{"id":7436,"date":"2025-11-14T10:13:28","date_gmt":"2025-11-14T10:13:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/?page_id=7436"},"modified":"2026-03-19T08:50:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T08:50:47","slug":"blog-page","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/","title":{"rendered":"blog page"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#eef8fb&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;3px||5px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;18px&#8221; header_text_align=&#8221;center&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|0px||0px|false|false&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1>Sailing News<\/h1>\n<p>A mix of insights into our courses and trips, engaging stories from some adventures, and educational content for anyone passionate about sailing.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_search _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; width=&#8221;29%&#8221; width_tablet=&#8221;50%&#8221; width_phone=&#8221;80%&#8221; width_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_search][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;2_5,3_5&#8243; use_custom_gutter=&#8221;on&#8221; gutter_width=&#8221;2&#8243; make_equal=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;82%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||45px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|8px|8px|8px|8px&#8221; border_width_all=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#CAD2D5&#8243; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset1&#8243; box_shadow_vertical=&#8221;1px&#8221; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;8px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_blog posts_number=&#8221;1&#8243; include_categories=&#8221;all&#8221; show_more=&#8221;on&#8221; show_author=&#8221;off&#8221; show_categories=&#8221;off&#8221; show_pagination=&#8221;off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_level=&#8221;h4&#8243; header_font=&#8221;Raleway|700|||||||&#8221; header_text_color=&#8221;#332c47&#8243; header_font_size=&#8221;28px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;9px|10px|9px|10px|true|true&#8221; border_radii_fullwidth=&#8221;on|7px|7px|7px|7px&#8221; border_color_all_fullwidth=&#8221;RGBA(255,255,255,0)&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|6px|6px|6px|6px&#8221; border_width_all=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#EEF8FB&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset1&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;8px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_blog posts_number=&#8221;4&#8243; include_categories=&#8221;all&#8221; excerpt_length=&#8221;50&#8243; show_more=&#8221;on&#8221; show_author=&#8221;off&#8221; show_categories=&#8221;off&#8221; show_excerpt=&#8221;off&#8221; show_pagination=&#8221;off&#8221; offset_number=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_font_size=&#8221;24px&#8221; body_font=&#8221;&#8211;et_global_body_font||||||||&#8221; body_line_height=&#8221;1.2em&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;9px|10px|9px|10px|true|true&#8221; custom_css_free_form=&#8221;@media (min-width: 768px) {||  selector article.has-post-thumbnail {||    display: grid;||    grid-template-columns: 30% auto;||    grid-template-rows: repeat(4, auto);||    gap: 0 20px;||  }||||  selector article.et_pb_post {||    margin-bottom: 20px||  }||||  selector article.has-post-thumbnail .entry-featured-image-url {||    grid-row: span 5;||    margin-bottom: 0;||  }||}&#8221; border_radii_fullwidth=&#8221;on|6px|6px|6px|6px&#8221; border_width_all_fullwidth=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_all_fullwidth=&#8221;#EEF8FB&#8221; border_width_bottom_fullwidth=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom_fullwidth=&#8221;#CAD2D5&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;36px|||||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;3px||36px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;gcid-heading-color&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-heading-color%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; header_2_text_align=&#8221;center&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Subscribe To Our Newsletter<\/h2>\n<p>Here about upcoming courses and trips and get the latest news, articles and resources, sent to your inbox weekly or so.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_signup mailchimp_list=&#8221;First Class Sailing|a5ddf298b1&#8243; layout=&#8221;bottom_top&#8221; first_name_field=&#8221;off&#8221; last_name_field=&#8221;off&#8221; button_text=&#8221;Subscribe Now&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;gcid-heading-color&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#b5055e&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;RGBA(255,255,255,0)&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x24;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_on_hover=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;9px||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-heading-color%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}&#8221;][\/et_pb_signup][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#eef8fb&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;3px||7px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_3,1_3,1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/blog-banner-day-skipper.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;blog-banner-day-skipper&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ban-theory-courses-at-ca-house-1.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;ban-theory-courses-at-ca-house&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ban-find-your-level-1.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;ban-find-your-level&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/level-finder\/1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_code _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<div class=\"wprev-no-slider\" id=\"wprev-slider-1\"><style>#wprev-slider-1 .wprev_preview_bradius_T1 {border-radius: 0px;}#wprev-slider-1 .wprev_preview_bg1_T1 {background:;}#wprev-slider-1 .wprev_preview_bg2_T1 {background:;}#wprev-slider-1 .wprev_preview_tcolor1_T1 {color:;}#wprev-slider-1 .wprev_preview_tcolor2_T1 {color:;}#wprev-slider-1 .wprev_preview_bg1_T1::after{ border-top: 30px solid ; }<\/style><style><\/style>\t\t<div class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_outer_div w3_wprs-row-padding\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_DIV_1 w3_wprs-col l4\">\r\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_DIV_2 wprev_preview_bg1_T1 wprev_preview_bradius_T1\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_P_3 wprev_preview_tcolor1_T1\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wptripadvisor_star_imgs_T1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-tripadvisor-review-slider\/public\/partials\/imgs\/tripadvisor_stars_5.png\" alt=\"star rating\" class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_star_img_file\">&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"wprevrevtitle\">A consistently great experience <\/span>&nbsp;-&nbsp;Over the last few years First Class Sailing have taken me all the way from complete novice to Coastal Skipper, with theory and other courses along the way (like VHF,<a class='wprs_rd_more'>... read more<\/a><span class='wprs_rd_more_text' style='display:none;'> First Aid, etc), and there's now no other school I'd want to train and study with. They really stand out from other providers with the quality of their instructors and the support and responsiveness you get from the office team. There's never too many students on a course, so you get lots of time to practise and learn from the instructor. By the end of each course you really feel you've been stretched and graduated to a much higher level of skill.  A really high quality outfit and thoroughly recommended!<\/span>\t\t\t\t<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.co.uk\/Attraction_Review-g186299-d3783802-Reviews-or10-First_Class_Sailing-Southampton_Hampshire_England.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-tripadvisor-review-slider\/public\/partials\/imgs\/tripadvisor_outline.png\" alt=\"tripadvisor logo\" class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_tripadvisor_logo\"><\/a>\t\t\t<\/div><span class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_A_8\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media-cdn.tripadvisor.com\/media\/photo-l\/1a\/f6\/e5\/2b\/default-avatar-2020-52.jpg\" alt=\"avatar thumb\" class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_IMG_4\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/span> <span class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_SPAN_5 wprev_preview_tcolor2_T1\">Mo M<br\/><span class=\"wprev_showdate_T1\">October 30, 2025<\/span> <\/span>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_DIV_1 w3_wprs-col l4\">\r\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_DIV_2 wprev_preview_bg1_T1 wprev_preview_bradius_T1\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_P_3 wprev_preview_tcolor1_T1\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wptripadvisor_star_imgs_T1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-tripadvisor-review-slider\/public\/partials\/imgs\/tripadvisor_stars_5.png\" alt=\"star rating\" class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_star_img_file\">&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"wprevrevtitle\">First Class experience. <\/span>&nbsp;-&nbsp;Very good experience with First Class Sailing. Mark was a terrific teacher and the boat was well equipped and comfortable for a 5 day course. Would definitely recommend.