Course Overview
Enjoy the yacht as a private group and let the instructor adapt the pace, training level and cruising plan around your family. Some people may be trying sailing for the first time while others work toward a recognised RYA Sail Cruising course objective.
The programme can balance structured tuition with steering, sail handling, swimming, island stops and time together aboard. Safety, weather and the abilities of the youngest or least experienced participant always guide the final plan.
Choose a two-day weekend introduction, a five-day practical course or a seven-day private programme. We confirm the suitable syllabus, yacht, route, accommodation and certification objectives through an enquiry before quoting.
Who Is This Course For?
Families, couples and private groups who want exclusive use of the training yacht, mixed-level tuition and a schedule shaped around their objectives.
Prerequisites
- No previous experience required for beginner programmes
- Age, mobility, swimming confidence and any medical considerations must be disclosed before confirmation
- Participants seeking a specific RYA certificate must meet that course's prerequisites and required standard
Typical Itinerary
There is no fixed itinerary. The instructor agrees the learning priorities and suitable cruising plan with your group, then adjusts it for weather and progress.
- Two-day weekend: an accessible introduction to steering, sail handling, safety and teamwork
- Five-day programme: a complete private practical week with liveaboard routines and Andaman cruising
- Seven-day programme: more time for progression, passages, anchorages and a flexible private itinerary
What Is Included
Included
- Exclusive use of the nominated training yacht for up to five training participants
- Professional instructor and an agreed training plan
- Yacht safety equipment and normal operating costs
- Onboard accommodation for the agreed five- or seven-day liveaboard format
- Prepared bedding and one onboard towel for liveaboard programmes
- Simple breakfast and lunch during liveaboard programmes
- Course material and certificate where expressly included in the written plan
Not included
- Flights, transfers, travel insurance and personal expenses
- Accommodation before or after the agreed programme
- Dinner ashore, drinks, snacks and additional personal provisions
- Non-home marina charges and optional activities unless quoted
- A certificate where prerequisites or the required standard are not met
Optional extras
- Airport pickup€30 per trip
- Onboard air conditioning€5 per generator hour
Bookable extras can be selected on the booking page.
AC charge covers extra fuel, generator running hours and maintenance; settled onboard according to actual use.
Delivery dates and final inclusions are confirmed before payment. External examination or certification fees remain separate unless your written quote explicitly includes them.
Course Syllabus
- Personal safety, yacht familiarisation and family briefing
- Steering, lookout and teamwork
- Ropework, sails and deck routines
- Coming alongside, anchoring and mooring awareness
- Navigation and passage participation appropriate to experience
- An individually agreed RYA syllabus where applicable
What you will work toward
- Build practical sailing skills at an appropriate individual level
- Work together on steering, sail handling, ropework and onboard routines
- Develop confidence and shared family experience afloat
- Work toward an agreed RYA course objective when prerequisites and standards permit
Indicative private-yacht tariffs
Prices are per private yacht for up to five training participants. The written quote confirms the vessel, route, inclusions and any certification objective.
- 2-day weekend: €1,800 high season · €1,400 low season
- 5-day private course: €5,000 high season · €4,000 low season
- 7-day private programme: €5,500 high season · €4,500 low season
Phuket high season is October–April; low season is May–September. Routes remain weather-dependent.
Recommended to Bring
- RYA logbook and evidence of prerequisite sea time
- Relevant theory notes, charts and navigation tools
- Quick-drying clothing and non-marking footwear
- Sun protection, waterproof layer and soft luggage
Supporting Courses
Marine Radio VHF/SRC, RYA First Aid and the appropriate RYA shorebased navigation course support safe progression through the cruising scheme. We will identify any missing qualification when reviewing your enquiry.
Local Information
Flights and Arrival
Yacht Haven Marina is approximately 20–30 minutes by road from Phuket International Airport in normal traffic. Exact boarding, checkout and examination arrangements are confirmed in the written joining instructions.
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.
Mid Oct–Jan
24–31°C
Drier northeast-monsoon period with more sunshine and generally comfortable cruising conditions.
Feb–May
25–33°C
Hot, mostly dry weather. Winds can become lighter and more variable as the season progresses.
July–Aug
24–32°C
Southwest-monsoon sailing with tropical showers, fresher winds and more swell on exposed routes.
Sep–Mid Oct
24–31°C
Typically the wettest and most changeable period, with squalls and routes adjusted to conditions.
Your Next RYA Step
Frequently Asked Questions
Can family members work at different levels?
Yes. Private delivery lets the instructor vary tasks and coaching. Any participant seeking a specific certificate must still meet that course's prerequisites and assessment standard.
Is the price per person?
No. The indicative tariffs are per private yacht for up to five training participants. We provide a written quote after confirming duration, vessel, group and objectives.
Can children join?
Often yes, but the right arrangement depends on age, mobility, swimming confidence and family supervision. Share the children's ages in your enquiry so we can plan safely.