Vardi Vela Cyprus ISSA Sailing School
The professional sailing school in Cyprus – a club and a warm home for everyone who loves the sea. Established in 2008.
Our Services
Comprehensive, hands-on training to earn your international skipper’s license for both sailing yachts and motorboats. Courses take place on the island of Cyprus and in varying global destinations.
Advanced certification pathways providing recognized commercial licenses for those who want to turn their passion into a career and work professionally at sea worldwide.
Group sailing vacations in exotic destinations and sites around the world. Discover independence and build your confidence while safely filling up your logbook under the guidance of a lead boat and professional instructors.
Full advisory and booking support for renting boats and private charters worldwide, available for our graduates as well as skippers in general.
Yacht & Boat Sales (All Types)
We offer a wide selection of boats and yachts for sale, including both sailing and motor vessels. Enjoy expert personal guidance to find your perfect vessel, alongside top-tier professional marine gear.
Members Sailing Club & Post-Course Support
Membership in our Cyprus club allows you to sail the school’s yachts and build sea time and confidence. You are always welcome to consult our active community and instructors for ongoing advice, support, and guidance.
About Erez Vardi
Owner and Founder of VARDI VELA CYPRUS ISSA SAILING SCHOOL
The sea and all human activities around it have always been a part of me, since my childhood walking along the shores of Shavei Zion where I grew up. At the beginning of my competitive sailing journey, participating in many world and Europe championships, I won numerous national events in the 420 and 470 classes, including Israel champion for youth and adult classes and first place in the 1985 Maccabiah Games, where I retired from competitive sailing. Later on, I embarked on a major global voyage as a skipper, discovering the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, gaining vast experience in challenging and unpredictable conditions.
I went on to coach national competitive sailing teams, proudly guiding talented athletes into international arenas. Simultaneously, I established the “North Gulf Divers” diving school in Eilat, serving as a senior Dive Master Instructor.
In 2008, I founded the VARDI VELA sailing school, training hundreds of good and responsible skippers. My years of instructional experience led me to partner with ISSA (International Sailing Schools Association). Together, we advanced training methodologies, developed study materials, and grew the sport globally. Today, my great love for the sea has culminated in establishing VARDIVELA CYPRUS ISSA SAILING SCHOOL in Larnaca. Through this school, I closed a circle, sailing every ocean on Earth — and I bring this lifetime of adventure and expertise to my students every single day.
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What is ISSA?
ISSA (International Sailing Schools Association) was founded in London in January 1969. Today, it spans hundreds of sailing schools and clubs worldwide, providing global opportunities for people dreaming of learning how to sail. Core pillars:
Setting high, rigorous standards for sailing instruction
Promoting safety at every level of maritime education
Cultivating yachting as a lifestyle and educational activity
Fostering international cooperation and knowledge exchange
Globally recognized skipper licenses, convertible to Israeli licenses
ISSA is the only international sailing association that compares its certificates with all other international associations, the EU and the ICC (Erez is a representative member in the ICC in the Med Skipper project)
Finished the Course? The Adventure Just Began!
You have finished the course and you are skippers today – congratulations! Ready to set sail and upgrade your skills? We guide, teach, and experience the sea in all its glory across changing destinations globally. Whether under the northern lights of Norway, along the tropical shores of the Philippine islands with a coconut in hand, or watching the sunset from a catamaran in France – every voyage brings new practical knowledge, mileage, and confidence at sea.