All photographs on this website have been taken by us on and around the spectacular Firth of Clyde. We are a family owned and operated RYA Training Centre operating out of Kip Marina, Inverkip, Scotland's Premier Marina. We offer a full range of RYA practical, classroom, online courses including Start Yachting, Competent Crew, Day Skipper, RYA Coastal Skipper/ Yachtmaster, Radio Marine (VHF), CEVNI, PPR, ICC, First Aid Cat 2, all the way up to RYA Yachtmaster Ocean.
We can also deliver one on one and small group theory courses from our landlocked base in Biggar (South Lanarkshire), as well as supporting on-premise courses for individuals, companies, schools and clubs.
We can also deliver one on one and small group theory courses from our landlocked base in Biggar (South Lanarkshire), as well as supporting on-premise courses for individuals, companies, schools and clubs.
Services
Hello there, so you are not sure what course to take.? Whether you are new to sailing, or just unsure which course to take to build upon your experience, the below flowchart and tables will help you better understand what are the best next steps for you. If after reading through the information below you are still at a loss, don't hesitate to get in touch to allow one of our team to help.
In September we will be leaving Britsail in the capable hands of our instructors, swapping the hull of Chimere for the two wheels of our Koga Randonneur expedition bikes, before heading to Chicago to cycle the 2500 miles along US Route 66 to Los Angeles/ Santa Monica. We will be doing this unsupported, camping when we can, carrying enough gear for almost three months on the road.
What to bring to your RYA Practical Course. The following list is not exhaustive and is just a guide to what you should consider when packing for your practical course. Obviously if you are only doing a one day course you will not require everything on the list. Remember it can get colder out on the sea than on land despite the sun shining.
A short introduction to sailing for complete beginners. By the end of the course you will have experienced steering a yacht, sail handling, rope work and be aware of safety on board. Holders of the Start Yachting certificate can go on to complete the Competence Crew course in a reduced time of three days or two weekends.
This course is for beginners and those who would like to become active crew members rather than just passengers. Experience living on board and really get to know the boat. Virtually all the course is hands on. You are the crew - without you the sails won't go up and the boat won't be steered. By the end of the course you should be able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in all the day to day duties on board.
Reviews (9)
Michelle Allen
Sep 24, 2021
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Ian Freck
Oct 11, 2020
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Jane Dewhurst
Jul 12, 2019
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Lorna Brown
May 18, 2019
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Stephen Laycock
Oct 01, 2018
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After first a 5 day course and then a week later a further 2 day course (required mainly because my theory was a bit rusty since it was two years ago I passed that) I am chuffed to bits to say I passed my Day Skipper. Deborah Is just the best professional ever. Her knowledge of the subject is deep and her patience is high, plus she's fun! I absolutely recommend Britsail to anyone considering taking up sailing at any level. Steve L
Guy Fenton
Sep 09, 2018
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Just completed my 5 day Day Skipper course with Britsail after completing my Comp Crew Course a month ago. So had 2 five day weeks with them. Everything went smoothly for both weeks, from the booking process, information given, questions answered and organisation in general. When on the Boat Deborah's knowledge, instruction and patience was was outstanding. Can't recommend them enough. 10/10...!!
Sid Wig
Aug 13, 2018
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Finished a fantastic 3 weekend competent crew course with the best instructor ever! Paul's patience and perseverance helped us get through it even in rain and no wind situations 😅 will be returning to do day skipper next summer and plenty of practice in between! Chimere is a great wee yacht and we have had some awesome memories, made some amazing friends and had a lot of wine n laughter too 😁😋
Ellie Trim
Aug 13, 2018
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Colette Brennan
Aug 11, 2018
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Course booked for 4th Aug after confirmation and payment received an email suggesting that i move to 10th August. 9th August received a text asking me to call for information, number was unavailable all evening. As a result my course has now been moved to 21st Sept. it remains to be seen how that will be delayed.
