Fun Sail Training programme in Antigua Learn to sail course for novices in the Caribbean
Learn to Sail Programme
Have you ever been on a sailing yacht without the slightest idea about what was happening?
Did you feel you wanted to get involved, and play a useful part, but had no idea where to begin, or were afraid of doing something wrong?
Our Fun Sailing Program is equally suited to complete novices and "lapsed" skippers seeking to refresh previous skills.
Structured as a series of Daily Modules, the Program progressively teaches the basics of crewing, and boat handling through demonstration and practice. Practice is the key! The more you do something, the better at it you will become. The better you become, the more your confidence will grow. Once this confidence is instilled, you will have no hesitation about getting involved.
Module 1: - The Basics
- Safety - Fire, Personal Safety, and Man overboard.
- Nautical terminology - understanding the language of sailing.
- Rigging and Sails - what are all those cables and ropes for?
- Rope work - Learning the ropes! Coiling, stowing, securing and important knots.
Module 2: - Sailing
- Understanding the wind - you have to use it, you need to understand it!
- Sail Trim - setting sails to maximum effect. We do want to go forward!
- Helming - once you have harnessed the wind, it has to take you where you want to go!
Module 3: - Some Theory
- Manners - Respect your fellow sailors and the environment.
- Rules of the Road - The Highway Code of the Sea.
- Meteorology - Wind, clouds, rain and forecasts.
Module 4: - General Duties
- Preparation for sailing - make sure we're ready. We want the water outside!
- Galley Duty - Food preparation and clearing away. We all have to eat.
- At the end of the day - Wash and brush up before putting the yacht "to bed".
Module 5: - Navigation & Skippering
- Navigation - Know where you are, and where you're going.
- Pilotage - Find your way in and out of a harbour/anchorage without damaging anything.
- Boat Handling - Control the yacht before it controls you. Drills & Skills!
- Basic Engineering - Why won't the engine start?
Module 6: - Getting Adventurous
- Passage Planning - Where shall we go today?
- Passage Making - Let's make sure we get there!
- Night Sailing - Understanding lights, sounds, and navigating in darkness.
- Provisioning - Again, we all have to eat, but what kind of food should we buy?
- Emergencies - Avoid them, but know how to deal with them.
Each Module begins at 9.00 am and ends around 5 pm, with an hour for lunch. There is no requirement to live aboard the yacht, or complete every Module. Stick with the Program for as long as you want to.
You will be given learning notes in graphic and written form. These will be yours to keep. If required we will also issue a Certificate of Achievement signed by your professional instructor.
Sailing is a lot of fun! Feel comfortable with it!