Day skipper practical in Scotland,any advice welcome

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friday

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29 Jan 2005
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I am considering doing my day skipper practical in Scotland
this year. I would appreciate any feedback on the various RYA
schools on the west coast
 
Sorry about that, thanks for the advice,
we just wanted to reach as many people as poss
just in case they only looked at one site.
 
Steve at Second Wind Troon seems to get good reports on his web site......I keep my own boat in Troon and note he is often very busy......based on that I reckon then he is good...........I know he is heading off to Iceland on a longish cruise soon but guess you will get that info on the web

If your coming from down south think about using Ryanair to Prestwick.....only a 5 minute taxi ride away and travel on the flight for pennies!!
 
Westbound Adventure - used them earlier this year, good, down to earth and pragmatic course - there are options of courses held further afield (Barra) and also a reduced candidate ratio for a slightly higher fee (recommended - my course was undersubscribed as it was early in the season but i would definitely play sligtlhy more for more sailing time and more room onboard)

http://www.westboundadventures.co.uk/
 
I can confirm that Second Wind at Troon are highly regarded. Steve is a nice guy.

I did my Comp Crew and Day Skipper with Westbound Adventures, which I chose because I always read alphabetical lists from the bottom up. The first was around Mull, the second around the Clyde. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Apart from the competence of the instructor of course, a lot depends on your fellow crew, and that's just the luck of the draw. I was very lucky.
 
I took my Coastal Skipper MCA exam in The Clyde 2006.
The prep week was with The National Scottish Sailing Centre on Cumbrae and the examiner was Bob Johnston who came on board. He has his own business
http://www.maritimeconnection.co.uk/
based in Troon.

Look at his credentials and you will see he as your and your future crews safety as number one priority.
That means IMHO he does a dam good job teaching and examining job.
For any future training I wouldn't hesitate going to him.
I have no connection by the way only the experience of being on a boat for 20hrs with the guy while we were put through our paces.
 
I too, have no hesitation in recomending Bob Johnston, having done several of his courses. He is a natural teacher and very aware of individuals needs, has much, varied, experience, and is an entertaining presenter.
Or he was all these things in 1998/9....
 
I would definately add my vote for Second Wind Sailing. As already said, Steve is a nice guy, a really excellent teacher and will even pick you up from Prestwick airport.

I've sailed with him at least 3 times, and wouldn't go anywhere else.

Here's a picture of Steve taken one morning on a mooring near Tarbert.
steve.jpg
 
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