IanR
Member
I have just returned from a week in the sun having finally successfully taken my Yachtmaster Prep and exam. I was considering finally following up my theory exams (15 years ago!) and doing my commercial ticket at the same time. I was encouraged by my better half to consider Gibraltar as a “treat” away from the Solent and so it proved.
I cannot recommend the location and people at All Abroad Sailing Academy highly enough. Vic Punch and the team provide excellent boats, highly qualified tuition and a tremendously fun learning environment. ASA
Along with the weather, our passages to Morocco and Spain and the sailing in force 6 – 7 wearing T-shirts and liberally applied sun cream. I achieved a long held ambition by sailing across the Straits while being escorted by pods of playful dolphins alongside.. By the way if you want to see a beautiful marina the size of Cowes Yacht Haven with only 15 boats in it then take a trip to Smir in Morocco what a place to practice mooring along side etc.. I cannot recommend the experience highly enough. It all rates as an event that will forever bring fond memories
Based on past discussions on this forum and for those of us who might still retain the thought that Yachtmaster is only a bureaucratic process to keep the authorities busy I would have to admit that even as an experienced sailor, the sheer efficiency and simplicity of the tips and tricks taught by Vic have improved my boat handling and management to an extent that regardless of the Yachtmaster certificate I feel that I achieved value and benefit improving my confidence and style to a much higher level. This despite twenty years of practice! My experience was not unique! On our boat there were two guys who joined as competent crew and by the end of the week they were enthusiastically and well on their way to being excellent Day Skipper material.
By the way the flight costs to Gib were a snip costing me less than £50 plus taxes. Its raining and 14 degrees at home today – forecasting more of the same.
Gotta go -where’s my passport!!
I cannot recommend the location and people at All Abroad Sailing Academy highly enough. Vic Punch and the team provide excellent boats, highly qualified tuition and a tremendously fun learning environment. ASA
Along with the weather, our passages to Morocco and Spain and the sailing in force 6 – 7 wearing T-shirts and liberally applied sun cream. I achieved a long held ambition by sailing across the Straits while being escorted by pods of playful dolphins alongside.. By the way if you want to see a beautiful marina the size of Cowes Yacht Haven with only 15 boats in it then take a trip to Smir in Morocco what a place to practice mooring along side etc.. I cannot recommend the experience highly enough. It all rates as an event that will forever bring fond memories
Based on past discussions on this forum and for those of us who might still retain the thought that Yachtmaster is only a bureaucratic process to keep the authorities busy I would have to admit that even as an experienced sailor, the sheer efficiency and simplicity of the tips and tricks taught by Vic have improved my boat handling and management to an extent that regardless of the Yachtmaster certificate I feel that I achieved value and benefit improving my confidence and style to a much higher level. This despite twenty years of practice! My experience was not unique! On our boat there were two guys who joined as competent crew and by the end of the week they were enthusiastically and well on their way to being excellent Day Skipper material.
By the way the flight costs to Gib were a snip costing me less than £50 plus taxes. Its raining and 14 degrees at home today – forecasting more of the same.
Gotta go -where’s my passport!!
