WE RUN THE FULL RANGE OF RYA TIDAL COURSES COMPETENT CREW, DAY SKIPPER, COASTAL SKIPPER. FIND US AT MARINA PORTIMAO ON THE ALGARVE IN PORTUGAL. As you arrive at the marina, you will look past the smart restaurants, past the palm trees, and take in the sun sparkling on a deep blue sea, looking across the river, you see the small boats bobbing in front of the unspoilt village of Ferrogarda, and think this is great I can,t wait to get started. After introductions and a basic safety brief, the first evening will be spent getting to know the rest of the crew with time ashore to take in a meal or have a drink. Following breakfast the next day there will be a full safety briefing. You’ll be shown the sails, rig, engine procedures . Following lunch of fresh bread various salads cold meats, cheese, fruit etc. Its out past the breakwater, to set the sails and continue training in the afternoon breeze, getting to port about 1800 in time for showers and a glass of wine. The rest of the course will be conducted as we cruise the Algarve coast, visiting ports like Lagos , anchorages such as Alvor, perhaps we’ll anchor in the lagoon surrounded by wild life. This is a great coast for cruising with mainly light to moderate offshore winds, becoming often fresh in the afternoons, giving good sailing and a smooth sea. There are pleasant ports, every few hours sailing along the coast, mostly with first class marina facilities and good reasonably priced restaurants, These are interspersed with beautiful coves and beaches. Offshore we may be visited by dolphins. You will be given first class instruction in traditional and modern sailing and navigational skills including up to the minute electronic navigation aids. Prices include, breakfast, Morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and three evening meals, with wine, all fuel, marina and harbour dues. But not the evening meals ashore, at restaurants of your choice. Flights and transfers are not included. Flights to Faro can be had for as little as £50 return, but more normally about £150 return. You can transfer by train from Faro to Portimao for £10 return. Do not worry about making yourself understood as most Portuguese on the coast speak some English. Ashore you can soak up the atmosphere. During your six days there will be time to look ashore and take in a swim. A lot off our customers stay for longer booking into some of the wide range off accommodation available to take advantage of the other things available on the Algarve, golf, scuba, micro lights, etc. We’ll be pleased to give you information on these. THE WATERS GREAT COME AND JOIN US. Some comments from Our visitors book, Charlie. Master mariner, North sea pilot, came to do his dayskipper/ICC!!!!! enjoyed himself so much he stayed another week, and then brought his own boat down Rupert Merson, transport consultant "I have been on quite a few sailing courses in my life but this was the best. The skipper understood how to create a safe, relaxed, enjoyable and friendly environment in which to learn. The techniques applied were traditional and modern, making the sailing feel special and relevant." Shiela. Postmistress, North wales Competent crew. I brought the boat in today no worries. 5 star hospitality. Leo, Heating engineer on his fourth trip with us. I will return. Glen. I.T. Consultant, Cheshire, Grand old boat, salty skipper, Thanks. John and Chris. Architects, Wales. Absolutely Brilliant, The boat, the tuition, the people and of course the sun. John and family, Master Mariner, Great course just what I expected, lots to keep everyone busy, lots of good solid traditional seamanship along with modern practices Since 2003 we have instructed students from . England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, France, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Norway, Germany, Holland, Belgium , Italy, Russia, Lithuania, Serbia, Malta, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, Philippines, Dubai and South Africa. Like the sea we are international The only thing we need is for you to understand English ! SCHOONER NEWS we are now running combination dayskipper and coastal courses combining the theory and practical. SCHOONER CLUB Schooner Club, is aimed to enable those interested in sailing a classic yacht on a hands on basis , to be able to do so on a regular basis at a low cost. Two or three half day sails a week will be arranged when possible at a cost of 15€ per person, with a maximum of five members per trip. Numbers will be limited so that members get to sail as they want whether its once every few weeks or twice a week. It is also possible to help with maintenance on a voluntary basis, learning the skills required. It may be possible to arrange longer trips on a similar basis “MONETA” will be skippered by Ron Lovelady a RYA yacht master instructor and Principal of Schooner Sailing. It is not aimed to give instruction so much as to have a social sail but mileages will count towards RYA totals and you will be shown how to sail the vessel. “MONETA” is a M.C.A. R.Y.A. coded 50ft overall 1933 staysail schooner. Call Ron or Paula on 934213774 or email ron@moneta.freeserve.co.uk