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Hampshire and Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
From £935
Somerset and Dorset, United Kingdom
From £450
Hampshire and Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
From £930
Somerset and Dorset, United Kingdom
From £450
About the centre
Southampton
Operated by Zephyr Sailing, a partner of adventuro.
Moving beyond Day Skipper level, this intermediate practical sailing course is designed for experienced sailors preparing to take command on longer coastal passages by day and night. Training combines advanced passage planning, yacht handling and decision-making exercises around the Solent and South Coast while building confidence in more demanding situations onboard.
Longer passages, changing weather conditions and increased responsibility onboard all form part of the Coastal Skipper practical course. Students are expected to take a more active role in route planning, tidal calculations and skippering decisions while managing the yacht through a variety of real sailing situations during the week.
Exercises often involve entering unfamiliar harbours, planning passages around tidal gates and handling the yacht confidently under both sail and engine power. Night cruising, pilotage and emergency scenarios are integrated throughout the course to help students develop calm decision-making and stronger situational awareness when conditions become more challenging. If weather conditions allow, training may also include sailing in stronger winds and more testing sea states to build practical heavy-weather experience.
Accommodation is provided aboard a Bavaria 39’c yacht equipped with three double cabins, two toilets and onboard heating. Guests may also have the opportunity to join the yacht the evening before departure depending on availability.
Busy shipping lanes, tidal channels and varied sailing conditions make the Solent one of the UK’s strongest training grounds for advanced practical sailing courses. Its combination of sheltered waters and more exposed coastal routes allows students to experience a wide range of navigation and pilotage situations within a relatively compact area.
Passages completed during the week may include destinations along the South Coast and around the Isle of Wight depending on weather, tides and training priorities. Southampton’s location also provides straightforward access by road and rail for guests travelling from elsewhere in the UK.
This course is aimed at experienced sailors progressing beyond Day Skipper level. Students should already have completed around 15 days onboard, including time skippering, alongside approximately 300 nautical miles and at least 8 night hours at sea.
Theory knowledge up to Coastal Skipper standard is also expected before arrival. Participants should already feel confident with general sailing skills and onboard routines before beginning the course.
Practical instruction throughout the week focuses on developing confident and capable skippers rather than simply completing exercises for assessment purposes. Theo’s experience sailing across the South Coast, Mediterranean, Far East and Caribbean helps bring a broad range of real-world knowledge into each session onboard.
Reduced student numbers allow for more detailed feedback, more practical helm time and more opportunities for students to lead passages themselves. Training takes place aboard a commercially coded Bavaria 39’c yacht inspected annually by the RYA and equipped for liveaboard coastal sailing.
This course is intended for experienced sailors who already hold practical sailing knowledge beyond Day Skipper level and want to progress towards more advanced skippering and coastal passage making. Students are expected to arrive with existing confidence handling a yacht and managing general onboard duties.
Training focuses on refining judgement, improving passage planning and developing the ability to manage more challenging sailing situations. It is not designed for beginners or sailors with limited mileage.
Night sailing forms an important part of the Coastal Skipper syllabus whenever conditions and timings allow. Students may complete passages after dark while working with navigation lights, pilotage plans and reduced visibility situations.
These sessions help build confidence navigating unfamiliar waters at night while maintaining situational awareness and safe decision-making. Night exercises also reinforce planning and communication skills under more demanding conditions.
Conditions vary throughout the week depending on weather systems, tides and the chosen route plans. The Solent offers a mixture of sheltered areas, busy harbour entrances and more exposed coastal waters, helping create realistic training situations for advanced sailors.
If suitable conditions develop, the course may also involve sailing in stronger winds and rougher seas to improve confidence handling the yacht in adverse weather. Training is always adjusted appropriately for safety and the experience level of the group onboard.
Students are encouraged to take responsibility for planning and leading passages during the week rather than simply following instructor demonstrations. This includes navigation, pilotage decisions, marina approaches and managing the crew onboard during practical sailing exercises.
Theo provides guidance and feedback throughout, although students are expected to think independently and make informed decisions themselves wherever possible. The aim is to prepare sailors for confidently skippering coastal passages after the course.
Guests stay aboard a Bavaria 39’c yacht with shared cabin accommodation included within the course. Integrated heating, multiple cabins and onboard facilities help keep the yacht comfortable throughout the five-day liveaboard experience.
Living onboard also forms part of the learning process, helping students develop familiarity with longer coastal cruising routines and onboard organisation. Depending on availability, joining the evening before departure may also be possible.
All onboard meals, snacks, beverages and sailing tuition are included throughout the course. Wet weather clothing is also available onboard, although guests are encouraged to bring their own gear if they already have it.
Fuel, water, gas and all necessary sailing equipment are included as part of the training week. Away-from-base mooring fees, however, are shared equally between the crew and paid separately.
Layered clothing suitable for changing UK weather conditions is recommended, along with non-marking shoes and personal items for five days onboard. Sailing gloves and personal waterproof gear can also be useful during longer passages.
Sleeping bags, towels and pillowcases are not included and should be brought separately for the liveaboard stay. Guests should also bring any required medication and be prepared for extended periods spent at sea during the course.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
From £780
Hampshire and Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
From £780
Hampshire and Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
From £370
