Meet NauticEd Instructor George Sakkas
“Boating builds discipline, patience, and respect for nature – and there is always more to learn.”
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am a graduate of the University of the Aegean, School of Business, Department of Shipping, Trade and Transport. My academic background and research interests focus on Port Innovation, with specialization in Systems Innovation and Investment Financing, which has shaped my analytical thinking and professional approach to the maritime industry.
Since 2018, I have been working as Base Manager at Hermes Yachting GmbH / Seven Seas Alliance, as well as Captain/Skipper, operating monohulls, catamarans, and motor yachts.
Sailing is not just my profession — it is my passion. Through years of hands-on experience, I have developed a deep understanding of boat handling, seamanship, and safety, allowing me to confidently manage challenging conditions and unexpected situations at sea.
As a sailing instructor, I combine real-world experience with clear, practical teaching methods. I am a passionate educator dedicated to helping students build strong foundations, develop confidence, and acquire practical seamanship skills. I believe boating should be safe, enjoyable, and continuously rewarding, and I take pride in guiding students step-by-step toward becoming capable, independent sailors.
Favorite Type of Boating?
Sailing.
What’s your “style” of boating?
Cruiser (chill).
Favorite “type” of boating?
Coastal / Excursions.
What got you into Boating?
A deep curiosity about the sea and a desire to understand how wind, water, and vessel work together. Over time, this curiosity became a lifelong passion.
What does boating do (or has done) for you?
Boating provides balance, focus, and perspective. It builds discipline, patience, and respect for nature, while offering endless opportunities for learning and adventure.
Most memorable boating experience?
Sailing offshore at sunrise with steady wind and calm seas — a moment that perfectly captured the beauty, freedom, and simplicity of sailing.
What are a couple of your favorite boating spots?
Mediterranean coastal waters, island passages, and protected anchorages with clear water and steady breezes.
What’s your favorite part about teaching boating students?
Watching students gain confidence and realize they are capable of handling a boat safely and independently. Seeing that “click moment” is extremely rewarding.
What advice would you give a new student about boating? An experienced boater?
Be patient with yourself, focus on fundamentals, and enjoy the learning process.
Advice for an experienced boater:
Never stop refining your skills. Continuous learning and good seamanship make boating safer and more enjoyable.
What is a random fact about yourself?
I enjoy analyzing sail trim and small performance adjustments even during casual sailing.
What’s on your boating ‘bucket list’?
Extended coastal passages and longer offshore voyages exploring new sailing regions.
Where can we find you?
I’m the chief instructor with Hermes Yachting in Lavrio, Greece. Book a boat from us through NauticEd Yacht Vacations and come visit – either learning or chartering – bring some friends!
You can learn more in the Bareboat Charter Online Course....
The Bareboat Charter online sailing course is your go-to resource for planning an unforgettable sailing vacation. This comprehensive online course equips you with all the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully charter a yacht. Upgrade to the Bareboat Charter Master bundle of courses to fully prepare for near-coastal sailing and sailing charters.
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NauticEd is a fully recognized education and certification platform for sailing students combining online and on-the-water real instruction (and now VR). NauticEd offers +24 online courses, a free sailor's toolkit that includes 2 free courses, and six ranks of certification – all integrated into NauticEd’s proprietary platform. The USCG and NASBLA recognize NauticEd as having met the established American National Standards. Learn more at www.nauticed.org.
The NauticEd Vacations team are Expert Global Yacht Charter Agents – when you book a sailing vacation or bareboat charter through NauticEd, we don’t charge you a fee – we often save you money since we can compare prices from all yacht charter companies. PLUS, we can give you advice on which destination or charter company will suit your needs best. Inquire about a Sailing Vacation or Charter.