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.co.uk\/Attraction_Review-g186299-d3783802-Reviews-or10-First_Class_Sailing-Southampton_Hampshire_England.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-tripadvisor-review-slider\/public\/partials\/imgs\/tripadvisor_outline.png\" alt=\"tripadvisor logo\" class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_tripadvisor_logo\"><\/a>\t\t\t<\/div><span class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_A_8\"><\/span> <span class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_SPAN_5 wprev_preview_tcolor2_T1\">Michael K<br\/><span class=\"wprev_showdate_T1\">October 8, 2025<\/span> <\/span>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_DIV_1 w3_wprs-col l4\">\r\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_DIV_2 wprev_preview_bg1_T1 wprev_preview_bradius_T1\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_P_3 wprev_preview_tcolor1_T1\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wptripadvisor_star_imgs_T1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-tripadvisor-review-slider\/public\/partials\/imgs\/tripadvisor_stars_5.png\" alt=\"star rating\" class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_star_img_file\">&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"wprevrevtitle\">Excellent training course with Fergus! <\/span>&nbsp;-&nbsp;Excellent training course with Fergus! He made sure that across levels we were all learning and having fun! The extra context from his experience sailing was insightful and entertaining!\t\t\t\t<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.co.uk\/Attraction_Review-g186299-d3783802-Reviews-or10-First_Class_Sailing-Southampton_Hampshire_England.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-tripadvisor-review-slider\/public\/partials\/imgs\/tripadvisor_outline.png\" alt=\"tripadvisor logo\" class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_tripadvisor_logo\"><\/a>\t\t\t<\/div><span class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_A_8\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media-cdn.tripadvisor.com\/media\/photo-l\/1a\/f6\/e5\/66\/default-avatar-2020-53.jpg\" alt=\"avatar thumb\" class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_IMG_4\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/span> <span class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_SPAN_5 wprev_preview_tcolor2_T1\">Jamie S<br\/><span class=\"wprev_showdate_T1\">October 25, 2025<\/span> <\/span>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n<!-- This 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d=\"M20 20h472v472H20V20z\"\/><\/g><\/symbol><\/svg><div class=\"grw-row grw-row-m\" data-options='{\"speed\":3,\"autoplay\":true,\"mousestop\":true,\"breakpoints\":\"\"}'><div class=\"grw-header\"><div class=\"grw-header-inner rpi-flx rpi-row12\"><div class=\"grw-img-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"grw-img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/gmblogo.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"First Class Sailing Ltd place picture\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" onerror=\"if(this.src!='data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7')this.src='data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7';\" ><\/div><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col8\"><div class=\"wp-google-name\"><a href=\"https:\/\/search.google.com\/local\/reviews?placeid=ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">First Class Sailing Ltd<\/a><\/div><span class=\"rpi-stars\" style=\"--rating:5.0\">5.0<\/span><div class=\"wp-google-based\">Based on 278 reviews<\/div><div class=\"wp-google-powered\">powered by <span><span style=\"color:#3c6df0!important\">G<\/span><span style=\"color:#d93025!important\">o<\/span><span style=\"color:#fb8e28!important\">o<\/span><span style=\"color:#3c6df0!important\">g<\/span><span style=\"color:#188038!important\">l<\/span><span style=\"color:#d93025!important\">e<\/span><\/span><\/div><div class=\"wp-google-wr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/search.google.com\/local\/writereview?placeid=ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" onclick=\"return rplg_leave_review_window.call(this)\">review us on<svg height=\"16\" width=\"16\" role=\"none\"><use href=\"#grw-google\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"rpi-slides-root grw-content\"><div class=\"grw-content-inner\"><button class=\"rpi-ltgt rpi-lt grw-prev\" tabindex=\"0\"><\/button><div class=\"rpi-slides grw-reviews rpi-slides-bite\" data-count=\"10\" data-offset=\"10\"><div class=\"rpi-slide grw-review\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col12 grw-review-inner grw-backgnd\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-row12-center\"><div class=\"grw-img-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"grw-img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0_9b8aba817b39bd67197e90254e80f4b3.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Maurice MacSweeney profile picture\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" onerror=\"if(this.src!='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png')this.src='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png';\" ><\/div><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col6\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/contrib\/108348310384646756738\/reviews\" class=\"wp-google-name\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Maurice MacSweeney<\/a><div class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1761824713\">11:45 30 Oct 25<\/div><\/div><\/div><span class=\"rpi-stars\" style=\"--rating:5\"><\/span><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col4\"><div class=\"wp-google-feedback grw-scroll\" ><span class=\"wp-google-text\">Over the last few years First Class Sailing have taken me all the way from complete novice to Coastal Skipper, with theory and other courses along the way (like VHF, First Aid, etc), and there's now no other school I'd want to train and study with. They really stand out from other providers with the quality of their instructors and the support and responsiveness you get from the office team. There's never too many students on a course, so you get lots of time to practise and learn from the instructor. By the end of each course you really feel you've been stretched and graduated to a much higher level of skill.  A really high quality outfit and thoroughly recommended!<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-google-reply grw-scroll\"><div><span class=\"grw-b\">Response from the owner<\/span><span class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1762437366\">                            13:56 06 Nov 25                        <\/span><\/div>Hi Maurice, we're so pleased to have been with you from the start of your sailing journey.  That's great that you enjoyed the ratio of students to instructor and felt confident with the levels you achieved. Thanks for the review, we hope you manage to get plenty of sailing in after all the hard work you've put in. <\/div><svg height=\"16\" width=\"16\" role=\"none\"><use href=\"#grw-google\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/div><div class=\"rpi-slide grw-review\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col12 grw-review-inner grw-backgnd\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-row12-center\"><div class=\"grw-img-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"grw-img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0_cad4c942cf9cb64542c25fd888a6257d.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Marty Stromquist profile picture\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" onerror=\"if(this.src!='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png')this.src='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png';\" ><\/div><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col6\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/contrib\/114497865051045837855\/reviews\" class=\"wp-google-name\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Marty Stromquist<\/a><div class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1761319358\">15:22 24 Oct 25<\/div><\/div><\/div><span class=\"rpi-stars\" style=\"--rating:5\"><\/span><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col4\"><div class=\"wp-google-feedback grw-scroll\" ><span class=\"wp-google-text\">I just finished another training week at First Class Sailing\u2019s training center. The week was dedicated to Yachtmaster Ocean Theory, with a highlight on Celestial Navigation. The instructor, Nigel Rennie FRIN (Fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation), was fantastic. It was very fast-paced, but covered the basics and theory behind Celestial Navigation. The jewel of the week was Rennie. His abundant patience, coupled with his experiences and passion for the art, made the week incredible. First Class Sailing have the best instructors. They know their craft and have real-life experience to make training both fun and memorable. Well Done!