Testimonials

Very efficient serious company. Andrea B. , Goldman Sachs. Day Skipper Practical Course

Really great instructor, immense knowledge and great gag. Andrew W., Yachtmaster Coastal Practical Course

Wellpaced, good enthusiasm. Relaxed and good humoured. Fun and exciting course. Robert J., Day Skipper Theory Course

Fantastic trip. Loved anchoring of Sark and cycling round the island. Crossing the Channel was made all the more special by the sunrise as we approached Alderney. Instructor looked after us very well well, gave us space to learn and was a fount of knowledge. Thank you First Class Sailing!. Gemma Q. , Weekend Channel Hops

Instructor was excellent and really knew his stuff. The time in the pool really focuses you mind. Tom J. , Sea Survival Course

Pointed, well though out. Instructor was superb. Anne was and continues to be extremely supportive, accommodating and helpful. Greatly appreciated everyone's help at First Class. Mark D., Yachtmaster Practical Course

My family and I are about to cross the Atlantic. Having done the course I now feel confident that if the electrics fail I will be able to get us there. John W., Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course

Excellent all round introduction to all elements of boat handling, chance to develop and consolidate skills already tried and countless opportunities top ask questions and understand. Sarah R, Competent Crew Practical Course

Targeted problems in reference to the deeper understanding and science behind sailing. Donald F. , Thomson Reuters. Yachtmaster Theory Course

Enjoyable, nice pleasant all round. Good skill enhancement. Simon D., Sailing Fun Weekends

A cut above the rest, was very professional. Dean B. , HazMat Surveyor, Forest Environmental Day Skipper Theory Course

Very good mixture of pace and activities. The instructor struck exactly the right balance between instruction and enjoyment. Henry O. , Analyst, Ministry of Defence. Competent Crew Practical Course

Instructor & boat both excellent. Great company : all crew got on very well with instructor and each other. Steve C., Competent Crew Practical Course

Relaxed atmosphere, good pace, clear. Michele G. , Sales Executive, Entoria Wine Cellars Ltd. Day Skipper Theory Course

Our instructor was experienced and a great teacher. The yacht we were instructed on was comfortable and of a good condition. The food provided was ample and a great selection. Laura P., Competent Crew Practical Course

Gave a really good idea of the basic skills in order to become a day skipper. LK., Market Risk Analyst, JP Morgan. Day Skipper Theory Course

Relaxed but thorough approach led to positive learning environment. Good food. - Tony L., Yachtmaster Coastal Practical Course

Knowledgeable instructor, explained things clearly. Lot a lot in a short space of time. Very enjoyable. Feel far less scared of the engine in my new boat now. Really worthwhile day. Sarah R., Diesel Engine Maintainance Course

Hands on practical experience where instructor gave you full control to practice skills without over instructing. Quality sailing experience. Jeffrey F. , Partner, Jubilee Financial Products. Boat Handling Master Classes

I feel we had a great day, well organised and excellent instruction. Ursula E., Sailing Day Trips

Highly professional company providing comprehensive range of sailing courses - both practical and theoretical. Dona B. , Fastnet Race

Excellent instructor - gave freely of his experience - very dedicated and enormously helpful. Colin McKnight, Day Skipper Practical Course

Great practical use of equipment. Good class size. Relaxed. Hannah T., VHF Course

Good briefing and practise on the first day. The race itself for me was tremendous - I enjoy sailing in wild and windy conditions, and we certainly had them. The opportunity to take the wheel for a stretch was also valued. Sail back on Sunday was relaxing - wind had dropped. Skipper excellent. Confident and clearly in control of the boat and the race. The permanent crew were all professional and friendly. Chris L., Round The Island Race

Very professional, high level tuition. Michael B. , Barrister Day Skipper Practical Course

Thank you to Ray for your drive to pass us/get us up to the required standard. Julie McC, , Teacher. Competent Crew Practical Course

Extremely friendly and competent, knowledgeable and professional instructors. Nick S., Developer, Credit Suisse. Yachtmaster Theory Course

Good instructor who focused on helping me to improve my problem areas before the exam. Will C., Yachtmaster Theory Course

Smooth service, pro-active, little hassle and generous. James D., Day Skipper Practical Course

