boat safari looe

Wildlife Tours and Boat Trips in Looe, Cornwall

Discover amazing wildlife and experience the wonder of the Cornish coastline with our boat trips from Looe, Cornwall! Looe Sea Safari offers wildlife lovers and thrill seekers alike a fantastic opportunity to explore the picturesque Looe Bay in comfort and safety. Our boats are operated by professional skippers with many years of experience. Our trips are perfect for groups, couples, and families and range in length from 20 minutes to 2 hours. Contact Looe Sea Safari to book a wildlife spotting tour today!

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See the abundant wildlife of cornwall.

The wildlife spotting boat trips offered by Looe Sea Safari are ideal for families and a great adventure for animal lovers of all ages! Our experienced boat crew can offer you a unique opportunity to spot wildlife off the coast of Looe, Cornwall. You can marvel at the breathtaking Cornish coastline and witness seals relaxing on Looe Island, dolphins jumping through the waves, bluefin tuna, and sea birds such as herons, guillemots and cormorants.

Meet the team behind Looe Sea Safari.

Find out more about our wildlife tours and boat trips.

View the scenic coastline and abundant wildlife of Cornwall.

Privacy & Confidentiality

Read the Looe Sea Safari terms and conditions and our privacy policy.

Get in touch with our skippers to book your boat tour today!

Both our boats Island Adventurer and Island Explorer are Humber Quinquari 10 metre ribs which are the first choice for most sea safari companies around the UK due to their excellent sea keeping abilities and safety features. They are powered by a pair of new Honda 200hp outboards which emit ultra-low emissions and meet all EPA standards. Each boat has a full range of modern electronics and is MCA coded to carry 12 passengers up to 20 miles from the coast.

Book a wildlife tour with us today!

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Looe Sea Safari

Date posted: 15 jun 2022.

New for 2022, Looe Sea Safari offers the perfect way for family and friends to get on the water to explore the beautiful Cornish coastline; aboard one of our exhilarating 10m ribs with the chance of seeing dolphins, seals, tuna, seabirds and much more. Trips are perfect for groups, couples, and families and range in length from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

You know you’re in safe hands as Looe Sea Safari has a local experienced skipper at the helm. Explore Looe Island, Polperro, Fowey, Whitsand Bay and the Eddystone Lighthouse, and thanks to the ribs’ fast cruising speed they are able to cover much more than other boat trips from Looe.

Categories: Family Days Out , Nature Activities & Clubs , Trips & Tours in Cornwall

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Mudpie Fridays >> Boat Trip >> Complete Guide to Boat Trips Looe in Cornwall

Complete Guide to Boat Trips Looe in Cornwall

When we visited Looe top of Charlie’s to-do list was a boat trip in Looe. More specifically a Looe fishing trip. Since he has a thing about fishing. As the boys are both quite young I steered away from some of the more extreme options such as shark fishing. Instead opting for one of the 2-hour mackerel fishing trips. After all, this was our first attempt. Turns out we had a brilliant time and watching Charlie hold up his catch with the biggest smile on his face will stay with me forever. If you are considering a boat trip from Looe then here’s how we got on and what we learnt. I have also summarised some of the different options available.

Table of Contents

Where is Looe

Looe is a charming coastal town located in South East Cornwall, known for its picturesque beauty and traditional Cornish character. Nestled along the Looe River, which divides the town into East Looe and West Looe, the town is connected by a seven-arched bridge.

With a history steeped in fishing and maritime activities, Looe continues to maintain an active fishing fleet. With a bustling harbour being a focal point of the town, you can watch local fishermen land their daily catch. The town’s narrow winding streets are lined with quaint cottages, shops, and eateries, leading down to a sandy beach at East Looe, which is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and family activities. Such as a Looe boat trip or fishing trips.

Looe Harbour in cornwall with the tide out and the fishing boats

Parking in Looe

Looe is a popular seaside town, especially in the Summer months so if you are planning a trip I would suggest trying to get there early. As the car park is large but we still saw people struggling to park mid-afternoon in the May half term. Like many of the Cornish seaside towns, the carpark is situated outside of the village itself. But it is only a five-minute walk from the carpark to the harbour. Millpool is located in West Looe and the postcode is PL13 2AF. It is very reasonably priced compared to others. You pay on the exit at the pay machine, card payments are available and it is all done by number plate recognition.

Our Experience of a Mackerel Fishing Trip in Looe

I am not going to lie I was a little nervous about trying out a Looe fishing trip. Even though Charlie was a keen angler, it didn’t mean he knew what he was doing. And it was just me and the boys. However, I need not have worried the friendly skipper was so helpful and provided all the direction we needed. Many of the boat trips in Looe are a family run business and it shows.

