Now into our 12th year and continuing to be the leading provider of quality training in Portugal, we are moving towards Optimum only basis courses and arranging more bespoke courses than ever before. This is a conscious move in order to concentrate on the quality end of the market and to further differentiate ourselves from other schools.

As offerings and price structures are adjusted to suit the altering position of the UK within Europe (Brexit for short), we are introducing a Loyalty Scheme – all existing customers will receive a permanent discount each time they return. We are extending this to all previous clients as well a new!
 
Everything else remains the same! Our usual offerings are still very much available with RYA weeks, bespoke courses, Yachtmaster training, long distance mileage trips and Ocean journeys already in place or to be arranged.

Race options also feature strongly in 2017 as we continue to enjoy the sport and develop those who have race interests. This year will include a return to Italy to compete in the fabulous Miglia 151, local races such as the Palos to Lagos Commemorative Race and a potential trip to Malta to be part of the Rolex Middle Sea Race! We will no doubt be arranging to go and view the Volvo Ocean Race too as it departs from Alicante and arrives in Lisbon through October!

We hope something has inspired you! As always – we would love to hear from you and help you achieve your goals.

‘Complete Day Skipper’ – Offered in 2 different formats to suit you – online theory and VHF radio courses followed by joining us for 5 days practical training and the short VHF assessment OR join for 9 days and combine the theory and practical training on site. Either way when you successfully complete this you have all you need to satisfy the majority of charter companies. We will even help you with the ICC application to make your qualification acceptable worldwide.

‘Complete Coastal Skipper’ – Offered in the same formats as the complete day skipper but this time concentrating on Coastal Skipper elements – you choose which format suits you! 

‘Yachtmaster Pro’ –  Wanting to use your Yachtmaster qualification professionally? As well as the extremely successful and unique way we arrange our YM training we also have the ability to include the necessary commercial elements PPR, Sea Survival and even arrange the medical if required.
 
As well as being the only training centre in Portugal able to offer all the one day course relative to sail cruising, we are also starting to offer power boat courses during 2017 – watch this space!

It’s all go. …. and whilst we start to get our Portuguese season underway we have never really stopped! Many of you will know that we were busy in November 16 taking Thindra across the Atlantic with the ARC. This gave us the fabulous opportunity of running an extended mileage trip to the Canaries and then a full-blown ocean experience for those sailing to the Caribbean. For many, it was a life long challenge and it didn’t disappoint. In racing class we managed a very credible 4th in class, 17th in racing and 30th overall (from some 240 boats). We even managed a Swedish supper night rounded off with Schnapps and a mid-ocean swim during some lulls. Great time!
 
Since then and until now, the Caribbean was, well, idyllic. Crystal clear waters, steady breezes and most of all fabulous locals.
 
Anyway, back to Portugal and the school. We seem busier than ever with enquiries and bookings but still wanted to offer some new options for 2017.

Phew, all three boats back in action for Easter,..

After a carefully orchestrated winter, we have managed to keep going while making sure all our boats are better than ever for the year ahead!

Which one is your favourite?

So what can we offer in 2015?

Firstly hope that you like our new website, any comments would be gratefully received.

As you may have seen we now have a fully coded Lagoon 380 Catamaran available. We can offer RYA Training at any level, Skippered charter or even a taster day. Conatct us for more information.

Many people wonder what their next training should be once they have the Day Skipper/Coastal Skipper practical certificate. With that in mind we are introducing our Advanced Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper weeks. This is will be a great opportunity to build on what you have learnt and practice skippering the boat so that you are more confident in doing this without an instructor to help you out.

We also have an exciting new partnership with Thindra, a beautiful Swan 59. Many people dream about sailing such a boat well now you can! She will be in Portugal until the autumn and then across to The Canaries and soon after that the ARC to the Caribbean. Fantastic opportunites for all.

Well, perhaps no different to you, we had to hit the ground running after a ‘school orientated’ 3-day Christmas break in the UK delivering a new SB20 into Cascais to join the fleet and our existing boat there. We made it back to base for 23:00 on New Years Eve. The first yacht movements thereafter being on the 3rd of January!! Talk about catching your breath….. None the less, we have been able to find some time over the winter to get the fleet absolutely tip-top and ready for the year ahead and ready to keep ahead.

Reflecting, 2013 was certainly a great year for us and 2014 is looking to be just as busy already. To top the increasing interest in ‘normal’ schooling activities, we have plans to go on some one, two and three boat tours providing exciting, structured mileage building opportunities. We have also just presented an exciting race calender currently at the proposal stage. Get involved in something different this year and join us – make early enquiries not just to secure your place but also to help shape what we do and where we go.

One noteable change in our courses for 2014 will be the way that the SRC VHF Radio is taught/assesed. Previously, this has been done by one Instructor/Assesor in one day. In order to comply with new legislation, this is being changed to be delivered in two sessions. To facilitate this, we are launching an online teaching module specifically for the Radio course. This means that you can learn this module in the comfort of your own home and then combine an assesment whilst you are here for your practical sailing course. Bingo! Great for becoming a ‘Complete Day Skipper’ or for adding the licence to the practical ones you already have.