Great instruction and explanation of key aspects of navigation and seamanship, with right level of autonomy for day skipper/crew. James W. , Investment Professional, NBGI Ventures. Day Skipper Practical Course

The office team was excellent. I found them to be really helpful. Roger L., Deloitte LLP. Day Skipper Theory Course

Everybody had a go. No pressure. Could try things and build confidence knowing instructor would bail you out if got stuck. Andrew W., Boat Handling Master Classes

I didn't know anything about sailing and after the 260 course I feel confident I could enjoy a sailing holiday. The school proved to be very well organised providing a nice new boat and made sure all details were well organised. Davide B., Competent Crew Practical Course

Personable, intuitive and fun. Elliott, W. , Randstad, Divisional Manager Day Skipper Practical Course

Interesting topics, good slides and presentation of content. Good class size (not too many people). Chelsea W., Day Skipper Theory Course

Great Sailing School - Professional. James W. , Investment Professional, NBGI Ventures. Day Skipper Practical Course

Efficient, friendly, professional. Good value for money. Effective in achieving required qualification. Marek Z , First Aid at Sea

Good, well equipped boat, great instructor. Fun. Robin S., Weekend Channel Hops

There is a big build up to taking the Yachtmaster Offshore exam. This is understandable given the standard required to get this qualification. The instructor really helped me to prepare. We practised everything again and again. By the time the examiner came on board at the end of the week I was so much more relaxed and confident about it. And ..... I passed! Emma L, Yachtmaster Practical Course

Friendly, imaginative, fun. Improved my knowledge of sailing under power and under sail. Amanda M. , Pensions Administrator, Barnett Waddinghorn LLP. Boat Handling Master Classes

Time and location….Materials and Instructor, fun course one could look forward to even after a full day of work. Tim T., Day Skipper Theory Course

Friendly informative courses delivered in a relaxed environment by knowledgeable instructors. Allyson F., Head if UK Retail Marketing, Henderson Global Investors VHF Course

Excellent crew and instructors. Learned a great deal. Peter S., Yachtmaster Practical Course

Friendly, very efficient service. Alexandre M. , Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Vice President/Assistant General Counsel. Yachtmaster Theory Course

Great Boat and Great Instructor - V Patient, attentive, knowledgeable, good laugh and took v good care of us. Other students were the icing on the cake. Food v. good. Claire P,, Procurement Manager Competent Crew Practical Course

Great instructor. We went over every aspect of the syllabus focusing on improving my weaker points - mainly picking up mooring buoys under sail. By the time we came to the exam at the end we had practised everything so much it seemed like a walk in the park - well nearly. Brian M., Yachtmaster Coastal Practical Course

Very patient and a great instructor, particularly in terms of explaining tricky points, reexplaining and offering support and good humour. The real life anecdotes were great! Professional yet friendly learning experience. Agreat instructor, access to advice and resources, giving me increased confidence in preparation for sailing. Celina B., Day Skipper Theory Course

All very good, quick and efficient. Allyson F., Head of UK Retail Marketing, Henderson Global Investors VHF Course

Excellent. I booked one week before start of course and I felt I received all the information I needed to arrive prepared. Davide B., Competent Crew Practical Course

Fun, exciting, easy, comfortable environment to learn in, safe at all times, professional. Clare M, Competent Crew Practical Course

Instructor was great - very flexible with student's interests. Fun crew. Alan R., Sailing Fun Weekends

Really taken me to the next level in my understanding. Massively expanded my existing knowledge. Jamie R., Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course

Booking was handled efficiently and all queries answered speedily. Laura P., Competent Crew Practical Course

Don't choose courses on basis of price. All courses are not the same. Both First Class Sailing Theory and Practical courses are 'First Class'. Michael T, Yachtmaster Theory Course

Highly knowledgeable instructor, breadth and depth of subject matter delivered in interesting way. Dona B. , Executive Director, Digby Morgan. Fastnet Race

Top instruction, good food, comfy boat, good company….anything else? Excellent standards all round. Alexander J., Day Skipper Practical Course

Professional, upper bracket outfit. Chris D, , Developer, Ernst And Young. Diesel Engine Maintainance Course

