Advanced Sailing
Starting from: £549
Safe & Secure Checkout
Ready to take your sailing skills to the next level? These Advanced Sailing sessions will improve your confidence no end and better prepare you for tricky situations you may well encounter when you are skipper..
- Experience instructors focusing on advanced sailing techniques
- Heavy weather and lights airs kit to play with
- Maximum 4 students to 1 instructor
Safe & Secure Checkout
Instructor focus
I highly recommend First Class Sailing for anyone looking to learn or improve their sailing skills. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and focus on both safety and technique. With hands-on training, a well-maintained fleet, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to gain confidence on the water.
J R
Verified Customer
Join our immersive, hands-on Advanced Sailing sessions and push your seamanship to new horizons. Designed for experienced sailors, this week-long course goes beyond the basics - it's your chance to hone critical skills, handle challenging conditions, and gain real offshore experience.
The weekend or week, depending on what option you sign up for will obviously be weather dependant but we will be aiming to cover things like:
- Spinnaker Handling
- Sail Trim for Performance
- Heavy Weather Sailing and Storm Tactics
- Close-Quarter Boat Handling
- Some Night Sailing
5.0 based on 496 Happy Customers on Tripadvisor
RYA-certified sailing courses
5.0 based on 220 Happy Customers on Google Reviews
More Info on the Advanced Sailings Sessions
- Low crew to instructor ratios: Our low crew to instructor ratios mean that each crew member receives ample guidance and support during their sailing experience.
- All meals included on-board: Enjoy hassle-free trips with all meals provided on-board. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinners. Crew can focus on the experience without worrying about extra expenses.
- Wet weather gear included: Be prepared for any conditions with the use of our wet weather gear. Whether it’s rain or wind, stay comfortable and protected during your outdoor activities with quality gear provided at no additional cost.
- Friendly experienced instructors: Learn from the best with our team of friendly and experienced instructors. With a wealth of knowledge and a passion for teaching, our instructors are dedicated to creating a supportive and enjoyable learning environment for crew of all skill levels.
Key Course Details
Here’s a breakdown of the most important information about the Advanced Sailing:
Required Experience
- You need to be at least Day Skipper level or above
Course Duration
- Varies. We do weekends and 5 day options
Experience Gained
- A variety of advanced sailing techniques to help you develop and improve as a skipper.
Building Confidence
- The aim of these sessions is to build confidence and knowledge
Get Started In 3 Easy Steps
We make learning to be a competent yacht Skipper easy.
Select A Date
Once you’re sure you meet the requirements, look at our upcoming course dates and choose the one that best suits you.
Join in Southampton
Enjoy a fun filled few days of learning and trying new things.
Become A Pro Sailor
Head off better prepared for tricky situations you may well encounter when you are skipper.
Advanced Sailing -
Complete Breakdown
What You'll Learn
Whether you're preparing for longer passages, building confidence for solo cruising, or just keen to become a more competent skipper, this course delivers expert-level training in key areas, including:
Spinnaker Handling
Master downwind power and sail shape with controlled spinnaker launches, gybes, and drops—even in brisk conditions.
Sail Trim for Performance
Fine-tune your understanding of headsail and mainsail trim for speed, balance, and efficiency on all points of sail.
Heavy Weather Sailing
Learn how to keep control when the wind pipes up: reefing strategies, heaving to, and riding out rough seas with confidence.
Storm Tactics
From sea anchors to drogues and warps, we’ll train you in essential methods to keep your crew and boat safe in extreme conditions.
Close-Quarter Boat Handling
Practice tight turns, back-and-fill techniques, and smooth docking in marinas—because great sailors look good in the harbour too.
Night Sailing Experience
Navigate, helm, and stand watch under the stars. Discover the magic—and responsibility—of sailing after dark.
Offshore Sailing
Weather permitting, this week may include a sail across the Channel to Normandy or the Channel Islands. These offshore legs offer a unique chance to put your skills into practice on extended passages, experience tidal planning in depth, and build sea miles for certification or personal development.
Who is this For?
These sessions are perfect for sailors with previous skippering or crewing experience, such as Day Skipper level and above. If you’re comfortable on deck and eager to become a more proficient, confident offshore sailor, you’ll get a huge amount out of this week.
What Sailors Say About Us
5.0 based on 561 Happy Customers On Tripadvisor 
5.0 based on 323 Happy Customers On Google Reviews
Superb
I participated in the Mile Builder in April 2025. Excellent experience. Yacht was seaworthy and comfortable, victualling thoughtful, ample and tasty. Our instructor Tom was great, and I learned a lot. The land-based FCS team is really professional, friendly and efficient.
Julian J
Verified Customer
Excellent
Great Boat Handling course this weekend - I came back to First Class after doing my YM with them and the experience was very good! Small group with similar experience level. Activities tailored to our interests. Great instruction from Simon. I always find First Class to be very hands on, lovely people and an enjoyable weekend which totally met my sailing objectives plus was fun too!
Sarah O
Verified Customer
Yachtmaster Offshore Preparation and Exam
I did my YM Offshore preparation and exam with First Class Sailing, and I recommend them highly. Our instructor Jamie set the tone for what it would take to pass the exam right from the start, and made sure that we three candidates gelled as a team very quickly. He is highly experienced and was very effective in making sure that we had the skills and knowledge required to pass the exam, which we all did. The boat was comfortable and well maintained, and First Class Sailing are very easy to deal with. I really enjoyed the whole experience.
Calum M
Verified Customer
Not Sure Where to Start?
Use our guides to determine your level and find suitable courses.
See how internationally recognised RYA courses progress alongside your sailing skills.
Ready to advance your sailing?
Get some great experience on these Advanced Sailing sessions
- Enhance your skills and confidence
- Try things you have previously been unsure to try
- Have a great time
Professional
It is obvious the company prides itself on the objective of combining professional, safe and trusted training courses to clients, while focusing on the serious nature and key elements of sailing and boat operation in a perfect learning environment, whilst also mixing that with a great balance of fun and social interaction, the whole experience was a joy. The ratio of instructor to students , with four of us on the boat on this occasion including our skipper was great. I would seriously recommend this company when looking into sailing courses. First Class Sailing does exactly what it says on the tin.
Patrick M
Verified Customer
Ready to advance your sailing?
You may be interested in...
Whatever your experience, we help you navigate your entire sailing journey. Here's more of what's on offer.
Channel Hop to France or the Channel Islands
'Sail to France and back. Weekend Channel Hops'
Learn More
Learn to use a Sextant
> Traditional Sailing Courses on how to use the sextant and navigate using the sun and stars. Learn while sailing around the Solent area offered by First Class Sailing.
Learn More