We headed to the fish market which is used by the commercial fishing boats. Here there are all the signs advertising the different Looe fishing trips. We literally chose one we liked the look of confirming the booking over the phone. Payment is in cash and you meet the boat by the signs. All the skippers know each other and are more than happy to help out and point you in the right direction. We had a fantastic trip, spending a couple of hours in Looe Bay. The boat we went on had no cover so make sure you are dressed for the weather conditions. They also do not have toilets on the boat so best to make sure the kids have a pit stop before leaving shore. We also took some water with us.

We went out a couple of miles from shore and let down our rods that were already made up for us. Mackerel fishing is done with lures and lines have multiple hooks. So once they start biting there is the possibility that you can catch several fish at once. Our fully qualified skipper knew exactly what he was doing and found the best fishing grounds. It was not long before we were catching four or five in one go. When you are fishing with kids this is totally the way to do it. Charlie was buzzing. Harry has always gone to sleep on boats. Even when we went Whale watching in Vancouver . True to form fell asleep. Which meant I even got to have a go. It was such a great family day out. I would highly recommend it.

Charlie holding a mackerel which he caught as sea with a big smile on his face

Other Looe Boat Trip Options

There is a wide variety of boat trips in Looe. This means no matter what your preference you are bound to find something suitable. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure or a relaxing day out with the family. Most of the boat trips will depart from Looe harbour wall and quayside.

Looe Sea Safaris

Looe Sea Safaris are probably the best-known boat trips operating out of Looe. Because they are one of the biggest they offer a wide range of different options to suit the whole family. They use high-speed RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) take you along the Cornish coast. They offer the chance to book online unlike many others that do not have websites and require you to book over the phone. Useful if you want some certainty. Although boat trips are generally weather-dependent.

Looe Sea Safari operate throughout the day even at low tide. Their trips range from 20 minutes around Looe Island which starts at £12 for an adult and £10 for a child (age 2 and over). To longer trips such as their coastal safari where you may have the chance to see marine animals in their natural habitat. Such as dolphins, grey seals and in certain months blue fin tuna. These trips are 90 minutes. They also offer 2-hour trips to Eddystone Lighthouse suitable for ages 8 and over, prices are £42 for adults and £32 for children.

Glass Bottom Boats

The Glass-Bottomed Boat is a great way to see local wildlife. Suitable for the whole family they are the perfect way to introduce younger children to boat trips and for them to view sea life below their feet. They offer two trips:

Around Looe Island, a marine nature reserve which takes about 45 minutes and costs £10 per person which is payable in cash.
The second is a coastal trip to Polperro where you can disembark for 2 hours. This costs £25 for adults, £10 for children with under 2s going free.

Although you can not book, the website does have contact details so you can still make a booking in advance.

Mackerel Fishing Trips

All the ones we saw were hands-on fishing experiences. If you want you keep what you catch. If you don’t then anything which is caught is used as bait for the longer and more advanced Looe fishing trips. Typically referred to as reef fishing the skippers will know the most likely and best fishing spots. They also keep in contact with each other to ensure if one boat gets lucky the others will too. Saying that mackerel are a common sight with the peak season being May to September. All the necessary gear and bait is provided. Typically the boats do not go that far out of Looe harbour.

If you head down to the fish market when you arrive you will see the boards of all the boats operating mackerel fishing trips in Looe. Generally, you can just call the phone number on the board and book in. If you arrive early in the day then normally same day. When we booked we arranged it for the following day as we were staying very close to Looe Harbour.

The boys sitting in a boat with Looe in the background during our boat trip

Sea Fishing Trips

These fishing adventures will go much further out into the deeper water. Catering to both novice anglers and seasoned fishers they are much longer generally being 4-hour trips. For those seeking a significant challenge, they offer big game fishing excursions targeting the elusive bluefin tuna or shark fishing. Blue sharks are common in the waters of Looe and Looe Fishing Trips offer such excursions on their boat the Top Cat. Wreck fishing and deep sea fishing tend to be full-day excursions and include all the safety equipment, high-grade rods, reels and tackle needed to catch such fish. Contact details and a phone number for booking are available on the website.

Private and Luxury Charters

There are a wealth of different fishing trips avaliable in Looe but if you have something specific in mind or are looking for bespoke coastal cruises. Then you can also choose from number of charter boats. This could be for a fishing trip from Woody’s Charters . Where their boat ‘BEE COOL’ can take up to eight anglers on their own fishing experience. They also offer a series of different fishing excursions looking for different marine life.