Good instructor, very clear. Good facilities/location. - James G., Diesel Engine Maintainance Course

Hands on, excellent instructor. Very professional, excellent course, 1st Class Service. Julian N., VHF Course

Practical and hands on. Evenings were great even though struggled to attend them all. Ben L. , Director, Grant Thornton UK LLP. Yachtmaster Theory Course

Great crew and instructor. Good rotation of activities. Good explanations provided. High quality school! Annie B., Weekend Channel Hops

Good group of people. Instructor was excellent in finding extra things for me to do to keep challenging myself. Shruti M, , NHS Doctor/Research Fellow. Competent Crew Practical Course

Friendly, patient, efficient. Camilla McL. , Meelypops, Director/Copywriter Day Skipper Practical Course

Instruction was superb - highly knowledgeable, amazing teaching skills, obvious experience, patience. High quality, worth the money to get the result. David M., Occupational Physician Day Skipper Theory Course

Attentive, pleasant attitude & willingness to help. Christine S., VHF Course

Very Professional. Very experienced tutors that are well mannered and good humoured. Always apleasure to work with. Robert J., Day Skipper Theory Course

Good boat, good company, good instructor - let us get on with it. Helped out and mucked in. Decent kit. Bruce McL., Weekend Channel Hops

Efficient, friendly, effective. Alex F, Advanced Sailing Weekends

Good entertaining tuition. Lots of anecdotes to make it interesting, great practical experience. Nick S., VHF Course

Very informative and fun - relaxed and informal. David P. , PWC Partner. Day Skipper Practical Course

Great course and materials. Good quality service and tuition. Angelo DP., Director, Credit Suisse. Day Skipper Theory Course

Spot on, just what was required, good balance for all on board. Daniel F, Yachtmaster Practical Course

Clear, concise, good use of examples and practical demonstration. Daniel F., Davis Langdon. First Aid at Sea

The instructor was the perfect balance of show and tell mixed with letting you make your own mistakes safely. (The booking process) was all very professional and friendly. I felt the booking official actually cared about getting my booking right. Friendly, personalised, professional with out being officious. Andy C., Day Skipper Practical Course

Friendly staff, well thought out syllabus and good instructors. It was exactly what I wanted. Paul S., Yachtmaster Theory Course

Clear Explanations, lots of practice, examples repeated multiple times, instructor inspired lots of confidence, crew mates excellent, good spirit on board. Davide B., Competent Crew Practical Course

The booking was well handled and the confirmation emails received speedily. Very helpful to receive pre course notes. Professional, helpful, good value. Sarah R., VHF Course

Great fun introduction to sailing and a visit to Cowes for lunch. Good friendly and helpful service. Neil E., Sailing Day Trips

First Class Sailing - Best on the Solent, where you are treated as a respected member of the family - not just a fee paying customer. As expected this was a truly personal and technical challenge. With the result of elevating my sailing skills, awareness and confidence in difficult (F7-F9!). Most of all I appreciated the chance to interact with a diverse group and to enjoy the camaraderie and collegiate atmosphere of the crew. Guy G., Fastnet Race

Allowed to get on with it without being corrected so able to learn from mistakes. Instructor was very experienced. Kevin H., Weekend Channel Hops

Very impressed that you were flexible when my Father was ill and allowed me to change dates. Also that you biked pack to me - over and above what I expected. Jane K. , PWC, Knowledge Manager. Day Skipper Theory Course

Very smoothly handled. Brandon B., Day Skipper Practical Course

I passed! Which says a lot about the instructor who did a fantastic job. James E, Yachtmaster Coastal Practical Course

Friendly, highly professional organisation with very skilled instructors. Joanne W. , Lawyer, DLA Piper. Day Skipper Practical Course

Quick and painless. John T., CEVNI Test

Very professional, experts in the field. Sergio V, Associate at Goldman Sachs Day Skipper Practical Course

Professional and effective. Good equipment, taught by knowledgable and enthusiastic professionals. Ron G., Day Skipper Practical Course

Really good to have examples of all the kit in the classroom, including inflating a liferaft. Very experienced instructors. Dominic H., Sea Survival Course

