Start your journey to skippering a charter boat with our RYA Day Skipper theory courses, online and evening classes (Zoom & Classroom). A great introduction to navigation and safety awareness for new or inexperienced skippers and crew. In fact, it's for anyone interested in sailing, motor boating, sea angling or diving, and works well in conjunction with the RYA on-the-water training, such as the Competent Crew course.
Join us for the Worlds largest yacht race! This fun-packed race weekend around the Isle of Wight culminates in an evening of entertainment in Cowes. An anti-clockwise drag race starting from Cowes, the 60-mile course take us back for a well-deserved drink! Probably the most common place to start the RYA Syllabus is the Day Skipper Theory.
Join us for the Worlds largest yacht race! This fun-packed race weekend around the Isle of Wight culminates in an evening of entertainment in Cowes. An anti-clockwise drag race starting from Cowes, the 60-mile course take us back for a well-deserved drink! Probably the most common place to start the RYA Syllabus is the Day Skipper Theory.
Services
Our mission is to get people sailing. It's as simple as that. When you have a passion for something, sharing it is one of the most rewarding things and that's what we do, share our passion for sailing. We are a RYA Training Centre. Our principal is an RYA Cruising Instructor, RYA Shore based Instructor and RYA Powerboat Instructor.
We love talking to people on our wavelength. For more information, to talk about any of the campaigns or the courses we run or just to chat about how we can help you get the most from your sailing, get in touch. Scribble down your message on the paper below, it will be popped into a bottle and pushed out to sea.
This course comes with a 30 voucher* to redeem against our Competent Crew practical course or Day Skipper theory course. Overview The VHF radio is an important piece of safety equipment on board a small craft and can be used under the supervision of a licensed operator. It is important to note that any person operating a VHF radio without the correct certification is liable for prosecution and can have the equipment confiscated.
Join us for the Worlds largest yacht race! This fun-packed race weekend around the Isle of Wight culminates in an evening of entertainment in Cowes. An anti-clockwise drag race starting from Cowes, the 60-mile course take us back for a well-deserved drink! Round the Island Race - John Franks Trophy Winners 2018 & 2019 Every.
The RYA Day Skipper theory course is a great entry point to the RYA theory syllabus. It's a comprehensive introduction to navigation and cruising for new skippers providing the necessary tools to ensure you put out to sea safely. Marcus explains everything really clearly and at a speed that is neither too fast nor too slow.
Reviews (11)
Jacqueline McKinnon
Mar 11, 2018
Report
Marcus, thank you so much for the very informative, interesting and entertaining course! I have learned so much and really appreciate your patience and your thorough and easy to follow technique. I feel very confident with all this new knowledge and I am now excited about the sailing practical course! Thanks again and ahoy!
Ivan Radountchev
Jan 12, 2018
Report
Fastnet 2017! What a memorable experience!
Thanks to Marcus and Polka Sailing. When I started my personal Fastnet Campaign nearly a year ago I looked at many websites, looked at many boat planning to participate in Fastnet 2017. What made me pick Polka was after a chat with Marcus, he shared his ideas and plans and I was convinced I will join the Polka Team. I was looking for a team I can be member of, where we all will share duties, learn and practice. Marcus delivered his plan very well. His knowledge, attention to details and great personal skills have been exceptional!
I learned a lot, was
Thanks to Marcus and Polka Sailing. When I started my personal Fastnet Campaign nearly a year ago I looked at many websites, looked at many boat planning to participate in Fastnet 2017. What made me pick Polka was after a chat with Marcus, he shared his ideas and plans and I was convinced I will join the Polka Team. I was looking for a team I can be member of, where we all will share duties, learn and practice. Marcus delivered his plan very well. His knowledge, attention to details and great personal skills have been exceptional!
I learned a lot, was
Ewa Franus
Dec 23, 2017
Report
Completed Fastnet campaign 2017 and it was one of the best sailing experiences in my life. Want to do it again!!! And again!!! Learnt huge amount from Marcus and was super happy to sail on POLKA. Sailing with Marcus gives you an opportunity to do all the jobs on the boat and learn by working and not just ...watching. Any team challenges were addressed in a very professional way. Another important hugely possitive thing from female perspective is the fact that all crew was treated equally, no male or female jobs, which was my struggle in the past. The atmosphere on the boat was great! Thank you
Christopher Lear
Sep 05, 2017
Report
If you are looking for an experience that will leave you with some unforgettable memories and improve you as a sailor then look no further than doing the Fastnet with Marcus and Polka. Marcus is a brilliant… skipper who will instil your confidence in him and the boat from the moment you step aboard. His passion and talent for teaching will help you develop into a more confident and competent sailor whatever your prior level of experience. Polka is an immaculately maintained yacht and the only real limits on what you can learn on this boat will be what you are prepared to throw yourself into
Nigel Branagan
Sep 03, 2017
Report
Sailing with Marcus on Polka is an experience where you will learn a huge amount in a very short time. Sailing is never straight forward especially when racing so having someone with Marcus's experience is essential. If you're someone who likes an easy life and let other people do the work for you then Polka and racing is not for you, however if you're willing to get struck in, learn from your mistakes and be involved in all aspects of the campaign from helming to bow work then you will not be disappointed.
Paul Hughes
Jan 09, 2017
Report
I was fortunate enough to be able to crew in two offshore races on board Polka during 2015, the second one being the Fastnet Race. Both were very professionally run and, though challenging, were fun to do. Marcus is highly recommended as a skipper and instructor. Looking forward to doing the Coastal Skipper theory course with him later in the year.
David Plender
Dec 09, 2016
Report
Having just completed my Day Skipper Theory with Polka Sailing I would like to say a big thank you to Marcus for the way in which he presented the course. His enthusiasm for sailing and his " positive your can do this approach" were excellent. Even at the end of a long assessment day his enthusiasm, and passion were unwavering. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and the new skills learnt. I can't wait to put these into practice and complete the Day Skipper Practical as I left the course motivated to do more. If you want to learn more about sailing from someone who is enthusiastic and loves sailing
Trevor Barden
Oct 29, 2016
Report
Sam Downs
Jul 12, 2016
Report
Rebecca Palser
Jun 27, 2016
Report
Completed the Round the Island race in 2016 with Polka Sailing. The fact we got round was a victory in itself. The conditions were testing and lots of others abandoned the race. Despite getting soaked, picking up tonnes of bruises and winching until my arms could take it no more, I had a great time. I particularly enjoyed surfing down the rollers on the south side of the island.
Steve Bollen
Mar 01, 2016
Report
I was part of the Fastnet 2015 campaign and had a fantastic time with Polka Sailing. Marcus is a great skipper: very experienced, cool under pressure and has an excellent coaching style. If you are new to… sailing or have some mileage under belt he is a great skipper to learn more from. I have paid to go sailing with four private schools to date, Marcus has been the best to so far.