Or if you are looking for something a little more luxurious then a relatively new addition Luxury Boat Charter . Allowing you to tailor your trip and have a crew on board to do the hard work. Prices start at £200 for a couple for an hour or £50 per person for a group of four per hour. They operate a minimum of 2 people & 4 hours charter. But you do get unlimited snacks, beers, wines, spirits & fizz, throughout your time afloat. Along with a three-course meal, cooked aboard, chosen from a selection of dishes. Sailing from either Looe or Plymouth, you can cruise along the stunning Cornish coastline in a 52ft Fairisle Vessel. Stopping at quaint villages, different ports and fishing towns along the way.

Looe Self-Drive Boats

If you can not stretch to day trips on a luxurious private charter and none of the Looe boat trips take your fancy. Then do not worry as you can still have your leisurely boat ride by hiring a self-drive boat. Starting at a very reasonable £35 for an hour, the boats at Looe Self Drive Boats can take up to five people. Allowing you to see the town and shoreline from a different angle. Ideal for exploring the Looe river and are simple to drive. You can even book in advance via their website.

What will you see on a Boat Trip in Looe?

Depending on the trip that you choose and the location you could see an abundance of wildlife

Seal and Dolphin Watching

For the wildlife enthusiast, there are boat trips in Looe designed to spot the wide range of wildlife. There are a group of resident common seals that live in the Looe Island Nature Reserve. So you stand a good chance of seeing them basking on the rocks or bobbing in the water. If you are lucky then you may also see bottlenose dolphins. They like to play in the surf created by the boats. There are of course no guarantees but the years of experience of the skippers means you are in good hands. You are more likely to see them away from the harbour area and when the seas are calm.

Bird Spotting on the Cornish Coastline

On a sightseeing trip, you are likely to spot various seabirds during your time on the water, birdlife including the gannets and cormorants. If you are really lucky then you can also spot puffins during their breeding season. The rocky cliffs provide ideal nesting places along the stunning Cornish coastline.

Eddystone Lighthouse and Rame Head

The Eddystone Lighthouse stands as a beacon of engineering, perched precariously on the Eddystone Rocks 9 miles south of Rame Head. Guided boat tours provide splendid views of this historic lighthouse, which has warned sailors since the 17th century.

Rame Head, with its dramatic clifftops, is a site of an Iron Age fort and a chapel dedicated to St. Michael. It is a site rich in both natural and historical importance and managed by the Cornwall wildlife trust. Also home to diverse bird species. Seeing both of these by boat gives you a unique history lesson Since the friendly skipper is likely a great sources of local information.

Historic Port of Polperro and Cornish Smugglers

We visited Polperro by car and on foot during our stay in Cornwall. It is the perfect destination to reach by boat since the harbour is at the village centre. I can recommend a visit with is narrow winding streets of whitewashed cottages. Working harbour and many drinking and eating establishments. It is so very pretty. There is also Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling & Fishing which details the stories of the daring Cornish smugglers who once operated out of the fishing village.

We really enjoyed our Mackerel fishing trip in Looe. Charlie still mentions it and can not wait to go back and try again. Fingers crossed we will be as lucky as we were the first time. Have you tried a boat trip in Looe? Let me know about your experiences in the comments below.

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6 Best Boat Trips from Looe Cornwall: Sightseeing & Fishing

Published: Apr 14, 2023 · Modified: Apr 27, 2023 by Beth Sachs · Affiliate links - I earn from qualifying purchases ·

Looe, a picturesque working fishing port in South East Cornwall, is the perfect destination for hopping on boat trips, offering a range of adventures for the whole family. In this article, I'll highlight 6 of the best boat trips from Looe , including sea safaris, sightseeing, and fishing experiences.

With so many different boat trips available, it can be hard to know where to start. Whether you're a keen angler, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking for a family day out, I'll find a boat trip in Looe that's perfect for you!

Staying on the North Coast? Check out the 15 best boat trips from St Ives !

Best Boat Trips From Looe

Frequently asked questions, looe boat trips: a recap, you might also like, looe boat trips - glass bottom boat.

A glass bottom boat is an ideal way to explore the marine life and underwater world of Looe. Looe Boat Trips offer 45-minute cruises aboard their custom-built boats, Nautilus, Octopussy, Underworld & Boatzer.

The trips operate from the pontoon in East Looe (opposite the Lookout Cafe) and take you into Looe Bay and around Looe (St. Georges) Island and its underwater marine reserve. They also offer longer trips to Polperro.

