Specialist and Bespoke Practical Training

In addition to the full range of RYA training courses, we are pleased to be able to offer some specialist courses, as well as bespoke training to suit your particular requirements. If you can not see what you would like then please give us a call. We would be happy to arrange training to help you get more out of your sailing.

• Try Sailing
• Power Handling
• Sail Tuning and Spinnaker Handling
• Man Overboard and Recovery Techniques
• General Experience Weekend
• Own Boat Tuition
• International Certificate of Competence
• Courses for Women Only
• Heavy Weather Handling
• Pre Flotilla-Bareboat Training

Try Sailing Day

If you are new to sailing then our Try Sailing Day is for you. This a great way to spend some time on board a modern sailing yacht with gentle guidance from one of our experienced and patient instructors. We also offer a RYA start yachting course for the more adventurous. All safety equipment, including wet weather clothing will be provided, along with lunch on board.

Power Handling

Handling a yacht under power, in the confines of a marina can be a daunting experience, especially when conditions are less than ideal. During the day, topics covered will include prop walk, and how to use it to best effect, turning a boat in its own length, use of warps and springs, coming alongside, reversing and more. We will also use the tidal waters of Harwich Harbour to demonstrate and gain experience of power handling in tidal conditions. The course will be taught aboard one of our fleet yachts, and there will be ample opportunity to handle the ropes and take the helm. Waterproof clothing and lunch on board will be provided.    Click here for the course joining instructions.

Sail Tuning and Spinnaker Handling Achieve Faster Passages

The importance of correct sail trim is emphasized on all RYA courses right up to Yachtmaster level, however there is always plenty more to learn about this vast subject. We can arrange for an instructor to help you get the most out of the sails on your boat, and make your sailing faster and more comfortable. Subjects covered will include standing and running rigging, trimming the mainsail and use of gybe preventers, correct sheeting and trimming of headsails, use of a spinnaker (weather permitting), reefing and heavy weather techniques.

Man Overboard and Recovery Techniques

On this course we can demonstrate various Man Overboard recovery techniques. This course is especially suitable for couples who sail together. More details of this course will be available shortly, please enquire.

General Experience Weekend

Simply another chance to spend some time out on the water. If your skills are a little rusty, or if you never quite got round to finishing off an RYA course then our general experience weekend will be ideal. At Britannia Sailing we always mix crew abilities on board the boats, that way you can learn from one another as well as our qualified instructor. So you can join any of a start yachting weekend, competent crew or day skipper practical course. If you have specific areas of any aspect of sailing that you would like to cover please let us know.

Own Boat Tuition

If you find it difficult to find time to join one of our courses, or if you have more specific training requirements and you have access to a yacht, then you may be interested in Own Boat Tuition. We have a team of professional and experienced instructors available to help with any aspect of your sailing, including rigging, handling under power, coastal and offshore navigation and pilotage. We can design a structured training package, or you may take an RYA practical course on your own boat. Please contact the Britannia Sailing office to discuss your requirements, we would be pleased to arrange a structured training package to suit your individual requirements. Click here for joining instructions.

International Certificate of Competence

An ICC certificate is now a requirement for anyone in charge of a yacht or powerboat cruising the coastal and inland waters of most European countries (except the UK). Full details of the regulations are available on the RYA website. If you have a RYA certificate at Day Skipper level or above then the ICC can be issued directly by the RYA. Otherwise we offer a one day assessment. During the day you will be asked to demonstrate your knowledge of collision regulations, basic navigation, lights and Buoyage in our classroom before heading out onto the water. The practical exercises involve a safety briefing, coming alongside and leaving pontoons and sailing exercises. The course may be taken on board one of our fleet yachts, or on your own boat if it is suitable. Waterproof clothing and lunch on board will be provided. There is a RYA certificate fee of £29 for the issue of an ICC. This charge is waived for RYA members. Click here for joining instructions.

Courses for Women Only

These courses are specifically designed for women and taught by our experienced female instructors. The courses covered are from Competent Crew through to Yachtmaster. Please contact us to discuss any specific requirements you may have.

Heavy Weather Handling

We will soon be introducing a course to teach the skills needed to handle a yacht with more confidence in heavy weather. Topics include the setting and sheeting of storm sails, laying of sea anchors and heavy weather strategy. Please enquire for more information.

Pre Flotilla-Bareboat Training

Reduce the risk of losing your deposit, improve your boat handling and take the stress out of your holiday.  This is a two day course which covers basic seamanship, navigation, anchoring techniques, mooring stern to quay, buoy pick ups and close quarter manoeuvring.

Fee:£230.00

Next Course Dates: Please call for dates.