FAQs about Sailing Courses

This blog answers some of the FAQS about Sailing Courses that you might have…..

but might be too embarrassed to ask.

Like..

How do I go to the toilet on board a yacht?

What are the cabins like?

Will I have to share a cabin?

If you are new to sailing or considering taking a sailing course for the first time we know sailing can feel a bit intimidating.  So here are some FAQs about Sailing Courses to answer the questions you might be too shy to ask — but absolutely should!

As a beginner the Sailing Course most relevant to you is the Competent Crew course.  That is why some of the answers below mention the Competent Crew course.

FAQs about Sailing Courses

How do I go to the toilet on board a yacht?

The loo, the dunny, the toilet – on a boat the toilet is called the ‘heads’ because it used to be in the front or the head of a ship.

All our yachts have a toilet on board. Some have two.  We’ll show you how it works – it’s a bit different from home, but nothing to worry about.

When in a marina we use the marina facilities.  All the marinas in the Solent generally have very good facilities ashore.

But if you need to go in the middle of the night then providing it is just a pee we use the toilet on board.

When sailing you can use the toilet on board.

The heads on our yachts are perfectly civilised and they have doors – I mention this because you may have heard of some racing boats do not.

What are the cabins like?

The cabins on our yachts are all generally designed for a couple.

The size of the bed or ‘bunk’ as they are called on a boat reflect this.

There is generally a wardrobe space and some drawers in each cabin.

Will I have to share a cabin?

If you come as a couple you will be able to share your own cabin.

If you have booked a 3:1 option ( 3 students, 1 instructor) then if you come as a single person you will have your own cabin or a berth in the saloon.

The saloon is the central part of the boat.  It is light and airy and many people like to sleep in the saloon. There are often 2 separate bunks in the saloon.  One on each side of the yacht.  The slight downside is that the saloon is the ‘communal’ area of the boat and contains the chart table, the galley and saloon table where everyone eats their meals during the day.  But at night it is a good place to sleep.

If you have booked something that is 4:1 then if you are not coming with someone you know there is a possibility you may share the saloon with someone else or a cabin.

If you have booked something that is 5:1 then you may well end up sharing a space with someone.

Should I be worried about snoring?

Generally, after a day’s sailing in the fresh air, whether you are a snorer or someone worried about others snoring, you will sleep very well.  If you are concerned about this then you could bring some ear plugs.

Do most people come with someone they know or solo?

The answer to this question is it is a complete mix.

Generally, those that come on the 3:1 courses (3 students, 1 instructor) come solo.

Our 4:1 options tend to attract more couples but that is not always the case.

5:1 attracts a mixture of couple/friends/solos.

Groups of friends (up to 5) will book a whole boat.

Will I get on with people?

Usually people turn up to our sailing courses expecting to get on with their fellow crew mates.  Generally, we seem to attract like minded sorts of people and everyone gets on well and has a lot of fun.  It is not uncommon for people to stay in touch after their course.

Very rarely there is a personality clash on board. That does not happen often.

Come sailing

What if I don’t know my port from my starboard?

There is lots of terminology in sailing.  It’s a fun language to get to grips with.  Many beginners worry about not knowing the basic terminology.  We all had to start someone and you definitely will not be alone.

If you want to do a bit of pre watching before you come on your course then have a look at these videos that will get you up to speed on some on the lingo.  But please don’t worry about not knowing stuff.

As it happens we also have a blog on Port and Starboard here.

Do I need to know how to swim?

The short answer is no.

We provide lifejackets and wear them at all times whilst sailing.

What if I get sea sick?

That’s ok.  You can take seasickness tablets beforehand, and we’ll give you tips to help manage it. Let your instructor know if you’re feeling unwell — we’ve all been there.

The great thing about taking a sailing course in the Solent is that it is relatively sheltered so the sea doesn’t get as rough as it can do out in the English Channel.  Furthermore there is always a river or marina close by which we can pull into.

Will I be the only one who has never sailing before?

Perhaps.

If you are thinking of taking a Competent Crew course, which is the beginners sailing course then you might be the only one on board who has never sailed before.  However you may well be on board with others doing the Competent crew course so will be in exactly the same boat (sorry…)

You might be with others who are doing the more advanced courses such as Day Skipper or Coastal Skipper.  But those people will have been in exactly the same position as you at some point in their lives and such is the nature of sailing and those that go sailing that people are keen to help nurture others on.

Do I need to be super fit?

Not at all. Sailing can be physical, but we tailor the experience to suit everyone. If you have any mobility concerns, let us know in advance.

Will I be tested?

Not formally, no.  At the beginner sailing course level such as Competent Crew you will not be tested formally. You will learn how to do things and then demonstrate what you have learnt.  It is all very informal and designed to help you succeed.  The friendly instructor on board will guide you through it all.

That’s 12 FAQs about Sailing Courses – of the slightly awkward kind  If you have any that haven’t been answered here please do let us know.  For the more obvious FAQs about Sailing Courses please refer to the FAQ section on each of the Sailing Course webpages. You can find it them just below the syllabus section on each page.  For example: RYA Competent Crew Course (Southampton / Solent) – First Class Sailing

Posted by: First Class Sailing