Good tutor with a great crew. All customer service was exceptionally brilliant. David HJ., Weekend Channel Hops

Professional, friendly, attentive, secure in the level of information/instruction a person would be getting. Peter H., Advanced Sailing Weekends

Good mixture of conditions gave us varied experience, good team spirit. Geoff K., Coastal Skipper Practical Course

It was all brilliant. Kirsten T., Sailing Fun Weekends

Clear and Calm manner of instructor, excellent communicator. Charlie B., Coastal Skipper Practical Course

Learnt about the tricky bits, tips, hints and techniques. Peter G., Boat Handling Master Classes

Great style! Really enjoyed the day. Professional, thorough coverage of material. David P, VHF Course

Intensive course - well versed instructors will test your knowledge and prepare you for the practical. Amy B. , Director Client Services, Volan. Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course

Good teacher - very knowledgeable and lots of practical tips. Methodical and logical approach. Good fault finding questions. Good video to reiterate teaching. Doug R., Diesel Engine Maintainance Course

Very clear explanations, very experienced, excellent practice. Roman N., Analyst, Credit Suisse. Day Skipper Theory Course

Unreservedly recommended. Rupert M, Competent Crew Practical Course

Excellent practical experience with thorough theoretical training and explanation from a very knowledgeable and patient instructor. Joanne W/ , Lawyer, DLA Piper. Day Skipper Practical Course

Very professional, excellent instructor, good communication. Karen L. , Allen & Overy, Solicitor. Day Skipper Theory Course

Excellent instructor, fun and informative. Amanda M., First Aid at Sea

Well thought out course with clear concise instruction and a lot of patience from the instructor. Fascinating subject. Jane F, Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course

Arrangements very easy, very accommodating from the office. Bespoke yacht charter. We didn't feel like just another client. Paul L., Bareboat Charter

Couldn't have been beter. From beginning to end absolutely First Class. Christopher E., Weekend Channel Hops

A well run service with the access to good facilities, tutors and equipment. Professional. Henry H. , Solicitor, Reed Smith. Day Skipper Practical Course

Professional, friendly, flexible, good value, fun, entertaining. Jane K. , PWC, Knowledge Manager. Day Skipper Theory Course

Good value, well priced and up to date with developments. Good boat too! James D., Day Skipper Practical Course

Plenty of information, really interesting day, enjoyed the sailing and instructor was good company and most helpful. Ursula., Sailing Day Trips

Convenient, fun, social, professional. James B. , UBS Yachtmaster Theory Course

Felt instructor was excellent - relaxed but very competent and safe. - Stephen F., Competent Crew Practical Course

Excellent experienced instructor who made the trip calm, relaxing and not panicked. Always in control of the situation and made it very safe and fun. Dr Hana R. , Neuroscientist, UCL. Day Skipper Practical Course

Interactive, practical and engaging. Elizabeth L., Diesel Engine Maintainance Course

Interesting and challenging curriculum that really builds on the Day Skipper. Oliver C. , CEO, Pufferfish. Yachtmaster Theory Course

Material was taught at good pace with lots of examples top practice with. Nice informal approach made it fun to learn. Laura W. , IT Security Consultant, Informassure Ltd. Day Skipper Theory Course

Clear and focused on practical needs. Julein Q., VHF Course

Very relaxed and patient instructor with a good mix of practical and theoretical exercises. Sharon O'D, , Army Primary Healthcare Physio. Coastal Skipper Practical Course

Good level of detail and experience from instructor. Robert A., VHF Course

Excellent Instruction, very comfortable boats. Chris W, , Kingsley Napley. Competent Crew Practical Course

Friendly, London based theory courses with experienced and enthusiastic instructors. Donald F. , Thomson Reuters. Yachtmaster Theory Course

Good navigation experience plus using electronics. Good experience of overnight passage. Maria L., Weekend Channel Hops

We had a great permanent crew, and the rest of us - having never met before - all got on really well. I should also mention the logistics. There were no dramas, which is the highest praise. Everything worked, and food was well thought through and of good quality. James P, Vice President Fastnet Race

A good balance from the skipper. Supportive yet enabling us to get on. Shamela DS., Yacht Hire

