Where are you based?
We are based in Gosport Marina in the Solent in Hampshire.
I would like to learn to sail, but have never done anything like this before. Do I need any sailing experience?
Not at all. The RYA Competent Crew sailing course takes you from complete novice to a useful crew member in just 5 days. You could enrol on a 2 day taster sailing course to see if you enjoy it this then counts towards a Competent Crew Sailing course, and would leave you with just three days to complete to be complete competent crew sailing instruction.
I have been sailing a while now and would like to learn more, can I go straight to RYA Day Skipper, or do I need to do a competent crew course first?
No, there is no requirement to complete any course prior to your RYA Day Skipper Sailing course. It is recommended that you have logged at least 100 NM with 4 hours night sailing and have a good understanding of chart work, collision regulations etc.
I would like to do my RYA Day Skipper Sailing course but I haven't done the sailing theory course, does that matter?
Attending the sailing theory course is an advantage, but if you have a knowledge of chartwork, tides, collision regulations and meteorology there is no need to do the sailing theory course.
I would like to do my RYA Day Skipper Sailing course, can you teach me the sailing theory at the same time?
On a 5 day sailing course, there just isn’t time to teach the theory too. We can help with a bit of revision etc, alternatively you can book a full 9 day Combination Sailing Course, which covers all the theory and practical in one go! You will leave us with RYA Day Skipper Shorebased and practical certificates.
I am thinking about doing a Coastal Skipper Sailing Course, I have been told there is an exam at the end of the course, is this the case?
No. This is a common misunderstanding. The RYA Coastal Skipper Sailing course is a 5 day practical course, aimed at improving your boat handling and skippering skills. At the end of it, if all goes well you will be awarded a RYA Coastal Skipper course completion certificate. This course is often confused with the MCA Coastal Skipper exam (now renamed MCA Yachtmaster Coastal) where after 4 days training an Examiner will come aboard at put you through your paces for about 8 hours.
Will I have to get accommodation whilst taking part in a sailing course and what about meals.
Accomodation is provided on the yacht during your sailing course and all meals are included whilst you’re on board.
If you require any further information on our RYA Sailing course, please contact us at enquiries@broadreachsailing.co.uk
Please also take a look at our testimonials page to see what our customers say about us and our reviews on Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor Reviews
I recently attended a Day Skipper course with Simon at Broad Reach sailing. The course was great with lots of interesting pointers from Simon along the way. It was clear... read more that Simon knows his stuff and is passionate about sailing. The food was also delicious and just what we needed after a busy day on the water! I am grateful Broad Reach managed to find a way of running the course in a sensible way in the current COVID environment and I look forward to hopefully coming back for the Coastal Skipper course in the not-too-distant future. Thanks Simon!

31 July 2020
My husband and I went on the Competent Crew Course with Simon on the Aurora in the Solent 17 thru 21 July ‘20 and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. ... read more We arrived with zero knowledge and left feeling able to hold our own as crew members on a yacht. Simon had a calm and reassuring way with us and never made us feel incompetent. Simon’s Army training certainly showed in his organisational skills. We are really pleased we went and would not hesitate to recommend Broad Reach Sailing to anyone considering this course.

31 July 2020
Simon and his team provide friendly fun sailing tuition with RYA courses and mile builders on a meticulously maintained high quality Jenneau 36i.
Had great fun and learnt a lot... read more of practical skills on my trip. Simon was kind and patient with all of us and so the whole experience was a pleasure! I will be booking more courses and mile builders with Broad Reach asap!

31 July 2020