Sailing schools - personal recomendations?

[flaming]

So I get back from the alps, realise I have a little bit of time on my hands and decide it's about time I did my yachtmasters. Problem is the sailing school I've always used are fully booked for the time I have availiable (next week). So does anyone have any personal recomendations for sailing schools either in the Solent or in the Harwich area?

 

[arTThur]

Hamble School of Yachting - serious people, good quality instructors, good grub - I would return there anytime - and I have nothing to do with them only as a customer.

Cheers,

 

[Stemar]

I did my dazed kipper with Commodore. Had a whale of a time - and even learned a few things /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Goodge]

I'd recommend Hamble as well.

Agree with the above about food etc and also the boat was good for a school boat as well.

Competitive price also.

 

[ChrisE]

Southern Sailing are worth a try, they used to do short notice bookings at a good price. You won't be paying for a smart boat or particularly good cuisine but all of the instructors I've sailed with have been excellent.

 

[jimbouy]

Ditto.

Very very good

 

[flaming]

Well, at least I have good taste!
Unfortunately it was Hamble that were my first choice.
Any others...?
Anyone..?

 

[bobgosling]

Team Sailing @ Haslar Marina.

Had a fabulous time and really felt like I had actually learnt something useful by the end of my Dazed Skipper. Really friendly and big , comfy boats.

 

[Goodge]

When I was going through my selection process last year, my shortlist was Hamble and Commodore.

I spoke to quite a few sea schools and just felt these were the best two at the time.

I would suggest you won't go too far wrong with either of these.

 

[FergusM]

When people have asked this question in the past, a number of respondants, myself included, have expressed considerable reservations about Southern Sailing. Let me put it this way: I have been to several courses with Southern over the years, and they were OK years ago. I went on a course with them last year, and I recommend you try the Hamble School of Yachting. If you do a search on Southern Sailing you will find the threads. There was one at the beginning of March.

Some people, like Chris Enstone, and myself in the distant past, have been satisfied with Southern, though even in his praise Chris mentions the lack of 'smart boat' (on mine, in addition to the cosmetics, try a loose rudder) and the not 'particularly good cuisine' (we ended up eating ashore at every opportunity to avoid it). He was clearly much luckier with instructors than I was, and some others have been. If you want to PM me, I can give you more details. After my experience of Southern I would recommend somewhere else, and I have heard many people praise Hamble.

 

[PhilipStapleton]

Four Winds Sailing - from Beaulieu

 

[GazzaUK]

Yep, I'd recommend Commodore.......Good set-up, good prices.

 

[Solitaire]

Also try 5 Star Sailing based in Warsash on the Hamble

 

[Sans Bateau]

This is very interesting, how do you choose a good school? The comments about "good food" and "had a great time" are all very good; but I would not want to go along, spending a lot of money but then not get the good tuition that I am there for. Later this year I would like to reinforce my YM theory with a practical exam.

What is to stop 2 or 3 of us, using our own boat, getting an 'old salt' on the trip, followed by an examiner at the end of the week? True the OS would have to be, skilled, experienced and trusted. The examiner is pot luck anyway, is'nt he?

 

[DJE]

[ QUOTE ]
What is to stop 2 or 3 of us, using our own boat, getting an 'old salt' on the trip, followed by an examiner at the end of the week? True the OS would have to be, skilled, experienced and trusted. The examiner is pot luck anyway, is'nt he?

[/ QUOTE ]

Nothing as far as I know. I did my YM theory with Team Sailing last winter and a group of us are intending to do just what you suggest. i.e. take one of their instructors on one of our boats with 3 or 4 candidates for a few days. Then get an examiner booked for the last day or 2.

 

[Sans Bateau]

OK so is there anyone who would be interested in getting something organised for the end of the season, say Oct? If so PM me.

 

[bluepippa]

I used Team Sailing 8 weeks ago for a weekend pre assesment in my boat..... Bloody good fun learnt loads. The good news is I got the thumbs up for getting my ticket when ever I wanted to .......

I would realy recommend doing it this way so go for it............ If any of you are booking an actual examiner to do the ticket let me know I will happily share the costs and join you to take the exam.

Daryl

 

[andy_wilson]

\"What is to stop 2 or 3 of us, using our own boat\"

Nothing, but expect the examiner to be concious of the level and state of safety equipment carried on board, as part of the examination.

 

[BlueSkyNick]

BOSS at Hamble Point.

Good all round generally, in my view. (Used to have stunning young instructor called Jane - probably not there any more though)

 

[ruff_n_tumble]

I'd also recommend Team Sailing. I've been on a number of courses - weeks and weekends - with them, had fun and learnt a lot.