<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-google-reply grw-scroll\"><div><span class=\"grw-b\">Response from the owner<\/span><span class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1762436558\">                            13:42 06 Nov 25                        <\/span><\/div>Thanks Marty.  We're so pleased you enjoyed Nigel's expert guidance and passion for sailing. Like all our instructors, he loves teaching and sharing his knowledge, but manages to make it fun too.  Thanks for the recommendation.   <\/div><svg height=\"16\" width=\"16\" role=\"none\"><use href=\"#grw-google\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/div><div class=\"rpi-slide grw-review\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col12 grw-review-inner grw-backgnd\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-row12-center\"><div class=\"grw-img-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"grw-img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0_cfbe4d5a9f1cb814fad76a51f1d05d66.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Anne-Laure McLeman profile picture\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" onerror=\"if(this.src!='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png')this.src='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png';\" ><\/div><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col6\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/contrib\/102263899911106424103\/reviews\" class=\"wp-google-name\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Anne-Laure McLeman<\/a><div class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1760522843\">10:07 15 Oct 25<\/div><\/div><\/div><span class=\"rpi-stars\" style=\"--rating:5\"><\/span><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col4\"><div class=\"wp-google-feedback grw-scroll\" ><span class=\"wp-google-text\">Being in an all female boat is a great way to learn. Kirsten, our instructor, had a very calm and reassuring style. The small size of the group (only 3 of us) meant we got a lot of attention and many opportunities to practice. Such a good week!<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-google-reply grw-scroll\"><div><span class=\"grw-b\">Response from the owner<\/span><span class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1762435470\">                            13:24 06 Nov 25                        <\/span><\/div>Thank-you for the review Anne-Laure. That's great that the all female option suited you well and you enjoyed learning with Kirsten. Hopefully all that practice has set you up well for future sailing. Good luck! <\/div><svg height=\"16\" width=\"16\" role=\"none\"><use href=\"#grw-google\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/div><div class=\"rpi-slide grw-review\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col12 grw-review-inner grw-backgnd\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-row12-center\"><div class=\"grw-img-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"grw-img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0_b19d43cefdbf037d39566734709df075.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Angus Sandison profile picture\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" onerror=\"if(this.src!='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png')this.src='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png';\" ><\/div><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col6\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/contrib\/101815181423058575223\/reviews\" class=\"wp-google-name\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Angus Sandison<\/a><div class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1759867064\">19:57 07 Oct 25<\/div><\/div><\/div><span class=\"rpi-stars\" style=\"--rating:5\"><\/span><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col4\"><div class=\"wp-google-feedback grw-scroll\" ><span class=\"wp-google-text\">Really great experience with First Class. My partner and I did our Day Skipper over two weekends with our instructor Mark. He was fantastic. Patient as we learned and made the whole thing fun. The boats are great and organization by First Class was seamless. Would totally recommend.<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-google-reply grw-scroll\"><div><span class=\"grw-b\">Response from the owner<\/span><span class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1762435060\">                            13:17 06 Nov 25                        <\/span><\/div>Thanks Angus.  That's good that you enjoyed Mark's style of teaching and also had lots of fun along the way. Wishing you lots of happy sailing in the future. <\/div><svg height=\"16\" width=\"16\" role=\"none\"><use href=\"#grw-google\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/div><div class=\"rpi-slide grw-review\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col12 grw-review-inner grw-backgnd\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-row12-center\"><div class=\"grw-img-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"grw-img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0_986ffae8c488160aef97350d582eb3ee.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Tricia Bunten profile picture\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" onerror=\"if(this.src!='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png')this.src='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png';\" ><\/div><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col6\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/contrib\/106093737489091999706\/reviews\" class=\"wp-google-name\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Tricia Bunten<\/a><div class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1759862910\">18:48 07 Oct 25<\/div><\/div><\/div><span class=\"rpi-stars\" style=\"--rating:5\"><\/span><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col4\"><div class=\"wp-google-feedback grw-scroll\" ><span class=\"wp-google-text\">I just finished a fantastic week taking my Day Skipper practical with First Class Sailing and I highly recommend them.  I chose the Women Only week and had an incredibly patient instructor who was able to help each of us individually with areas of weakness but also worked great with us as a group.  I had never sailed in the Solent before and it was the perfect location for this class.  I am so grateful for First Class and my instructor for helping me build confidence and experience.<\/span><\/div><div class=\"wp-google-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"rpi-thumb\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0_img_a1da2365ab053144a374003663ca2ed6.jpg\" alt=\"Photo from customer review\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-google-reply grw-scroll\"><div><span class=\"grw-b\">Response from the owner<\/span><span class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1762275565\">                            16:59 04 Nov 25                        <\/span><\/div>Thanks Tricia, we're so pleased you enjoyed the Women Only week and had a positive experience.  We always say that the Solent really is one of the best places to learn and it has some beautiful scenery to explore too, so that's good that you appreciated it. Hope you manage to get out on the water soon. <\/div><svg height=\"16\" width=\"16\" role=\"none\"><use href=\"#grw-google\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/div><div class=\"rpi-slide grw-review\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col12 grw-review-inner grw-backgnd\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-row12-center\"><div class=\"grw-img-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"grw-img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0_5b8ac28db04ef6d9fd33be50f197df34.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Evan Ainsworth profile picture\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" onerror=\"if(this.src!