Course Overview
This practical clinic helps sailors move beyond simply getting the sails up and down. It develops efficient routines, clearer crew communication and a stronger understanding of how sail shape affects balance, speed and control.
Exercises may include reefing, tacking and gybing, mooring under sail, person-overboard recovery under sail, rig awareness, trim and heavy-weather preparation. Spinnaker work is included only when the yacht, equipment, conditions and group are suitable.
This is a skills-development course rather than a separate RYA certificate. It is arranged by enquiry and normally delivered on a weekend.
Who Is This Course For?
Day Skipper-level sailors, cruising crews, mile builders and Yachtmaster candidates who want more deliberate sail-handling practice.
Prerequisites
- Practical sailing ability around RYA Day Skipper level is recommended
- Basic understanding of tacking, gybing and sail controls
- Ability to move safely around a yacht under sail
Typical Itinerary
The training sequence is adapted to the wind, sea state, yacht and participants.
- Day 1: safe routines, mainsail and headsail handling, trim, tacking and gybing
- Day 2: reefing, advanced control, manoeuvres under sail and consolidation
What Is Included
Included
- Two days of practical coaching, normally 09:30–17:00
- Use of the training yacht, sails and safety equipment
- Personal skills review and next-step guidance
Not included
- Overnight accommodation unless agreed in advance and subject to availability
- Flights, transport, travel insurance and personal expenses
- Formal RYA course certification
- Dinner and personal provisions
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
- Mainsail hoist, reefing, lowering and flaking
- Headsail handling and safe foredeck routines
- Tacking, gybing and speed control
- Tell-tales, draft, twist, traveller and genoa-car position
- Person-overboard recovery under sail
- Approaching a mooring or anchorage under sail
- Rig setup, checks and failure prevention
- Heavy-weather sail handling and depowering
- Spinnaker handling where suitable
What you will work toward
- Handle mainsail and headsails more efficiently
- Improve sail trim, balance and boat-speed control
- Coordinate safer tacks, gybes, reefs and sail changes
- Build confidence in manoeuvres under sail
Weekend delivery
The course is arranged by enquiry and normally runs Saturday and Sunday. Onboard accommodation may occasionally be arranged in advance, subject to availability.
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
Will we use a spinnaker?
Only when the yacht, equipment, wind and candidate experience make it appropriate. Core sail handling and safe yacht control take priority.
Can I stay onboard?
Overnight accommodation is not included, but it may occasionally be arranged in advance subject to yacht availability and the written agreement.