You'll pass smuggler’s caves, habitats for seal and seabirds… and, if you are lucky, see dolphins too. Set into the hull of the boats are glass viewing panels that allow you to see life below the waves where fish, jellyfish, and other marine life live.

Looe Sea Safari

Looe Sea Safari Boat Trips are another popular boat trip provider from Looe. They offer 20-minute mini cruises around Looe island, 45-minute trips covering Looe Island, Looe Bay, and Polperro, a 90-minute coastal safari, and a 2-hour Eddystone Lighthouse safari.

Due to their ribs having a fast cruising speed they are able explore a lot further out, taking in more sights than any other safari boat trip from Looe.

Luxury Boat Charter

Sailing from either Looe or Plymouth, you and your friends will cruise along the stunning Cornish coastline in a 52ft Fairline vessel, with options to visit various ports & bays along the way.

Whether you're a couple looking for a romantic day out or a group of friends or family in search of a magical nautical experience, you won't want to miss out on this fantastic adventure. Prices start from £200 for 1 hour.

Phone 07817 007007 for more information.

Swallow 2 Charter Fishing

Swallow 2 is fully licensed to operate up to 60 miles offshore. The skipper/owner, Murray, has over 30 years of experience in commercial fishing, charter angling, scientific marine studies, and data collection.

He caters for novice anglers through to experienced big-game anglers. So whether you need a single place or a full boat charter they can get you afloat whatever your requirements.

Offering 2-hour mackerel fishing trips to longer full-day reef fishing trips, this is the trip you want to book if you love sea fishing.

Looe Self-Drive Boat Hire

Do you love exploring independently? If so a self-drive boat (for up to 5 people) is a great option. These small boats are perfect for exploring Looe river and are really simple to drive. All of the boats are fully equipped with safety kit and lifejackets are provided for everyone.

At least one of the hires must be aged 18 or over. Prices start from £35 an hour.

Woody's Charters

Woody's Charters offer fishing trips from Looe in a purpose-built Charter Boat licensed for 8 anglers. Choose between a 2-hour trip (perfect for novices and children), 4-hour trips, and he even offers all-day trips!

Woody also offers coastal cruises and evening sunset cruises if fishing isn't your thing! Proces start from £20 per person.

I recommend booking your boat trip in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability.

Age restrictions may vary depending on the type of boat trip. Some tours may have a minimum age requirement, while others may be suitable for all ages. It's always best to check with the tour operator before booking to ensure that the trip is suitable for your group.

The best time of year to take a boat trip in Looe Cornwall is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the sea is calmer. However, boat trips are available year-round, so visitors can enjoy the stunning Cornish coastline at any time of year.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular to Looe, a boat trip is a fantastic way to see the stunning south Cornish coastline from a different perspective.

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Things to do and attractions in Looe

Local attractions in looe.

Read our definitive guide on the Top 10 Best things to do in Looe, right on your doorstep.

Family Boat Trips/Looe Sea Safari Discover amazing wildlife and experience the wonder of the Cornish coastline with boat trips from Looe, Cornwall! Looe Sea Safari offers wildlife lovers and thrill seekers alike a fantastic opportunity to explore the picturesque Looe Bay in comfort and safety. The boats are operated by professional skippers with many years of experience. Trips are perfect for groups, couples, and families and range in length from 20 minutes to 2 hours. Contact Looe Sea Safari to book a wildlife spotting tour today!

Looe Self Drive Boat Hire These are great for exploring Looe River and are simple to drive. Whaly boats powered by 6hp outboards are extremely stable and are suitable for up to 5 people. All boats are fully equipped with safety kit and to MCA standard. Lifejackets are provided for everyone. At least one of the hirers must be 18 or over.

Glass Bottom Boats Glass Bottom boat trips run daily from Looe Harbour during the season, explore life under the water from the comfort of a custom-built boat. Times will vary due to the tides, you will see the signs on the quayside with details of the trips.

Looe Island Nature Reserve | Cornwall Wildlife Trust Looe Island is a marine nature reserve and the waters around it are teaming with life. The island provides a quiet haven for wildlife, with a variety of habitats. Please note that visits can only be made on official, organised trips and access by any other means is not allowed. All visits are weather and tide dependent. The crossing via a small passenger boat takes 20 minutes and, unless advised otherwise when you book, you will have about two hours to explore.

Where to get the boat

Board the boat from the floating pontoon, near the RNLI lifeboat station slipway in East Looe . The boat operator, Looe Sea Safari , also have an office on the quayside so can point you in the right direction.