='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png')this.src='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png';\" ><\/div><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col6\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/contrib\/106046618398951762435\/reviews\" class=\"wp-google-name\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Evan Ainsworth<\/a><div class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1759696210\">20:30 05 Oct 25<\/div><\/div><\/div><span class=\"rpi-stars\" style=\"--rating:5\"><\/span><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col4\"><div class=\"wp-google-feedback grw-scroll\" ><span class=\"wp-google-text\">They do say that what sets great companies apart is customer service. This is my third time with first class sailing the first time was a few years ago when we did our competent crew it was one of the best weeks of our lives. Then we came again in August for the kids to do their competent crew and my wife and I to do our day skipper course. Unfortunately when I did my day skipper course the weather was terrible and I was unable to have a good session to pass. So Jake said to me you can come back and have a free weekend on us to enable you to pass. And again I had a fabulous weekend. There was just three of us on the boat. A wonderful instructor, Tom, and another student. Tom was an excellent instructor he was relaxed, he had great experiences, he got on with the practical part of sailing not just a lot of theory and he was thorough. He had lots of practical tips to make sailing easier and had some good exercises forest to try. We had a super trip down to Yarmouth where he cooked a wonderful dinner and then we went to the pub. Where we met another first class sailing group and spent the evening listening to their tall tales. The following day we had a super sail back to Southampton, with lots of cool exercises and I was thrilled to pass my day skipper.<\/span><\/div><div class=\"wp-google-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"rpi-thumb\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0_img_c43e9bdbe1cb50ed7a0cb2ced2ddee2e.jpg\" alt=\"Photo from customer review\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-google-reply grw-scroll\"><div><span class=\"grw-b\">Response from the owner<\/span><span class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1762274819\">                            16:46 04 Nov 25                        <\/span><\/div>Thanks for the review Evan and congratulations on passing your Day Skipper practical, the hard work has paid off.  That's good that the whole family joined you for one of the trips and so now hopefully you have some willing crew members for future sails.  Good luck!<\/div><svg height=\"16\" width=\"16\" role=\"none\"><use href=\"#grw-google\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/div><div class=\"rpi-slide grw-review\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col12 grw-review-inner grw-backgnd\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-row12-center\"><div class=\"grw-img-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"grw-img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0_7fde53b012feba68db97c2c10ca70ec1.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"hugo kirby profile picture\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" onerror=\"if(this.src!='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png')this.src='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png';\" ><\/div><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col6\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/contrib\/113646299161690821054\/reviews\" class=\"wp-google-name\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">hugo kirby<\/a><div class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1757431571\">15:26 09 Sep 25<\/div><\/div><\/div><span class=\"rpi-stars\" style=\"--rating:5\"><\/span><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col4\"><div class=\"wp-google-feedback grw-scroll\" ><span class=\"wp-google-text\">great course with a very engaged and helpful instructor - who was happy to go outside the curriculum and give us the benefit of his wider knowledge - throroughly recommended<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-google-reply grw-scroll\"><div><span class=\"grw-b\">Response from the owner<\/span><span class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1757604649\">                            15:30 11 Sep 25                        <\/span><\/div>That's good that you appreciated the experiences and extra knowledge that the instructor passed on. Thanks for the recommendation. <\/div><svg height=\"16\" width=\"16\" role=\"none\"><use href=\"#grw-google\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/div><div class=\"rpi-slide grw-review\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col12 grw-review-inner grw-backgnd\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-row12-center\"><div class=\"grw-img-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"grw-img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0_a6d82f65863be1b5b78dc9aaab749dad.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Justin Brooks profile picture\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" onerror=\"if(this.src!='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png')this.src='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png';\" ><\/div><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col6\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/contrib\/112100091533613366308\/reviews\" class=\"wp-google-name\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Justin Brooks<\/a><div class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1755947498\">11:11 23 Aug 25<\/div><\/div><\/div><span class=\"rpi-stars\" style=\"--rating:5\"><\/span><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col4\"><div class=\"wp-google-feedback grw-scroll\" ><span class=\"wp-google-text\">We would highly recommend First Class Sailing.<br \/><br \/>Very well organised with a top quality instructor who provided tuition tailored to our differing needs.<br \/><br \/>A fantastic option for a couple wanting an entire boat to do a mixed Competent Crew \/ Day Skipper itinerary.<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-google-reply grw-scroll\"><div><span class=\"grw-b\">Response from the owner<\/span><span class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1756390894\">                            14:21 28 Aug 25                        <\/span><\/div>Thanks Justin.  We always find that mixing the Competent Crew &amp; Day Skipper works well, so that's great that it worked for you too.  Hope you manage to get out on the water soon and put all your learning into practice. <\/div><svg height=\"16\" width=\"16\" role=\"none\"><use href=\"#grw-google\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/div><div class=\"rpi-slide grw-review\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col12 grw-review-inner grw-backgnd\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-row12-center\"><div class=\"grw-img-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"grw-img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0_eb1fb05523102ca8ebb0067333c07fb5.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"ChrisC profile picture\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" onerror=\"if(this.src!='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png')this.src='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png';\" ><\/div><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col6\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/contrib\/103474020363313903894\/reviews\" class=\"wp-google-name\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">ChrisC<\/a><div class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1755877049\">15:37 22 Aug 25<\/div><\/div><\/div><span class=\"rpi-stars\" style=\"--rating:5\"><\/span><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col4\"><div class=\"wp-google-feedback grw-scroll\" ><span class=\"wp-google-text\">Great experience doing a Yachtmaster Offshore prep week followed by exam. Lots of useful paperwork up-front for the course admin and training exercises. The 3-day prep format worked well and Hayley did a brilliant job of cramming in the training over those days. Lovely modern boat too called Sazerac. Will be back.<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-google-reply grw-scroll\"><div><span class=\"grw-b\">Response from the owner<\/span><span class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1756390659\">                            14:17 28 Aug 25                        <\/span><\/div>Hi Chris, thanks for the review.  Congratulations on gaining your YMO qualification.  There's a lot to cover, but as you've found, the hard work really pays off.  We look forward to welcoming you back in the future.<\/div><svg height=\"16\" width=\"16\" role=\"none\"><use href=\"#grw-google\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/div><div class=\"rpi-slide grw-review\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col12 grw-review-inner grw-backgnd\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-row12-center\"><div class=\"grw-img-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"grw-img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0_87f7a3fea57de344047e78410dc76b83.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Miles Barr profile picture\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" onerror=\"if(this.src!