Most of us like to take loads of pictures when we’re on holiday. A sailing holiday or course has particular challenges, as the camera you use must be able to withstand bumps and splashes. Actioncams are perfect for capturing videos and still photos out on the water but, with several on the market, which one [...]
General Interest
Last Chances for Summer Sailing
It's always disappointing if you miss out on something you want to do. Our group sailing courses for July and August are almost fully booked but there are still places left on certain dates. Don't wait any longer if you want to sail with us this summer ... If you want private tuition on [...]
Democracy ends at the Gangway
I've heard George, my husband, use this phrase from time to time. George joined the Royal Navy as a boy sailor at the tender age of 14. I always imagined this was a saying he had been taught then. Perhaps it had first been uttered by Admiral Lord Nelson, Sir Walter Raleigh, or some other [...]
Dramatic Rescue of MOB in the middle of the Pacific
A British man has told of the terrifying moment he was washed overboard from a yacht in the middle of the Pacific Ocean - then watched in horror as it disappeared from sight. Andrew Taylor, who was taking part in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, a global race for amateur sailors, spent 90 [...]
Get Your Radio Licence – Be Prepared For Chartering Anywhere
Some countries now ask for a marine radio operator's licence in addition to your skipper's licence if you want to charter. There's no sign of it in Greece at present. (Radio use is pretty poor here as a consequence ...) Even if you don't have to have a licence for chartering it makes sense to [...]
Discover the Skills for a Happy Crew
Our aim is always to give you the very best experience possible - in every way! With a new season about to start our boats are ready to go! They look great, polished and shiny, with everything serviced and checked, ready for the first students to arrive on Sunday. Now that winter maintenance is complete, [...]
New online RYA Marine Radio Operator’s Course
International pressure is forcing more and more countries to conform to the regulations for operation of marine radio sets, which should only be used under the supervision of someone with a legal marine radio operator's licence. Croatia has insisted for a few years that those who charter yachts must have a radio operator's licence [...]
Security Deposit or Damage Waiver?
I received an email from Vasily, one of our students today. He'd asked me for prices for chartering a catamaran. As I'm not in the office this week, I simply 'cut and paste' the information we'd been sent by the yacht charter company. Vasily (quite rightly) got back to me asking: 2500 - something called [...]
Sailing Books for You or Your Friends
December isn't usually much of a sailing month, in the northern hemisphere anyway. But it's a great month to curl up in the evening with a sailing book. You can improve your knowledge or simply read about an adventure on the high seas. Books make a great present for friends or family who enjoy sailing, [...]
Tidal or Non-Tidal : What’s it all about?
You may come across the terms 'tidal' and 'non-tidal' with reference to RYA sailing certificates. Here's some information about exactly what this means. I hope it will tell you a few things you didn't know before ... Most of the oceans of the world are subject to tides, which are caused by the combined effects of [...]