The aim of this course is an introduction to sailing with emphasis on personal safety.

If you have tried power boating, windsurfing, sailed a dinghy, or been afloat as a passenger without much involvement then this is the course for you.

It is also aimed at those who have never set foot aboard any type of craft before and would like to see what all the fuss is about!

You do not just learn to pull ropes or be a lookout, but we will teach you as many aspects of cruising on a yacht as is possible. From how to haul up a sail effectively, wind a winch safely, to not spilling the tea is all part of learning how to sail aboard a cruiser.

This course is a minimum of 5 days and although it is recommended for the sake of continuity to complete all 5 days together it is also possible to split the course into two or even three sections depending upon the particular requirements of the individual.

The yacht will sail away from her home port for the duration of the course so that everyone is able to benefit from life aboard, a varied itinerary and being away from the constraints of family life and work.

Unless specifically requested the course will not go across the English Channel, instead cruising around the Solent and as far west as Weymouth and east to Chichester depending upon the weather and the crew aboard.

A typical day:

I am always amazed at how long it will take a crew of 5 to complete the process of getting dressed and eating even a simple breakfast aboard a yacht. Somehow this is a very social time of day with much emphasis on the day’s aims as well as questions that have had time to evolve during a night asleep.

So having cleared up the previous day’s queries, it is time to prepare for the day with some instruction followed by a demonstration and then a chance for all or some of the crew to try for them selves, we believe that you learn better from the hand’s on approach.

It is usual to find somewhere suitable to stop for lunch as meal times are a valuable time for questions on what has happened or on what lies ahead.

Another passage in the afternoon may well extend into the hours of dark as sailing at night is a different experience, one which is often the highlight of the week.

The safety briefing takes place on arrival aboard the yacht but as there is generally a lot to absorb there are often references to sections of the briefing as the course commences.

The briefing is extensive and includes stowage of yacht and personal equipment, whereabouts and usage of fire extinguishers, lifejackets / harnesses, signalling equipment, use of VHF, first aid kit, liferaft, flares, the safe use of domestic appliances, a briefing on the deck equipment including the safe places to sit and what hazards to look out for.

During the course you will be shown how to handle sails, tie knots, steer on a compass and visual course and prepare lines and fenders for mooring up, what the competent crew should do in the case of someone falling over the side as well as the vagaries of rowing a rubber dinghy.

The manners and customs of yachting people will be explained as well as some of the terminology to enable the crew to understand orders that are given whilst on a yacht.

The understanding behind keeping a good lookout whilst underway as well as some knowledge of meteorology and forecasting services will make the crew member more aware of the surroundings.