='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png')this.src='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png';\" ><\/div><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col6\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/contrib\/114709908205299673628\/reviews\" class=\"wp-google-name\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Miles Barr<\/a><div class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1754220478\">11:27 03 Aug 25<\/div><\/div><\/div><span class=\"rpi-stars\" style=\"--rating:5\"><\/span><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col4\"><div class=\"wp-google-feedback grw-scroll\" ><span class=\"wp-google-text\">I completed my Competent Crew and Day Skipper Practical with First Class Sailing. It was a great experience. I hired the whole boat each time, taking my family members along who also earned their Competent Crew qualifications.<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-google-reply grw-scroll\"><div><span class=\"grw-b\">Response from the owner<\/span><span class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1755789692\">                            15:21 21 Aug 25                        <\/span><\/div>Thanks Miles.  That's great that hiring the whole boat for your courses worked well for you all. Now that your family have their comp crew qualifications, you'll have plenty of help onboard for future sails!  Good luck.   <\/div><svg height=\"16\" width=\"16\" role=\"none\"><use href=\"#grw-google\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/div><\/div><button class=\"rpi-ltgt rpi-gt grw-next\" tabindex=\"0\"><\/button><div class=\"rpi-dots-wrap\"><div class=\"rpi-dots\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><script>(function(p){if(!p)return;let w=p.offsetWidth,m=function(a,b){return Math.min(a,b)===a};p.querySelector('.grw-row').classList.replace('grw-row-m','grw-row-'+(m(w,510)?'xs':m(w,750)?'x':m(w,1100)?'s':m(w,1450)?'m':m(w,1800)?'l':'xl'))})(document.currentScript?.parentElement)<\/script><\/div>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#eef8fb&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;3px||3px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;RGBA(255,255,255,0)&#8221; 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global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sailing News A mix of insights into our courses and trips, engaging stories from some adventures, and educational content for anyone passionate about sailing.Subscribe To Our Newsletter Here about upcoming courses and trips and get the latest news, articles and resources, sent to your inbox weekly or so.<div class=\"wprev-no-slider\" id=\"wprev-slider-1\"><style>#wprev-slider-1 .wprev_preview_bradius_T1 {border-radius: 0px;}#wprev-slider-1 .wprev_preview_bg1_T1 {background:;}#wprev-slider-1 .wprev_preview_bg2_T1 {background:;}#wprev-slider-1 .wprev_preview_tcolor1_T1 {color:;}#wprev-slider-1 .wprev_preview_tcolor2_T1 {color:;}#wprev-slider-1 .wprev_preview_bg1_T1::after{ border-top: 30px solid ; }<\/style><style><\/style>\t\t<div class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_outer_div w3_wprs-row-padding\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_DIV_1 w3_wprs-col l4\">\r\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_DIV_2 wprev_preview_bg1_T1 wprev_preview_bradius_T1\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_P_3 wprev_preview_tcolor1_T1\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wptripadvisor_star_imgs_T1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-tripadvisor-review-slider\/public\/partials\/imgs\/tripadvisor_stars_5.png\" alt=\"star rating\" class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_star_img_file\">&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"wprevrevtitle\">All female boat for day skipper practical <\/span>&nbsp;-&nbsp;Being in an all female boat is a great way to learn. Kirsten, our instructor, had a very calm and reassuring style. The small size of the group (only 3<a class='wprs_rd_more'>... read more<\/a><span class='wprs_rd_more_text' style='display:none;'> of us) meant we got a lot of attention and many opportunities to practice.<\/span>\t\t\t\t<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.co.uk\/Attraction_Review-g186299-d3783802-Reviews-or10-First_Class_Sailing-Southampton_Hampshire_England.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-tripadvisor-review-slider\/public\/partials\/imgs\/tripadvisor_outline.png\" alt=\"tripadvisor logo\" class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_tripadvisor_logo\"><\/a>\t\t\t<\/div><span class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_A_8\"><\/span> <span class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_SPAN_5 wprev_preview_tcolor2_T1\">ALMC62<br\/><span class=\"wprev_showdate_T1\">October 15, 2025<\/span> <\/span>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_DIV_1 w3_wprs-col l4\">\r\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_DIV_2 wprev_preview_bg1_T1 wprev_preview_bradius_T1\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_P_3 wprev_preview_tcolor1_T1\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wptripadvisor_star_imgs_T1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-tripadvisor-review-slider\/public\/partials\/imgs\/tripadvisor_stars_5.png\" alt=\"star rating\" class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_star_img_file\">&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"wprevrevtitle\">Excellent training course with Fergus! <\/span>&nbsp;-&nbsp;Excellent training course with Fergus! He made sure that across levels we were all learning and having fun! The extra context from his experience sailing was insightful and entertaining!\t\t\t\t<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.co.uk\/Attraction_Review-g186299-d3783802-Reviews-or10-First_Class_Sailing-Southampton_Hampshire_England.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-tripadvisor-review-slider\/public\/partials\/imgs\/tripadvisor_outline.png\" alt=\"tripadvisor logo\" class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_tripadvisor_logo\"><\/a>\t\t\t<\/div><span class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_A_8\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media-cdn.tripadvisor.com\/media\/photo-l\/1a\/f6\/e5\/66\/default-avatar-2020-53.jpg\" alt=\"avatar thumb\" class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_IMG_4\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/span> <span class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_SPAN_5 wprev_preview_tcolor2_T1\">Jamie S<br\/><span class=\"wprev_showdate_T1\">October 25, 2025<\/span> <\/span>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_DIV_1 w3_wprs-col l4\">\r\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_DIV_2 wprev_preview_bg1_T1 wprev_preview_bradius_T1\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_P_3 wprev_preview_tcolor1_T1\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wptripadvisor_star_imgs_T1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-tripadvisor-review-slider\/public\/partials\/imgs\/tripadvisor_stars_5.png\" alt=\"star rating\" class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_star_img_file\">&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"wprevrevtitle\">Great night sailing weekend.<\/span>&nbsp;-&nbsp;I did the night sailing weekend on the Solent. Callum was very friendly and knowledgeable. He planned the weekend together with the participants such that everyone could have an input<a class='wprs_rd_more'>... read more<\/a><span class='wprs_rd_more_text' style='display:none;'> regarding what they wanted to get out of the course. It was a great weekend and the Jeanneau Voyage 12.5 was really a great boat in windy weather. The food was very good and the office staff were helpful and responded very quickly.<\/span>\t\t\t\t<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.co.uk\/Attraction_Review-g186299-d3783802-Reviews-or10-First_Class_Sailing-Southampton_Hampshire_England.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-tripadvisor-review-slider\/public\/partials\/imgs\/tripadvisor_outline.png\" alt=\"tripadvisor logo\" class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_tripadvisor_logo\"><\/a>\t\t\t<\/div><span class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_A_8\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media-cdn.tripadvisor.com\/media\/photo-l\/1a\/f6\/e2\/a7\/default-avatar-2020-44.jpg\" alt=\"avatar thumb\" class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_IMG_4\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/span> <span class=\"wptripadvisor_t1_SPAN_5 wprev_preview_tcolor2_T1\">Federica D<br\/><span class=\"wprev_showdate_T1\">November 8, 2025<\/span> <\/span>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n<!