Learn to sail, the safe and fun way!
We use three Bavaria 37 ft / 11.4m ( LOA ) sailing yachts , fully conforming to UK strict safety standards and inspected annually . They are comfortable and easy to learn to sail and handle under power . Their 3 cabin , 2 salon berth layout means that whatever the combination of crew ( up to 5 crew plus one instructor max ) there is just enough space for everyone . With a well equipped galley and fridge , and a shower and toilet and with hot and cold water inside and outside the boat for swimming it makes a perfect liveaboard cruising home for the week !

All our weeks begin Saturday 1730 and end the following Saturday morning at 0930 . We sail Sunday morning after breakfast to the islands and return at 1700 on the Friday evening to base .

With one full day and night more than most schools offer there is more time to sail , learn , relax and enjoy !

The practical courses are run on a “continuous assessment “ basis without a specific test or exam but you will be expected to demonstrate competence in the syllabus by the end of the week . All instruction is by qualified , experienced RYA Instructors who are regulars with SSC and taught in English only . If English is your second language – don’t worry – as long you can understand and speak enough we can cater for you- you don’t have to be fluent !

Non -Tidal Certificates can now be converted to Tidal if needed with a 2 day course at a tidal school.

RYA Competent Crew : ( no minimum age but physical size and ability important )

With no previous experience necessary , this is the beginners course and we will show you both how to sail , steer and moor the ship as well as live on board with all the crew sharing the meal preparation and daily chores . The syllabus includes knot tying , the use of safety equipment , the theory of sailing and how to put up sails and trim them according to the wind , how to tie up a boat alongside , when mooring stern to , picking up a mooring buoy and laying and weighing the anchor for lunch . We will also give you a basic understanding of taking bearings and how to read a chart , as well as getting weather forecasts, log keeping and some rules of the road to help you keep a good look out . By the end of the week you have become a confident and useful member of the Crew!

RYA Day Skipper (Non-Tidal) Practical :

( min age 16 , qualifies for 7m – 15m yachts ) With at least Competent Crew experience ( 100 sea miles logged , 4 night hours +5 days on board ) or good sailing skills learnt on a similar type of sailboat you are ready to be shown how to take charge of a small cruising yacht and crew and manage with confidence to handle her under power and sail , plan pilotage and short daylight passages to local harbours and bays in good conditions . The emphasis is always on safety for your crew and the vessel and we pay close attention to the Rules of the Road , fixing your position and the weather forecasts . You will be taught what to do in emergencies that may arise ( for example Man Overboard ) and think one step ahead for reefing , anchoring and berthing . The Course is demanding but ultimately very rewarding - you will soon be Skipper for the day and calling the shots with the instructor always at your side to give encouragement and guidance .

RYA Coastal Skipper (Non-Tidal ) Practical :

( min age 17 , qualifies for 7m – 15m yachts ) Providing you have the minimum experience of 15 days at sea , 300 logged miles , 8 night hours , had some solid experience of Skippering ( minimum 2 days ) and completed a theory course equivalent to the RYA’s then you are ready to join this more advanced skipper course . The aim of the course is to ensure you would be ready to execute coastal passages in both day and night time of up 60 miles and in variable weather conditions . We will go on longer and more challenging offshore passages ending in night entrances to harbours , practise tougher pilotage exercises , boat handling under sail in confined waters and manage the yacht and crew in emergencies of all kinds . This course will build on your skills positively and develop your overall confidence and techniques .

Note – It is our policy for you to have completed an RYA Theory course first ( or an equivalent from another country ) for either of the Practical Skipper courses above . Previous logged experience will be considered if no course has been done. There is no time during a practical course to cover the theory , only highlight points already learnt , and show their best use in real life situations. We also offer combined theory and practical courses over two weeks – see below.

On successful completion of either of these Skipper courses you automatically qualify for the European Waters ICC ( Sail ) license – UK residents only – available through the RYA .

RYA Coastal Skipper , and RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Special Examinations : Both of these Exams (Titled “Certificate of Competence” ) are for you to decide when you wish either to test your skills after much more experience , or you intend to use your qualifications for commercial use on yachts as a career . We can help arrange these at the end of a normal course week or after a few days intensive preparation. As each student has different ambitions and background we shall discuss with you and quote for the best solution. (Please note that the RYA Fees and the UK Examiners’ expenses and travel are extra to the normal course fee.)

RYA Combination Courses offered by SSC :If you have the extra time available and wish to complete both theory and practical in one go we now have organised these intensive courses to help you achieve the results you need in a shorter time frame :

• SSC ‘First Mate’ : 7 day Competent Crew ( 5 days ) with Basic Navigation ( 2 days) - Learn how to sail , then the basics of Chartwork , proper seamanship and some boat handling , to make you a more capable and safer sailor on the water – a useful step towards Day Skipper .

• SSC ‘Zero2Hero’ : 2 week Competent Crew + Basic Navigation + Day Skipper Practical- Pre-course study is essential * for a pass of the Day Skipper and definitely only for those willing to bring real enthusiasm and work hard ! The course is 12 days with a day’s break after 6 . (* SSC highly recommends www.oceantraining.com for all RYA Theory preparation online)

• SSC ‘Total Skipper’ : 2 week Day Skipper Theory and Practical PLUS SRC (VHF) License - Providing you are at least to Competent Crew level this course will complete a comprehensive route to bareboat charter or ownership . The SRC License is for those with a UK residence . The course is 12 days plus a day off after 6 back at the base . ( Also available for Coastal Skipper ) Exclusive to SSC – We want to offer you more choices :

• ‘Just Crewing’ : We know from our past enquiries there are many who like the idea of sailing around the islands but would rather chill and sunbathe than do a course ! They are very welcome and can join any crew on any week where there is a berth free .

• ‘Wet Feet’ : A 2 day basic RYA Start Yachting Course inside a weeks’ sailing for those want try a short course and then relax and enjoy the rest of the holiday - any berth , any week .

• ‘Refresher’ : For those previously qualified sailors who do not need a new course but rather refresh those skills they have already and be able to practice with the help of an instructor. Again , you are welcome to join any week that has a free berth .

• ‘Masterclass’ : These are weeks where Skippers can come and really build on their skills with navigational and boat handling exercises just outside your comfort zone ! The instructor will work with you on aspects where you feel least able . The aim is to increase your overall confidence for charter or sailing your own yacht , or prepare you for the next RYA level .

• ‘Milebuilders’ : You can join individually with any crew on any normal week to add miles without tuition ; and also we will schedule special 7 or 9 day trips designed to add night hours and allow you to skipper longer passages : eg 9 day Split- Dubrovnik-Split incl 1 day in the City!

If you have a question about any of our courses then please get in touch or check out our downloads section.