Specialist Courses
Modern sloops are extremely efficient at sailing upwind but when you want to go downwind the story is very different indeed and an increase in sail area is called for….Experience the thrill of downwind sailing under a Spinnaker and you’ll never want to sail off the wind without one again. During your training, the Spinnaker will be transformed from seeming to be a huge beast and a real handful to becoming something that you reach for as soon as soon as you’re running away from the wind or when the airs are light and the yacht refuses to move efficiently without one.
Techniques in preparing, launching, raising, setting over various points of sail, lowering and packing will all be dealt with systematically until you’ve made a new best friend. As well as meaning perhaps more sailing and less motoring for your own time aboard, being able to fly, trim and steer with a spinnaker might just make you even more valuable crew to someone else!
Downwind Sailing is available on both Annecy and Firefly
Point closer and sail harder! As your sailing is advancing, so should your attentions be turning towards the finer points of sail setting and handling in differing wind strengths and points of sail. From day one in this course, your focus is on sails. You’ll go from learning how to change the sails on the boat which is often not taught on modern yachts due to their inherent convenience in design, through to the fine handling of all the controls you know a little bit about from your RYA courses. Halyard tensions, draft positions, lift and drag of the sails, kicker – outhaul - backstay – mainsheet traveller – jib sheet leads –all come under the spotlight in greater depth. What better way to learn about the controls than with brand new advanced laminate cloth Tri-Radial main and headsail on Annecy? Upgrade to the experience of Carbon sails on Firefly for the ultimate in sail trim and race sail selection and handling. The course will leave you in a strong position cruise faster, more efficiently and have a greater understanding of your sails. A big move forward towards regattas for those who are interested!
Sail Trim is available on both Annecy and Firefly with the option to upgrade to full Carbon race sails.
Specific lessons in all aspects of Marina handling and berthing. We will break down all the elements involved in successful close quarters manoeuvring so that getting the boat back home safely becomes more enjoyable and less of a concern allowing you to enjoy your day to its fullest. Technical aspects such as Prop walk, Prop wash, momentum and rotational momentum will all be broken down into bite size learnable exercises to demonstrate the effect of each element before you’re taught how to use them all together and to your advantage to overcome wind and tide. Techniques learnt in ‘limited crew’ berthing (including single handed) will mean that berthing will be even more of a breeze when you do have more than a minimal crew.
Marina Masterclass is available only on Annecy
Whether you’re building your mileage and experience, working towards Yachtmaster and needing qualifying passages or just want to cruise in new and exciting territory, we’re sure to have something to suit. We work harder than any other school to be flexible and accommodating to your needs so please feel free to suggest different itineraries, timings or even destinations that you might be interested in! We’ll do what we can to satisfy your specific requirements.
So, why not join us? Whilst cruising in comfort you’ll have a Yachtmaster Instructor on hand for guidance and/or training - all at the same time as sailing to somewhere new and exciting. You will be guaranteed that the mileage will be interesting and challenging and not just a matter of being a passenger on a boat and ticking off the hours at sea and miles covered.
Our location means that we are excellently placed to offer a wealth of destinations for your mileage and all trips are carefully thought through and devised to allow flexible programs to best suit your requirements. Each trip begins and terminates with an International Airport within very close range so that they can be taken as either one way or return trips. Perhaps visit the camels in Morocco or cruise through the Straits of Gibraltar and stopover in Spain to enjoy some tapas. A shorter trip would be up to the city of Lisbon or maybe you want to carry on up the coast of Portugal to see the beautiful Spanish Rias…… The options are endless and the choice is yours!
Mileage building trips are available on Annecy or Firefly – sometimes both!
Whether you have bought a new boat or just want to become more familiar and confident with the one that you already own we are always happy to provide tuition on your boat. This might be a morning practicing marina manoeuvres or several hours spent working on how to get the best from your sails. Perhaps you have had new electronic equipment fitted and want some help becoming familiar with what it can do?
There is also the option to conduct the standard 5 day RYA practical courses on your boat. This can be for up to 4 people and is popular with husband and wife teams as well as boat owners and their crew. This enables you to learn more about sailing at the same time as learning more about your own boat. We can even conduct exam preparation on your boat so you start the tuition fully familiar with your surroundings and able to concentrate on the exercises rather than finding your way around a boat that is new to you.
We can provide an instructor with a wealth of knowledge to help you with any area of sailing and your boat that you require.
Others
If you have already achieved the dizzy heights of being a Yachtmaster, then why not book a Cruising Instructors course with us and be in a position to work in the industry and pass on your knowledge to other yachting students? This course is always conducted by Rob and he will pass on various teaching techniques that have helped him become so well respected in the industry as well as ensuring that you are fully conversant with all aspects of the RYA courses that you will teach.
Skippered Charter
Relax and enjoy a fantastic sailing experience under the expert care of a qualified skipper (and hostess if required). This is your holiday and we will tailor it to your very needs. Cruise along the beautiful Portuguese coast line and visit the marinas that you have before only read about. Visit the places the books don't even mention. Lounge around or swim off the stern of the yacht during the day and enjoy a BBQ on the beach at night, waiting for the stars to appear.
Corporate Sailing
Blend adrenaline with luxury! Why not treat those that have helped you in business? This is a fantastic way to reward both special customers and your own staff who have surpassed your expectations. They can enjoy an experience that is different and one that they will talk about for a long time afterwards. Alternatively why not use sailing as a team building experience? Your staff dynamics will be strengthened whilst they enjoy themselves!
Family Breaks
Why keep all the fun for yourselves? We are happy to help you make it an excellent holiday break for you all. Days can be spent sailing or moored and enjoying a swim or a fantastic treasure hunt at sea. Child specific safety equipment will be provided.
Specials
Please contact us if you have any special requirements such as long charter, weekend breaks or special occasions. We will do our best to accommodate your needs. We are also able to arrange the delivery of your yacht to where ever you choose - the options are endless.