-- This file should primarily consist of HTML with a little bit of PHP. -->\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"wp-gr rpi wpac\" data-id=\"7426\" data-layout=\"slider\" data-exec=\"false\" data-options='{&quot;text_size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;trans&quot;:{&quot;read more&quot;:&quot;read more&quot;}}'><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" style=\"display:none!important\"><symbol id=\"grw-tripadvisor\" viewBox=\"0 0 713.496 713.496\"><g><circle fill=\"#34E0A1\" cx=\"356.749\" cy=\"356.748\" r=\"356.748\"\/><path d=\"M577.095,287.152l43.049-46.836h-95.465c-47.792-32.646-105.51-51.659-167.931-51.659   c-62.342,0-119.899,19.054-167.612,51.659H93.432l43.049,46.836c-26.387,24.075-42.929,58.754-42.929,97.259   c0,72.665,58.914,131.578,131.579,131.578c34.519,0,65.968-13.313,89.446-35.077l42.172,45.919l42.172-45.879   c23.478,21.764,54.887,35.037,89.406,35.037c72.665,0,131.658-58.913,131.658-131.578   C620.024,345.866,603.483,311.188,577.095,287.152z 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261.36c0-16.73-1.5-32.83-4.29-48.27H256v91.29h127.01c-5.47 29.5-22.1 54.49-47.09 71.23v59.21h76.27c44.63-41.09 70.37-101.59 70.37-173.46z\" fill=\"#4285f4\"\/><path d=\"M256 492c63.72 0 117.14-21.13 156.19-57.18l-76.27-59.21c-21.13 14.16-48.17 22.53-79.92 22.53-61.47 0-113.49-41.51-132.05-97.3H45.1v61.15c38.83 77.13 118.64 130.01 210.9 130.01z\" fill=\"#34a853\"\/><path d=\"M123.95 300.84c-4.72-14.16-7.4-29.29-7.4-44.84s2.68-30.68 7.4-44.84V150.01H45.1C29.12 181.87 20 217.92 20 256c0 38.08 9.12 74.13 25.1 105.99l78.85-61.15z\" fill=\"#fbbc05\"\/><path d=\"M256 113.86c34.65 0 65.76 11.91 90.22 35.29l67.69-67.69C373.03 43.39 319.61 20 256 20c-92.25 0-172.07 52.89-210.9 130.01l78.85 61.15c18.56-55.78 70.59-97.3 132.05-97.3z\" fill=\"#ea4335\"\/><path d=\"M20 20h472v472H20V20z\"\/><\/g><\/symbol><\/svg><div class=\"grw-row grw-row-m\" data-options='{\"speed\":3,\"autoplay\":true,\"mousestop\":true,\"breakpoints\":\"\"}'><div class=\"grw-header\"><div class=\"grw-header-inner rpi-flx rpi-row12\"><div class=\"grw-img-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"grw-img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/gmblogo.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"First Class Sailing Ltd place picture\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" onerror=\"if(this.src!='data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7')this.src='data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7';\" ><\/div><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col8\"><div class=\"wp-google-name\"><a href=\"https:\/\/search.google.com\/local\/reviews?placeid=ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">First Class Sailing Ltd<\/a><\/div><span class=\"rpi-stars\" style=\"--rating:5.0\">5.0<\/span><div class=\"wp-google-based\">Based on 278 reviews<\/div><div class=\"wp-google-powered\">powered by <span><span style=\"color:#3c6df0!important\">G<\/span><span style=\"color:#d93025!important\">o<\/span><span style=\"color:#fb8e28!important\">o<\/span><span style=\"color:#3c6df0!important\">g<\/span><span style=\"color:#188038!important\">l<\/span><span style=\"color:#d93025!important\">e<\/span><\/span><\/div><div class=\"wp-google-wr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/search.google.com\/local\/writereview?placeid=ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" onclick=\"return rplg_leave_review_window.call(this)\">review us on<svg height=\"16\" width=\"16\" role=\"none\"><use href=\"#grw-google\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"rpi-slides-root grw-content\"><div class=\"grw-content-inner\"><button class=\"rpi-ltgt rpi-lt grw-prev\" tabindex=\"0\"><\/button><div class=\"rpi-slides grw-reviews rpi-slides-bite\" data-count=\"10\" data-offset=\"10\"><div class=\"rpi-slide grw-review\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col12 grw-review-inner grw-backgnd\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-row12-center\"><div class=\"grw-img-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"grw-img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0_9b8aba817b39bd67197e90254e80f4b3.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Maurice MacSweeney profile picture\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" onerror=\"if(this.src!='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png')this.src='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png';\" ><\/div><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col6\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/contrib\/108348310384646756738\/reviews\" class=\"wp-google-name\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Maurice MacSweeney<\/a><div class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1761824713\">11:45 30 Oct 25<\/div><\/div><\/div><span class=\"rpi-stars\" style=\"--rating:5\"><\/span><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col4\"><div class=\"wp-google-feedback grw-scroll\" ><span class=\"wp-google-text\">Over the last few years First Class Sailing have taken me all the way from complete novice to Coastal Skipper, with theory and other courses along the way (like VHF, First Aid, etc), and there's now no other school I'd want to train and study with. They really stand out from other providers with the quality of their instructors and the support and responsiveness you get from the office team. There's never too many students on a course, so you get lots of time to practise and learn from the instructor. By the end of each course you really feel you've been stretched and graduated to a much higher level of skill.  A really high quality outfit and thoroughly recommended!<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-google-reply grw-scroll\"><div><span class=\"grw-b\">Response from the owner<\/span><span class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1762437366\">                            13:56 06 Nov 25                        <\/span><\/div>Hi Maurice, we're so pleased to have been with you from the start of your sailing journey.  That's great that you enjoyed the ratio of students to instructor and felt confident with the levels you achieved. Thanks for the review, we hope you manage to get plenty of sailing in after all the hard work you've put in. <\/div><svg height=\"16\" width=\"16\" role=\"none\"><use href=\"#grw-google\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/div><div class=\"rpi-slide grw-review\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col12 grw-review-inner grw-backgnd\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-row12-center\"><div class=\"grw-img-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"grw-img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0_cad4c942cf9cb64542c25fd888a6257d.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Marty Stromquist profile picture\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" onerror=\"if(this.src!='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png')this.src='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png';\" ><\/div><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col6\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/contrib\/114497865051045837855\/reviews\" class=\"wp-google-name\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Marty Stromquist<\/a><div class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1761319358\">15:22 24 Oct 25<\/div><\/div><\/div><span class=\"rpi-stars\" style=\"--rating:5\"><\/span><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col4\"><div class=\"wp-google-feedback grw-scroll\" ><span class=\"wp-google-text\">I just finished another training week at First Class Sailing\u2019s training center. The week was dedicated to Yachtmaster Ocean Theory, with a highlight on Celestial Navigation. The instructor, Nigel Rennie FRIN (Fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation), was fantastic. It was very fast-paced, but covered the basics and theory behind Celestial Navigation. The jewel of the week was Rennie. His abundant patience, coupled with his experiences and passion for the art, made the week incredible. First Class Sailing have the best instructors. They know their craft and have real-life experience to make training both fun and memorable. Well Done!<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-google-reply grw-scroll\"><div><span class=\"grw-b\">Response from the owner<\/span><span class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1762436558\">                            13:42 06 Nov 25                        <\/span><\/div>Thanks Marty.  We're so pleased you enjoyed Nigel's expert guidance and passion for sailing. Like all our instructors, he loves teaching and sharing his knowledge, but manages to make it fun too.  Thanks for the recommendation.   <\/div><svg height=\"16\" width=\"16\" role=\"none\"><use href=\"#grw-google\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/div><div class=\"rpi-slide grw-review\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col12 grw-review-inner grw-backgnd\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-row12-center\"><div class=\"grw-img-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"grw-img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0_cfbe4d5a9f1cb814fad76a51f1d05d66.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Anne-Laure McLeman profile picture\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" onerror=\"if(this.src!='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png')this.src='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png';\" ><\/div><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col6\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/contrib\/102263899911106424103\/reviews\" class=\"wp-google-name\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Anne-Laure McLeman<\/a><div class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1760522843\">10:07 15 Oct 25<\/div><\/div><\/div><span class=\"rpi-stars\" style=\"--rating:5\"><\/span><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col4\"><div class=\"wp-google-feedback grw-scroll\" ><span class=\"wp-google-text\">Being in an all female boat is a great way to learn. Kirsten, our instructor, had a very calm and reassuring style. The small size of the group (only 3 of us) meant we got a lot of attention and many opportunities to practice. Such a good week!