RYA Start Yachting

“I arrived as a complete beginner and finished the week confidently helming, handling sails and helping around the yacht. Steve Miller explained everything calmly, and learning among the limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay was unforgettable.”

“The liveaboard format made the course feel like real cruising rather than a series of classroom exercises. Phuket's warm water, quiet anchorages and spectacular scenery made an ideal place to learn.”

“Steve gave me space to make decisions while always keeping the boat and crew safe. By Friday I was planning approaches, briefing the crew and taking command with much more confidence.”

“A challenging but very rewarding week. Pilotage around Phuket's islands turned the chartwork into something practical, and Steve's feedback after every manoeuvre was clear and useful.”

“The passages, changing conditions and busy approaches gave us plenty to work with. Steve remained calm throughout and pushed each student at exactly the right level.”

“I wanted more confidence leading an experienced crew, not just another certificate. The coaching was precise, the yacht was comfortable, and the Andaman sailing area was genuinely beautiful.”

“Steve quickly identified the small habits that were weakening my skippering. The week was intensive, practical and focused, and I went into the exam feeling properly prepared rather than simply rehearsed.”

“Excellent preparation for command, pilotage and crew management. Steve asked difficult questions but always explained the reasoning, and the varied waters around Phuket provided a superb training ground.”

“The passage-planning and navigation topics finally made sense. Every exercise connected back to situations we could encounter around Phuket and Phang Nga Bay.”

“A well-structured course with patient explanations and plenty of practical examples. It gave me the confidence to move from theory into my Day Skipper practical week.”

“An intensive programme made manageable through logical teaching and excellent course materials. Weather, passage planning and collision regulations were all connected into one clear picture.”

“The radio procedures were taught clearly and then practised until they felt natural. I left understanding how to make routine, urgency and distress calls—not merely how to pass the assessment.”

“Steve made a technical subject relaxed and practical. The DSC exercises and realistic call scenarios were especially useful, and I felt fully prepared for the exam.”

“A practical first-aid day focused on the realities of helping someone afloat. The marine scenarios made the training far more relevant than a standard workplace course.”

“Two packed days of manoeuvring, planning and close-quarters handling. Steve was patient, precise and encouraging, and I finished feeling ready to handle a powerboat independently.”

“The training was professional without feeling pressured. Practising around Phuket gave us a useful mix of open water, marina handling and real traffic.”

“A perfect introduction to sailing. I was nervous at the start, but Steve had me steering and helping with sails on the first day. I immediately wanted to continue to Competent Crew.”

“Real miles, proper watchkeeping and useful coaching rather than simply being a passenger. Sunrise among the islands and the overnight sailing were highlights of the trip.”

“The two-course pathway worked brilliantly. I built solid crew skills first and then learned to make decisions as skipper, all while living aboard in one of the most scenic sailing areas I have visited.”

“The private format let Steve tailor every exercise to our family and our future cruising plans. We learned a huge amount, enjoyed beautiful Phuket anchorages and never felt rushed.”