Highlands & Islands Marine Training

Sail Training

Please note

During our cruising season of May, June, July and early August we take up to four guests sailing  around the islands looking at the wildlife and exploring the area.  During these cruises it is possible for those wishing to learn or improve sailing skills, or perhaps to  gain sea mileage to come along. Particularly those at Competent crew and improving Day skipper level.

However, if you are able to make up a party to fill the yacht we are also able to offer bespoke RYA sailing courses during this time.  If you are interested in this option please get in touch to discuss it - flexibility is the name of the game!

Practical training courses are held on board Saltwater Gypsy - a  Seastream 43 - an ocean going heavy displacement ketch. This vessel is fully certified to MCA requirements.  Despite her size we only take four students on our courses.  Plenty of space and comfort as well as a high standard of tuition.

Our RYA courses are run over 6 days rather than 5  - more time to learn!

If you already own or are intending to buy a larger yacht, then training on this vessel will be exactly what you need to gain the skill and confidence needed to safely handle such a craft. We would encourage any couples in this position to come along and learn the necessary skills as a team, readying them for future adventures.  It is possible to combine two courses into one to offer 12 day bespoke tuition (see below)

Practical courses generally leave from Dunstaffnage marina, which is three miles from Oban.

Shore based courses are generally held at the Marine Training School at Dunstaffnage marina (nr Oban).  Some courses may be held elsewhere on the West Coast subject to demand.

So what's different about us?

1. Large and comfortable yacht and only four students!!!

2. Ocean Yachtmaster Instructor (Motor & Sail cruising) with over 270,000 miles sea time and 30 + years experience.

3. Top electronics, radar etc to learn on.

Most practical courses are 6 days, but we intend to offer 10 and 12 day courses for those students who would like to combine a good holiday with their instruction and spend more time at sea.  These longer trips may well apply to those people intending to buy their own craft in the near future.

We offer the full compliment of practical sailing courses:

Start sailing

Competent Crew

Day Skipper

Coastal skipper

We also offer  shore based courses in:

VHF (DSC)

1st Aid

Radar