<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-google-reply grw-scroll\"><div><span class=\"grw-b\">Response from the owner<\/span><span class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1762435470\">                            13:24 06 Nov 25                        <\/span><\/div>Thank-you for the review Anne-Laure. That's great that the all female option suited you well and you enjoyed learning with Kirsten. Hopefully all that practice has set you up well for future sailing. Good luck! <\/div><svg height=\"16\" width=\"16\" role=\"none\"><use href=\"#grw-google\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/div><div class=\"rpi-slide grw-review\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col12 grw-review-inner grw-backgnd\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-row12-center\"><div class=\"grw-img-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"grw-img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0_b19d43cefdbf037d39566734709df075.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Angus Sandison profile picture\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" onerror=\"if(this.src!='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png')this.src='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png';\" ><\/div><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col6\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/contrib\/101815181423058575223\/reviews\" class=\"wp-google-name\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Angus Sandison<\/a><div class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1759867064\">19:57 07 Oct 25<\/div><\/div><\/div><span class=\"rpi-stars\" style=\"--rating:5\"><\/span><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col4\"><div class=\"wp-google-feedback grw-scroll\" ><span class=\"wp-google-text\">Really great experience with First Class. My partner and I did our Day Skipper over two weekends with our instructor Mark. He was fantastic. Patient as we learned and made the whole thing fun. The boats are great and organization by First Class was seamless. Would totally recommend.<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-google-reply grw-scroll\"><div><span class=\"grw-b\">Response from the owner<\/span><span class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1762435060\">                            13:17 06 Nov 25                        <\/span><\/div>Thanks Angus.  That's good that you enjoyed Mark's style of teaching and also had lots of fun along the way. Wishing you lots of happy sailing in the future. <\/div><svg height=\"16\" width=\"16\" role=\"none\"><use href=\"#grw-google\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/div><div class=\"rpi-slide grw-review\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col12 grw-review-inner grw-backgnd\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-row12-center\"><div class=\"grw-img-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"grw-img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0_986ffae8c488160aef97350d582eb3ee.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Tricia Bunten profile picture\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" onerror=\"if(this.src!='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png')this.src='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png';\" ><\/div><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col6\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/contrib\/106093737489091999706\/reviews\" class=\"wp-google-name\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Tricia Bunten<\/a><div class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1759862910\">18:48 07 Oct 25<\/div><\/div><\/div><span class=\"rpi-stars\" style=\"--rating:5\"><\/span><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col4\"><div class=\"wp-google-feedback grw-scroll\" ><span class=\"wp-google-text\">I just finished a fantastic week taking my Day Skipper practical with First Class Sailing and I highly recommend them.  I chose the Women Only week and had an incredibly patient instructor who was able to help each of us individually with areas of weakness but also worked great with us as a group.  I had never sailed in the Solent before and it was the perfect location for this class.  I am so grateful for First Class and my instructor for helping me build confidence and experience.<\/span><\/div><div class=\"wp-google-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"rpi-thumb\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0_img_a1da2365ab053144a374003663ca2ed6.jpg\" alt=\"Photo from customer review\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-google-reply grw-scroll\"><div><span class=\"grw-b\">Response from the owner<\/span><span class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1762275565\">                            16:59 04 Nov 25                        <\/span><\/div>Thanks Tricia, we're so pleased you enjoyed the Women Only week and had a positive experience.  We always say that the Solent really is one of the best places to learn and it has some beautiful scenery to explore too, so that's good that you appreciated it. Hope you manage to get out on the water soon. <\/div><svg height=\"16\" width=\"16\" role=\"none\"><use href=\"#grw-google\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/div><div class=\"rpi-slide grw-review\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col12 grw-review-inner grw-backgnd\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-row12-center\"><div class=\"grw-img-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"grw-img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0_5b8ac28db04ef6d9fd33be50f197df34.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Evan Ainsworth profile picture\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" onerror=\"if(this.src!='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png')this.src='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png';\" ><\/div><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col6\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/contrib\/106046618398951762435\/reviews\" class=\"wp-google-name\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Evan Ainsworth<\/a><div class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1759696210\">20:30 05 Oct 25<\/div><\/div><\/div><span class=\"rpi-stars\" style=\"--rating:5\"><\/span><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col4\"><div class=\"wp-google-feedback grw-scroll\" ><span class=\"wp-google-text\">They do say that what sets great companies apart is customer service. This is my third time with first class sailing the first time was a few years ago when we did our competent crew it was one of the best weeks of our lives. Then we came again in August for the kids to do their competent crew and my wife and I to do our day skipper course. Unfortunately when I did my day skipper course the weather was terrible and I was unable to have a good session to pass. So Jake said to me you can come back and have a free weekend on us to enable you to pass. And again I had a fabulous weekend. There was just three of us on the boat. A wonderful instructor, Tom, and another student. Tom was an excellent instructor he was relaxed, he had great experiences, he got on with the practical part of sailing not just a lot of theory and he was thorough. He had lots of practical tips to make sailing easier and had some good exercises forest to try. We had a super trip down to Yarmouth where he cooked a wonderful dinner and then we went to the pub. Where we met another first class sailing group and spent the evening listening to their tall tales. The following day we had a super sail back to Southampton, with lots of cool exercises and I was thrilled to pass my day skipper.<\/span><\/div><div class=\"wp-google-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"rpi-thumb\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0_img_c43e9bdbe1cb50ed7a0cb2ced2ddee2e.jpg\" alt=\"Photo from customer review\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-google-reply grw-scroll\"><div><span class=\"grw-b\">Response from the owner<\/span><span class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1762274819\">                            16:46 04 Nov 25                        <\/span><\/div>Thanks for the review Evan and congratulations on passing your Day Skipper practical, the hard work has paid off.  That's good that the whole family joined you for one of the trips and so now hopefully you have some willing crew members for future sails.  Good luck!