Green are land-based theory courses which can be taken intensively over a week, spread over a few weekends or at weekly evening classes over 26 weeks. Solent Sail currently only run practical sailing courses and exams, but there are plenty of good schools offering theory courses. If at all possible, we would recommend that you attend a local theory course over an extended period rather than an intensive course where there is little time to absorb the material between lessons.

Blue are on-water practical courses and red are exams.

Although it is recommended that you attempt each course only after you have completed those above a particular level, this is not always essential. For example, you don't have to complete the 'Basic Navigation & Safety' course before moving to Competent Crew.

The Start Yachting course lasts only one weekend, but otherwise practical course are usually of at least 5 days duration (Friday evening to Wednesday afternoon, Sunday evening to Friday afternoon, three weekends or two weekends including an extra day to make one long weekend).

Courses generally run concurrently so that people of different abilities are on the same boat. This works well with for example Day Skippers and Competent Crew whose skills are complimentary to each other.

During each practical course you can expect to receive regular feedback from the instructor and then a final de-brief at the end. Successful students receive a course completion certificate, but particularly at Day Skipper and above, there is a need to reach a reasonable standard because passing these courses will enable you to charter yachts on your own or with your family. Having said that, the overwhelming majority of candidates pass as our instructors' aim is to make sure this happens. And if you are weak on just a few areas, you can come back on a future course to spend a couple of days re assessing your abilities.