Day Skipper Fast Track course review

Federica joined us for the 14-night Day Skipper Fast Track Course in November and trained on ASA Voyager (week 1) with Yachtmaster Instructor Rob and ASA Discovery (week 2) Yachtmaster Instructor Andrew.

”I spent two amazing weeks at Allabroad Sailing Academy, completing my Fast Track Day Skipper Course. I strongly recommend this school. The instructors are extremely prepared both in practice and theory classes, great atmosphere with the other students, beautiful sailing yatchs and incredible opportunities to explore different marinas on the southern coast of Spain, Marocco and Portugal.”

Federica, Italy.

Federica arrived on Sunday afternoon and after being introduced to her fellow trainees, Remi (France), Andres (USA) and Matt (UK) and instructors was given a safety briefing onboard yacht ASA Voyager. The first night was all about settling in, getting to know everyone and with dinner and drinks ashore in one of the marina bars before heading back to the boat for a good sleep before the practical sailing course startsed in the morning.

Week 1: Competent Crew training started with a provisioning exercise where the crew were given £150 to plan and shop for breakfasts and lunches for the week. Then it was onto the sailing, which covers all the basic requirements to get you to a level whereby you’re a useful and reliable member of crew. The week included visits to other marinas and a night sail plus learning about ‘points of sail’, and how to tie basic knots and helping secure the boat when arriving at a pontoon.

The first weekend was spent studying theory in the classroom. It was also time to get clothes washed at the marina laundry, enjoy some down time and for some people to take their VHF Radio Assessment, which is a requirement if you want to charter a boat or join a flotilla in the future.

Week 2: The crew headed out for Day Skipper practical training, including a night sail. The weather was variable giving a really good idea of what it’s like to sail in different conditions. The sunrises and sunsets on the water were amazing.

This final weekend of the course wrapped up the final learning for Day Skipper Theory and included the Day Skipper Exam – an opportunity to test your chart work knowledge.

Federica and her crew all achieved their Day Skipper qualification first time and were awarded their certificate by Yachtmaster Instructor Ian on the final Sunday afternoon, before heading off. The group met as strangers but parted as friends!