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Why are course prices set as they are?
Our ethos is to help more people get safe access to the water. We endeavor to provide a cost-effective way to develop the skills required for families and individuals to take on new adventures. Our fees are set with no hidden extras.
What time do the courses start and finish?
Where possible our course times are set around your availability . Standard course times are 09.30-17.30 but these can be flexed to suit you, dependent upon daylight hours and weather conditions.
What do I need to bring?
Full details will be given in the joining instructions and advice on clothing, based on the time of year and the weather forecast, will be shared with you.
UV is enhanced due to the reflection of the water. Suntan lotion is therefore a must for most of the year, along with long sleeves and trousers for the fairer skinned.
During cooler weather several thin layers offer better warmth than two thick layers. If you are just starting out there is no need to spend huge amounts of money on expensive clothing. We can assist by advising how to achieve comfort while training without breaking the bank.
What footwear do I need to bring?
A solid foot hold is essential so a nonslip, non-marking sole is essential. Don’t rush out to buy expensive deck shoes or boots; you could well have suitable footwear in your wardbrobe and we can advise on this.
Do I need insurance?
The school carries full public liability insurance for its students. However, you may decide to take out personal travel / cancellation / accident insurance through a third party.
What is included in my course fee?
Each course is unique. We will talk you through your individual course structure, timing and equipment provided so that you understand exactly what is included.
Where will I go on my course?
We usually operate on Southampton water and the Solent, but can venture further afield for ‘own boat’ tuition or with prior arrangement.
How many students will there be on my boat?
We like to keep the ratio of instructor to trainee fairly low to provide the best quality training. maximum levels are set out by the Royal Yachting Association and these will not be exceeded.
Who does the cooking onboard?
If you are on an extended onboard training course, cooking is shared. Learning how to menu plan is part of the training. However, some meals are pre-prepared allowing more time for training and essential rest. All dietary requirements are taken into account and details will be requested prior to the training.
Can I bring my mobile phone?
You can bring a mobile phone although they are not permitted for use during training sessions and should not be held when trying to operate boats. For further details please contact us.
Is there accommodation?
If you are on a sailing course, then onboard accommodation is arranged. If it is a classroom or powerboat course and you have a distance to travel, we can recommend local facilities at time of booking.
Will I have to share a cabin?
It is usual for yacht crew to be in close proximity, acting courteously to one another. Where sharing is necessary this will be discussed within your crew to make sure everyone is as comfortable as possible.
Is there parking available?
Are all meals provided?
Sufficient victualling is an important part of being onboard; comfortable learning requires food and drink at the appropriate times. When on extended sail training courses food will be provided. Classroom-based course provide tea, coffee and snacks. Lunch can be arranged but is not part of the fee. On individual days on the water we can discuss venues to visit for lunch.
Can you cater for my special dietary requirements?
We can only cater for basic dietary requirements such as vegetarians and food allergies. When you book your course just let us know if you have special dietary requirements.
Will we be in a marina every night?
Will I be able to plug in my electrical appliances such as my phone charger or hairdryer?
Do you take under 18s on course?
Do your boats meet safety requirements?
The boats fully comply with the code of practice for small commercial vessels and meet all requirements as set down by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Royal Yachting Association. All boats are checked before and after each course and all safety equipment is serviced on a regular basis.
I am a complete novice and want to go sailing/powerboating with my friends but do not want to get in the way. What course would help me to understand more?
We can set up the right path for you to gain knowledge over time and get the basics to build confidence from your first outing. This is what we do please get in touch to discuss more.
Are there washing facilities onboard each yacht?
There are heads (toilets) and showers onboard each yacht. When you are in a marina you can also use the shoreside facilities available.
Do I need to do an actual course to come sailing?
We can set up some bespoke training for you if you want a taster and can discuss your objectives to prepare you in the best way we can
Can I smoke onboard?
Smoking is permitted onboard, however, as it is in close confines with other people we would ask that you have consideration for your fellow crew and only smoke at the back of the boat and downwind. Off course it would be polite to ask your fellow crew first.
My family and I are hoping to buy our own boat to cruise around the Solent during the daytime. What qualifications do I need?
This will depend on the boat and the activities that you wish to be involved in. we can arrange the right course for you following a discussion around your family, your thoughts on the boat you will get and the activities you will participate in.
Despite being a boat owner for many years, I have only ever sailed in the Solent. I would now like to go on some longer coastal passages but as this is new to me I would like some tuition.
We understand that sometimes you want to learn in the familiar environment of your own boat and people you know. Our instructors can come onboard and teach you anything from a full RYA course to some instruction focused on your individual requirements.
Will I get seasick?
It will depend on the course and the environment we will be in but most of the training will be in sheltered areas and so probably not. If you are feeling confident and safe (which is our aim) this will greatly assist with motion sickness. If you know you are susceptible, then it is worth buying some motion sickness tablets such as Sturgeon from the chemist and bringing them with you.
Please remember there are two types of sailors those that have been sick and those that have not been sick yet.
I have my own boat but am not sure exactly how thing work or how to fix things when they go wrong.
We can spend time with you on your boat and set up training on various areas of boat maintenance. We can introduce you to a community of people that have and share skills to achieve inexpensive, yet safe, boating.
My ambition is to leave my current job behind and work in the sailing industry. What level of qualification will I need?
We have done exactly this and understand the difficulties and wonderful opportunities that are before you. There are a number of ways to enter into the industry and this can be achieved with varying levels of qualification that we can discuss including the route to being commercially endorsed to enable you to work on yachts.
I have access to training facilities – will you come to me?
What if you can’t offer the training I need, where I need it?
We maintain links with like-minded schools around the country, and will endeavour to assist in finding the right training in the right geographical area, for you or your team.
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