the top, the view is simply breathtaking. P.S. When climbing, you always secure yourself with at least
Have questions? Want to learn more?
Please feel free to contact me by phone or email. Or alternatively fill in the form below, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Thank you for your response. ✨
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