Faq's 

What time does my course start and finish?

Practical sailing courses:
Start - 0900hrs on first morning
Finish - 1600hrs on final day (approx)

Shorebased courses:
Start - 0900hrs on first morning
Finish - 1700hrs on final day

What do I need to bring?
Warm clothes including hat, scarf, sailing gloves, thermal underwear and wet weather gear. It is better several thin layers rather than two thick layers. If you are just starting out sailing there is no need to spend huge amounts of money on expensive clothing. Even a cheap set of thermal long johns, vest and wet weather gear will keep you warm. For those considering doing a lot of sailing it would be worth thinking about purchasing a dedicated breathable layer system. This normally consists of a thermal base layer, a mid layer fleece with breathable wet weather gear as an outer layer. Some examples of manufacturers who supply this type of clothing are Gill www.gillmarine.com and Musto www.musto.com. Don't forget sunglasses, sun cream, your wash kit, sleeping bag and a towel. Soft holdalls only please. You will also need a small amount of spending money for trips ashore.

What footwear do I need to bring?
Sailing boots are advisable along with deck shoes or non-marking trainers. 

Do I need to bring my passport?
Yes

Whats included in my course fee?
The course fee is exclusive mooring fees, meals and drinks onboard. We will charge you 20,00 Euro per day for harbour fees, all meals and drinks. 

Where will I go on my course?
You will be sailing in the IJsselmeer, Waddenzee and North sea which is the ideal training ground for any yachtsman. You may visit some of the well-known harbours.

How many students will there be on my boat?
We take a maximum of 4 students per boat on sailing courses. Sometimes we take an extra person with us, for example an aspirant instructor. All of our boats are capable of taking more than these number so there will be plenty of room for everyone onboard.

Is there parking available?
There is a large, free car park where you can leave you car for the duration of your course. We cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to cars or their contents.

Do I need insurance?
The school carries full public liability insurance for its students, however personal travel / cancellation / accident insurance is strongly recommended. 

Do I sleep onboard?
For all practical courses you will sleep onboard the yacht.

Will I have to share a cabin?
It may be necessary for you to share a cabin. Couples and friends will normally share. If you are coming on a course on your own there is a possibility you will have to share a cabin but this would only be with someone of the same sex.

Will I be able plug in my electrical appliances such as my phone charger or hairdryer?
All of our yachts have either 12 volt sockets or standard plug sockets. You are more than welcome to use these sockets when you are in a marina and the boat is connected to shore power.

Can I bring my mobile phone?
You can indeed bring your mobile phone. As many people come along sailing to get away from everyday life or as a holiday, during teaching times we would ask that phones are turned off to avoid distraction unless of course you are expecting an urgent call. Mobile phone coverage is only up to approximately 10 miles from land which will generally give you coverage on all courses except distance sails and cross channel trips. 

Are all meals provided?
On all practical sailing courses we provide breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard. On shorebased courses no meals are provided. We also supply plenty of snacks to keep you going during the day. We charge you 20,00 euros a day for food, drinks and marina fees.

Can you cater for my special dietary requirements?
We cater for all dietary requirements however complex. When you book your course just let us know if you require any special diets.

Who does the cooking onboard?
Part of learning to sail is learning how to live aboard a yacht. All chores, including cooking, are shared equally between all students and the instructor. 

Will we be in a marina every night?
Although you will spend some nights in marinas, in order to explore some of the more beautiful locations and to get the most out of the sail cruising training you may also spend a night or two on a secluded anchorage. After all, sailing is about adventure!

Do you take under 18's on courses?
We do allow under 18's on courses when accompanied by a parent / guardian over the age of 18. Under 16's are permitted on courses when part of a group booking with at least one person over the age of 18.

Do your boats meet safety requirements?
All of our yachts fully comply with the code of practice for small commercial vessels and meet all requirements as set down by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. All boats are checked before and after each course and all safety equipment is serviced on a regular basis.

Are there washing facilities onboard the yacht?
There are heads (toilets) and washing facilities onboard each yacht. When you are in a marina you must use the shoreside facilities available.

Do I need to do an actual course to come sailing?
Whether you want more experience or just a break from everyday life, come along for a week or weekend sail. You do not need to be doing a particular course to come out sailing with us.

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.

Will I get sea sick?
Even experiences yachtsmen are suffering from sea sickness, however it is not common in our sailing area due to its sheltered location. If you know you are susceptible, then it is worth buying some motion sickness tablets such as Stugeron from the chemist and bringing them with you.

"I am a complete novice and want to go sailing with my friends but don't want to get in the way. What course would help me to understand more?"
The ideal course for you is the Competent Crew course. It is the course for the absolute beginner to learn the basics and enjoy the delights of sailing. At the end of this course you will have become a confident and competent member of crew.

"Despite being a boat owner for many years, I have only ever sailed in the IJsselmeer. 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.

"My family and I are hoping to buy our own yacht to cruise around the IJsselmeer during the daytime. What qualifications do I need?"
If you have no previous experience you will need to start with the Competent Crew course followed by the Day Skipper theory and practical courses. These courses will give you the skills you need to skipper a cruising yacht on short passages by day. You will also need to do a one day SRC course so you are able to use your VHF radio onboard.

"My ambition is to leave my current job behind and work in the sailing industry. What level of qualification will I need?"
Although the majority of jobs in the sailing industry will require you to have the Yachtmaster certificate there are some positions that will accept the RYA MCA Yachtmaster Coastal qualification. Your certificate will need to be commercially endorsed which means you will also need a Sea Survival certificate and attend a medical with your doctor.