Instructor was excellent. He gave me the right amount of room to practice and try things for myself. Was constantly quizzed on lights and shapes! Timothy W., Coastal Skipper Practical Course

Smoothly organized. Nothing was too much trouble for the First Class Sailing office. Excellent instructor who blatantly loved the subject and was very good at delivering it. Will T. , Shell. Day Skipper Theory Course

Great sailing instruction, efficient, focused 'adventure' and relaxing at the same time, overall great experience. Armin H., Day Skipper Practical Course

Very intense: designed to be flexible and pertinent to individual needs. Excellent backup administration, many thanks. Michael A., Yachtmaster Theory Course

Lots of fun. Good understanding of how best to use natural environment to manoeuvre, especially in marina. Tim R, Boat Handling Master Classes

A friendly, professional training firm which instills confidence through their experienced instructions. Stephen B. , First Aid at Sea

Lots of sailing, great experience. S King. , Analyst, Capital One. Weekend Channel Hops

So convenient having it having the course in our building. The instructor was brilliant. Great fun. Sam P, Day Skipper Theory Course

Good information and explanation throughout with relaxed delivery style from the instructor, who was inclusive and tailored to each individual. Stuart W., Day Skipper Practical Course

Very clear and well structured presentation. A premier UK sailing school. Oleksiy K., First Aid at Sea

Great variety of tasks. Instructor concise, clear, highly professional and very good natured. Learnt a great deal. Could not have been better. Peter H., Lecturer Advanced Sailing Weekends

Extremely well taught at all stages. Very thorough and very clear explanations and ?? Instructor also very good company. Michael B. , Barrister Day Skipper Practical Course

Quality company providing 'First Class' services. Kurt F. , Director, Lupola Ltd. Boat Handling Master Classes

Great yacht, clean, comfy, well maintained. Had a great holiday. Incurred some minor damage on the bow and First Class were very fair about it. David Y., Bareboat Charter

Serious but organised. Lindsay F, , Beach Horizons LLP, Operations Manager. Day Skipper Practical Course

Taking the test online was great. First Class gave me everything I needed to know very promptly. I'm off to the Med on my boat via the French canals. Bill P., CEVNI Test

Fantastic instructor, clearly very knowledgeable/experienced, very good at explaining theory and demonstrating, whilst also v good at getting the whole crew involved. Excellent company. Patrick McG. , New graduate, UBS. Competent Crew Practical Course

Great coverage of survival aids in the classroom session. The pool sessions was excellent. A real insight into what it could be like to have to get into a liferaft. I feel much better prepared now. Invaluable. Tom H. , Sea Survival Course

Professional delivery, obvious expertise. Hugo B., First Aid at Sea

Professional, friendly service, experts. Richard G. , Partner, Reed Smith Day Skipper Practical Course

Very knowledgeable instructor. Professional outfit. Andrew W. , Business Analyst, Barclays. Yachtmaster Theory Course

Great timing and level of instruction. Well presented by Jim who made engines seem simple. Paul C., Diesel Engine Maintainance Course

Excellent pace coupled with willingness to explain complexities more slowly, targeted revision practice for each candidate. LB., Day Skipper Theory Course

Training was great - variety of wind conditions, points of sailing, boat familiarity, interactions with other crew members. Steve W., Director Round The Island Race

The course was truly excellent. I learnt very much at an environment that felt competent but not intimidating. I very much enjoyed the teaching style of Pete. Thank you. Helen P., Competent Crew Practical Course

Excellent teaching methods including plenty of practice, great memory aids etc. Pace very good - keeps it very interesting. Penelope C. , UBS, Managing Director. Day Skipper Theory Course

Excellent courses, value for money, great fun, efficient administer and our instructor made it both extremely informative and great fun. Sarah R., Competent Crew Practical Course

Good clear explanations and pragmatic approach, was very easy to follow. Excellent instructor. Neil M., VHF Course

Good location, quick to do and can be fitted in with the other commitments. Neil A., Day Skipper Theory Course

Everything was great. Really improved my confidence in boat handling. Nik D. , Manager, BoE. Boat Handling Master Classes

The weekend was very good. We did exactly the kind of manoeuvring I hoped we would and the instructor explained everything well before we did it and there were no dramas. James B., Boat Handling Master Classes

