Frequently Asked Questions
If you think of a question not covered below... please ask it!
How do I know I will be safe?
Our training vessels are inspected annually by an RYA Inspector for conformance with the code of practice for small commercial vessels and meet all requirements as set down by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). At the heart of the RYA Training Scheme is the total emphasis on safe practice and procedures. Your Instructors have a duty of care and have followed this ethos from the very beginning of their training. They understand its value and adhere to it rigidly.
What about insurance?
The School carries GB£5,000,000 Public Liability Insurance cover. However, you are advised to consider personal travel; accident and cancellation insurance for complete peace of mind.
How long is my course?
With the exception of the “Start Yachting” and “Essential Navigation & Seamanship” courses, which are 2 day “tasters”, all courses last for 5 days. In the case of Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper; Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachtmaster Ocean shore based courses, additional time will be required for examination.
Fees: Inclusions and exclusions
Virtually all of the usual ancillary costs of Course Notes, catering,
accommodation etc., are included, but this may vary between different
courses. Please see our Course Fees & Terms Page for the
specifics.
What is not included in my fee?
You will need to arrange and pay for: your travel to and from the yacht; your accommodation during your stay in an island not covered by your course dates; evening meals and your RYA Course Notes. Where relevant, travel and subsistence costs of examiners for Yachtmaster Coastal; Offshore, and Ocean and not included. Examination fees should be paid direct to your examiner.
What about accommodation?
For on board accommodation on Practical Courses, we limit course
numbers to 4 students plus our instructor. This not only ensures
greater comfort on board but also allows for more intensive individual
training. Generally speaking, couples and friends will share double
cabins. In cases of individuals attending a course on their own, they
would not be expected to share a cabin with a member of the opposite
sex. We offer complimentary accommodation on board for the night
preceeding, and the night following the course.
For on shore accommodation we have negotiated very competitive rates
locally for booked students. Please see "Accommodation Offers" for details.
Who does the catering?
We all do! It is part of your training that you learn the basics of life on board a yacht. This does not only cover catering, but also brings in clearing up, cleaning and general good housekeeping. The Caribbean is a whole new culture to many people and it is all part of the experience to sample the local cuisine ashore in the evenings.
What should I bring?
You are more than likely travelling from overseas to join us, so the usual “old chestnuts” are: passport, travel tickets, insurance policies; local currency (US$ or EC$ are both accepted in Antigua). You will also need your G15 Log Book and any previous certification you have achieved in the RYA Scheme to date. Please do not forget however, that your stay with us is not “all work and no play” and there is an element of Caribbean Holiday to it all. For this you will need lightweight clothing – tee shirts and shorts are fine - the Caribbean is not at all formal; and some lightweight footwear such as deck shoes or flip flops. Please note flip-flops may not be worn on board due to deck hazards, and all soles should be NON marking. It is not obligatory, but bare feet on board are usually the order of the day! The Caribbean may be paradise but it does rain! A lightweight waterproof jacket is recommended and there is no need for wet weather gear or sailing boots. You will also need personal toiletries, swim shorts/bikinis; a hat; sunglasses, sun cream, cameras, mobile phones. You know the usual stuff for a holiday in the sun! Soft holdalls only please for all luggage.
Do I need to bring snorkelling equipment?
There will be opportunities during breaks for swimming and snorkelling and unless you have a particular preference for your own equipment, you are welcome to use ours at no extra charge.
What about toilet facilities?
There are 2 toilets (heads) on board with fresh water and shower facility. There is also a fresh water shower on the transom. Some nights may be spent at one of our Antiguan marinas, and all have shore side facilities.
Where will I be sailing?
That depends on your course! For the novice and intermediate levels we tend to cruise the calm west coast of Antigua with the occasional foray southeast into Atlantic conditions. For the advanced levels we may well sail between neighbouring islands. All sailing plans will be governed by weather and sea conditions at the time.
You mentioned mobile phone! Will I be able to charge it?
If you have a 12 volt charging adaptor this is not a problem. You may bring 110v or 220v appliances if you wish but we can only allow use of these when the engine is running or we are on marina shore power. The use of mobile phones during training periods is not acceptable unless, of course, in cases of emergency.
May I smoke?
Yes, smoking on board is permissible, however it is nice to clear this with your fellow students first and always smoke in a place where you are downwind of everyone. NEVER smoke below decks!!
What is a Yachtmaster Preparation Week?
Once you have achieved your Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Course Completion Certificate, there is no official RYA Yachtmaster Practical Course. By this time you should have taken your knowledge to sea, logged miles, acquired experience and gained further knowledge to make you ready for your Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore examination. It is a tough examination and our “Prep Week” is designed to highlight the elements of the exam you will be expected to be competent in. The “Prep Week” immediately precedes the examination so you undertake this final stage fully prepared and focused.
What is a “Mile Building Passage”?
There are experience criteria that must have been logged before you are eligible to undergo a Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore examination. Our Mile Building Passages are a week of intensive sailing by day and / or night, during which we cover as many miles as possible to help build up the miles and skippering experience required in your Log Book.
I just want to go sailing! Why do I have to take a course?
You don’t! Although we try to offer priority places on our courses to our genuine students, if there is a space on board and you are not interested in taking a course, you are more than welcome to join us. We would, however, request that you are not disruptive to the fluency of the training of our students. You never know, it may be the lowest cost Caribbean sailing experience you will ever find!!
What about sea sickness?
If you are a serious sufferer of sea sickness you may wish to reconsider the sailing life. However, many famous sailors persevered despite this ailment, and there are many proprietary anti sea sickness products available. We recommend you discuss with your doctor which is the most appropriate for you. If possible opt for one of the “non-drowsy” solutions.
What about drugs?
Unless they are legally prescribed for a medical condition, FORGET IT!
Be warned that despite common perceptions to the contrary, Caribbean islands are zero tolerant of illegal substances and penalties can be harsh. ANYONE found in possession of ANY illegal substance in ANY quantity on board ANY of our yachts, or premises for which we are responsible, will be reported to the local authorities and immediately discharged without recompense of any kind. This is non-negotiable.