<\/div><svg height=\"16\" width=\"16\" role=\"none\"><use href=\"#grw-google\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/div><div class=\"rpi-slide grw-review\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col12 grw-review-inner grw-backgnd\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-row12-center\"><div class=\"grw-img-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"grw-img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0_7fde53b012feba68db97c2c10ca70ec1.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"hugo kirby profile picture\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" onerror=\"if(this.src!='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png')this.src='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png';\" ><\/div><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col6\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/contrib\/113646299161690821054\/reviews\" class=\"wp-google-name\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">hugo kirby<\/a><div class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1757431571\">15:26 09 Sep 25<\/div><\/div><\/div><span class=\"rpi-stars\" style=\"--rating:5\"><\/span><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col4\"><div class=\"wp-google-feedback grw-scroll\" ><span class=\"wp-google-text\">great course with a very engaged and helpful instructor - who was happy to go outside the curriculum and give us the benefit of his wider knowledge - throroughly recommended<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-google-reply grw-scroll\"><div><span class=\"grw-b\">Response from the owner<\/span><span class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1757604649\">                            15:30 11 Sep 25                        <\/span><\/div>That's good that you appreciated the experiences and extra knowledge that the instructor passed on. Thanks for the recommendation. <\/div><svg height=\"16\" width=\"16\" role=\"none\"><use href=\"#grw-google\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/div><div class=\"rpi-slide grw-review\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col12 grw-review-inner grw-backgnd\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-row12-center\"><div class=\"grw-img-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"grw-img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0_a6d82f65863be1b5b78dc9aaab749dad.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Justin Brooks profile picture\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" onerror=\"if(this.src!='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png')this.src='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png';\" ><\/div><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col6\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/contrib\/112100091533613366308\/reviews\" class=\"wp-google-name\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Justin Brooks<\/a><div class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1755947498\">11:11 23 Aug 25<\/div><\/div><\/div><span class=\"rpi-stars\" style=\"--rating:5\"><\/span><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col4\"><div class=\"wp-google-feedback grw-scroll\" ><span class=\"wp-google-text\">We would highly recommend First Class Sailing.<br \/><br \/>Very well organised with a top quality instructor who provided tuition tailored to our differing needs.<br \/><br \/>A fantastic option for a couple wanting an entire boat to do a mixed Competent Crew \/ Day Skipper itinerary.<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-google-reply grw-scroll\"><div><span class=\"grw-b\">Response from the owner<\/span><span class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1756390894\">                            14:21 28 Aug 25                        <\/span><\/div>Thanks Justin.  We always find that mixing the Competent Crew &amp; Day Skipper works well, so that's great that it worked for you too.  Hope you manage to get out on the water soon and put all your learning into practice. <\/div><svg height=\"16\" width=\"16\" role=\"none\"><use href=\"#grw-google\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/div><div class=\"rpi-slide grw-review\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col12 grw-review-inner grw-backgnd\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-row12-center\"><div class=\"grw-img-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"grw-img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0_eb1fb05523102ca8ebb0067333c07fb5.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"ChrisC profile picture\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" onerror=\"if(this.src!='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png')this.src='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png';\" ><\/div><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col6\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/contrib\/103474020363313903894\/reviews\" class=\"wp-google-name\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">ChrisC<\/a><div class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1755877049\">15:37 22 Aug 25<\/div><\/div><\/div><span class=\"rpi-stars\" style=\"--rating:5\"><\/span><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col4\"><div class=\"wp-google-feedback grw-scroll\" ><span class=\"wp-google-text\">Great experience doing a Yachtmaster Offshore prep week followed by exam. Lots of useful paperwork up-front for the course admin and training exercises. The 3-day prep format worked well and Hayley did a brilliant job of cramming in the training over those days. Lovely modern boat too called Sazerac. Will be back.<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-google-reply grw-scroll\"><div><span class=\"grw-b\">Response from the owner<\/span><span class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1756390659\">                            14:17 28 Aug 25                        <\/span><\/div>Hi Chris, thanks for the review.  Congratulations on gaining your YMO qualification.  There's a lot to cover, but as you've found, the hard work really pays off.  We look forward to welcoming you back in the future.<\/div><svg height=\"16\" width=\"16\" role=\"none\"><use href=\"#grw-google\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/div><div class=\"rpi-slide grw-review\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col12 grw-review-inner grw-backgnd\"><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-row12-center\"><div class=\"grw-img-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"grw-img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChIJra56qkRxdEgRAzjLAz9WGk0_87f7a3fea57de344047e78410dc76b83.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Miles Barr profile picture\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" onerror=\"if(this.src!='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png')this.src='https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/widget-google-reviews\/assets\/img\/guest.png';\" ><\/div><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col6\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/contrib\/114709908205299673628\/reviews\" class=\"wp-google-name\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Miles Barr<\/a><div class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1754220478\">11:27 03 Aug 25<\/div><\/div><\/div><span class=\"rpi-stars\" style=\"--rating:5\"><\/span><div class=\"rpi-flx rpi-col4\"><div class=\"wp-google-feedback grw-scroll\" ><span class=\"wp-google-text\">I completed my Competent Crew and Day Skipper Practical with First Class Sailing. It was a great experience. I hired the whole boat each time, taking my family members along who also earned their Competent Crew qualifications.<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-google-reply grw-scroll\"><div><span class=\"grw-b\">Response from the owner<\/span><span class=\"wp-google-time\" data-time=\"1755789692\">                            15:21 21 Aug 25                        <\/span><\/div>Thanks Miles.  That's great that hiring the whole boat for your courses worked well for you all. Now that your family have their comp crew qualifications, you'll have plenty of help onboard for future sails!  Good luck.   <\/div><svg height=\"16\" width=\"16\" role=\"none\"><use href=\"#grw-google\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/div><\/div><button class=\"rpi-ltgt rpi-gt grw-next\" tabindex=\"0\"><\/button><div class=\"rpi-dots-wrap\"><div class=\"rpi-dots\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><script>(function(p){if(!p)return;let w=p.offsetWidth,m=function(a,b){return Math.min(a,b)===a};p.querySelector('.grw-row').classList.replace('grw-row-m','grw-row-'+(m(w,510)?'xs':m(w,750)?'x':m(w,1100)?'s':m(w,1450)?'m':m(w,1800)?'l':'xl'))})(document.currentScript?.parentElement)<\/script><\/div>All BlogsWe&#8217;d love to hear from [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-7436","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7436","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7436"}],"version-history":[{"count":35,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7436\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8130,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7436\/revisions\/8130"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7436"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}