Excellent and I highly recommend to take any of First Class Sailing's courses Daniel O., Senior Manager VHF Course

What was great about the course was being able to take my time working through the course units, ability to log on at any time, being able to start the course at any time (not having to wait for a course start date). Duncan L., Essential Navigation and Seamanship Online Theory Course

I've always wanted to know how to use a sextant and understand how to navigate by the stars. Challenging course but really really interesting. Stevie B., Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course

Friendly, highly professional organisation with very skilled instructors. Joanne W, Lawyer, DLA Piper Day Skipper Practical Course

If you want to learn/get better at sailing go to FCS. I did my DS shorebased course last autumn and that was excellent too. Adam R. , Director of Programming, ChelloZone. Competent Crew Practical Course

Instructor was patient. Explained things clearly. Good mixture of listening and doing. Brilliant memory aids. Good pace, Very good support materials. Jane K. , PWC, Knowledge Manager. Day Skipper Theory Course

Instructor very meticulous and clear when explaining the subject. Eduardo F. , Surgeon. Yachtmaster Theory Course

Thoroughly Professional instructor. First Class yachts. Efficient office setup. Gemma S., Yachtmaster Coastal Practical Course

Teacher was excellent and very calm and patient. We did what we initially wanted to practice. Paul O., Boat Handling Master Classes

Clear and concise. Range of experiences. Highly experienced tutor. Excellent food. Good choice of marinas. Jo J. , Clinical Manager, NHS. Competent Crew Practical Course

Fun, exciting, brilliant. Patrick E (10 years old)., Sailing Day Trips

Concise, covered all relevant and necessary material without unneeded extra time. Instructor was friendly, informative and extremely competent. Troy B., VHF Course

Knowledge and experienced instructor. Professional. Chris D. , Designer, Ernst and Young LLP. Yachtmaster Theory Course

Punctual, interactive, well organised, thorough, generally excellent. Keith W. Founder and Director of Design, Keith Williams Architects., Yachtmaster Theory Course

Good class size and interactive sessions. Knowledgeable instructor with good experiences to share. Admin and customer service was efficient and responsive. Oystein T. , Risk Consultant, Barclays Bank. Yachtmaster Theory Course

Good instructor, fostering team work, providing a challenge and 'kicking arse' as and when required. Dirk H. , Financial Services Authority, Project Manager. Day Skipper Practical Course

Steve did a fantastic Job. He was enthusiastic and taught complex subjects in a simple to understand way. - Dominic R., London Business School. Day Skipper Theory Course

I found Andy an excellent instructor and Bellini a great boat to train on. 10/10. Michael G., Competent Crew Practical Course

Well presented, good pace, clear. David C., Sea Survival Course

Thoroughly enjoyed the whole course, instructor fantastic. Pauline W, Fastnet Race

Best Sailing School in the UK! Stefano D, Director VHF Course

Instructor is brilliant. Lots of fun in learning. Lots of backup info. Stephen K., Day Skipper Theory Course

Great boat (well kept, facilities etc) and great instruction (personable, safety conscious, best in class for attention to detail, patient well considered explanations. Nicholas S., Competent Crew Practical Course

Interesting, real life stories, enjoyed video clips. Catherine C., First Aid at Sea

Good quality yacht, good food. Thorough, patient tuition with plenty of encouragement. Enjoyed the stops at the different well chosen marinas. Rob C. , RAF, GP. Competent Crew Practical Course

Ken was simply a great teacher and character. Full of knowledge and explained things clearly. Adam R. , Director of Programming, ChelloZone Competent Crew Practical Course

Instructor was excellent; he struck an ideal balance between informing and teaching and allowing us to enjoy the weekend and relax. The two weekends were excellent. Alexander H., Compliance Officer, UBS. Competent Crew Practical Course

Hands on experience on engine. Very practical with experienced instructor. Gareth S., Diesel Engine Maintainance Course

Flexible and serious company. Daniele D. , Banker, BNP Paribas. Day Skipper Practical Course

The instructor was clear, knowledgeable, clear slides, interesting videos. Very good service, quick and reliable. Joao BH. , Account Manager, Bloomberg LP. Day Skipper Theory Course