Course Overview
This seven-day Mile Builder combines purposeful passage-making with life aboard a cruising yacht. The programme is designed to build practical confidence, sea miles and experience in watches, navigation, sail trim and everyday seamanship.
Rather than promising one fixed itinerary, the skipper chooses the most useful Andaman route for the forecast, sea state and crew. This gives the passage flexibility to seek good sailing and appropriate training opportunities.
Sailing conditions
Phuket offers year-round tropical sailing. The northeast-monsoon months are generally drier, while the southwest monsoon can bring fresher winds, tropical showers and larger swell on exposed Andaman routes. Phang Nga Bay provides more sheltered water, allowing the instructor to select suitable training areas for the day’s conditions.
Places to explore
Depending on weather and training objectives, the cruising area can include limestone anchorages in Phang Nga Bay, islands near Phuket and, on suitable passages, the Phi Phi Islands. The final route is always set by the instructor and is not a fixed holiday itinerary.
Who Is This Course For?
Sailors who want more time afloat, practical experience and logged sea miles between formal courses or before a more advanced pathway.
Prerequisites
- Previous sailing experience is helpful but the required level depends on the passage
- Reasonable fitness and mobility for an extended liveaboard voyage
- Minimum age: 16 years old
Typical Itinerary
The published date and duration are fixed; the route is indicative and remains weather-led. Possible cruising areas include Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Koh Ha, Racha or other suitable Andaman anchorages.
- Safety briefing, passage planning and crew organisation
- Day passages, watchkeeping and practical navigation
- Helming, sail trim, anchoring and pilotage
- Regular reviews and rotating onboard responsibilities
- Return to Phuket at the end of the seven-day programme
Sailing Yacht on This Course
Practical courses are currently scheduled aboard our dedicated liveaboard training yacht from Yacht Haven Marina.

Andaman Cruise 2
Jeanneau · Sun Odyssey 42DS
LOA: 42 ft (12.8 m) · 3 cabins · 2 heads
Comfort: air conditioning, electric toilet and a fully equipped galley.
View yacht information →What Is Included
Included
- 7 days aboard the scheduled training yacht
- Skipper-led passage planning and practical experience building
- Onboard accommodation during the published passage
- Use of the yacht's safety and navigation equipment
- Normal yacht operating costs during the passage
Not included
- Flights and transport to or from Phuket
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
- Meals, drinks and personal provisions unless specifically selected
- Supporting courses, examination fees and optional services
- Accommodation ashore before or after the liveaboard course
Optional extras
- Course textbook€20 per book
- RYA logbook€20 per book
- Airport pickup€30 per trip
- Shore accommodation€50 pp / night
These can be selected on the booking page.
Course Syllabus
- Passage planning and navigation
- Watchkeeping and logbook practice
- Sail trim and helming
- Anchoring, pilotage and seamanship
- Life aboard and crew management
Recommended to Bring
- RYA logbook
- Quick-drying clothing and non-marking footwear
- Sun protection and a light waterproof layer
- Soft luggage suitable for liveaboard sailing
Supporting Courses
RYA Marine Radio VHF/SRC
Learn how to operate a marine VHF radio confidently, including routine calls, distress and emergency procedures, Digital Selective Calling and essential radio protocol.
View course informationRYA First Aid
Practical first-aid knowledge developed specifically for people who go afloat.
View course informationLocal Information
Flights and Arrival
Phuket International Airport is approximately 20–30 minutes by road from Yacht Haven Marina in normal traffic. Plan to arrive with enough time for Sunday-evening boarding. Airport transfer and accommodation before or after the course can be arranged separately.
Typical Weather
Phuket is warm throughout the year, but the monsoon seasons influence wind, rainfall and route planning. These are typical patterns rather than a forecast.
Nov–Jan
24–31°C
Drier northeast-monsoon period with more sunshine and generally comfortable cruising conditions.
Feb–Apr
25–33°C
Hot, mostly dry weather. Winds can become lighter and more variable as the season progresses.
May–Aug
24–32°C
Southwest-monsoon sailing with tropical showers, fresher winds and more swell on exposed routes.
Sep–Oct
24–31°C
Typically the wettest and most changeable period, with squalls and routes adjusted to conditions.
Your Next RYA Step
Use the logged experience to consolidate your current level or prepare for the next suitable RYA practical course.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know whether 7-Day Andaman Cruise / Mile Builder is suitable for me?
Send us your recent sailing experience and qualifications. We will check the prerequisites and recommend the most suitable course date.
Will we return to the marina each night?
Normally no. Practical courses operate as a liveaboard training cruise, with the route adapted to weather and learning objectives.
What happens if weather affects the planned route?
The instructor adjusts the route and exercises to keep the course safe while covering the required practical skills wherever conditions allow.
