Monkey Sanctuary Nestled into the side of the south Cornish coast between Looe and Seaton, Wild Futures’ Monkey Sanctuary has been offering a safe haven for monkeys since 1964. The Sanctuary cares for a range of different species of rescued monkeys, giving visitors an intimate insight to a working sanctuary and a chance to meet some of its amazing monkey residents and wildlife inhabitants.

There’s a lot to do for the whole family who can take a tour of the monkey enclosures and learn about these fascinating animals from the team of expert carers. It’s not just monkeys though! Kids will love the wild play area where they can learn about the environment around them and let off some steam in the playground. Take a gentle stroll around the beautiful wildlife gardens and check out the sea view or enjoy a vegetarian light lunch in the Gift Shop.

E-Foil Cornwall Water sport for the more adventurous! E-foil Cornwall is the first and only centre in Cornwall for Electric Hydro-foiling. Base in the tranquil waters of Looe Bay, it is the perfect location to learn how to e-foil and a different way to explore the iconic Cornish Coastline.

fishing-cornwall.co.uk Skipper Patrick Davis owns and runs a large fishing boat operating out of Looe. Patrick knows these waters well and will take you to prime fishing spots and if fishing is not your cup of tea he will happily skipper you on a guided tour of the Cornish coastline.

Coast walks/National Trust There are numerous beautiful walks locally. We recommend Looe to Polperro for those up for a reasonable hike. It is a beautiful walk and the Talland Bay Beach Café is the perfect spot for a halfway break.

Looe Valley Vineyard Looe Valley Vineyard established in 2008. Open for summer tours and tastings from May to September.

Cornish Orchards Cornish Orchards offer Cider and Cheese Tasting experiences every week from the beginning of April. Perfect for cider lovers, these experiences take you through the way the cider is made and include time in the heritage orchard. Book online or in the shop.

Things to do just outside of Looe

Adrenalin Quarry Unique gravity park, water park & racetrack with spectacular views and picnic spots, free entry, and wild swimming. Located at Menheniot a 12-minute drive away from Looe.

Porfell Wildlife Park & Animal Sanctuary Just 20 minutes from Looe and famous for its meerkats! Porfell Wildlife Park offers sanctuary to many different animals from around the world. They might be neglected, injured, imported illegally or simply no longer wanted. Unlike a zoo, children and adults can get up close to wildlife, feed the animals, touch them an lean all about the natural world.

Siblyback Lakes Just 30 minutes away, surrounded by the striking backdrop, of Bodmin Moor, Siblyback Lake lies within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). There is a beautiful 5km round late circuit, which is perfect for pushchairs, wheelchairs and bicycles. The path runs adjacent to the lake and passes by the impressive Siblyback Dam and through the woodlands. Dogs are welcome on leads, and we highly recommend a visit to OLIVE & CO. CAFE for refreshments.

Carnglaze Caverns One of Cornwall’s best kept secrets, an underground, all-weather, family tourist attraction. Explore part of Cornwall’s mining heritage and take a walk in 8 acres of riverside ancient oak woodland. It is also a totally unique underground music and performance venue. Due to the shape and height, the acoustics in the caverns are outstanding.

Lanhydrock/National Trust Lanhydrock is the quintessential country house and estate, with the feel of a wealthy but unpretentious family home. After a devastating fire in 1881 the Jacobean House was refurbished in high-Victorian style, with the best in country house design and planning and the latest mod-cons.

Make sure you take a stroll around the extensive gardens and enjoy their year- round colour. The estate is well worth exploring too, with ancient woodlands and tranquil riverside paths. There are also off-road cycle trails, with special routes for families and novice riders. You can even hire bikes.

Attractions Further Afield

Cornwall has so much to offer that we cannot list everything, so here are just a few ideas:

The Eden Project Explore world famous massive, covered biomes to trek through one of the world's largest indoor rainforests and immerse yourself in the calm fragrance of the Mediterranean biome. Enjoy extensive outdoor gardens, contemporary artworks, performance, and storytelling. Discover places to rest, play and eat, and pick up inspiring ideas to take on home on how to care for the planet that cares for you.

Birds of Prey - The Cornish Birds of Prey Centre Providing a safe home for rescued birds and other animals at Winnards Perch, approximately 45-minute drive away.

Flambards Theme Park in Helston The Flambards Experience is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the South West of England. With a fantastic variety of rides for all ages, unique exhibitions boasting the Flambards Victorian Village, Britain in the Blitz and Memory Lane exhibitions. Flambards offers a great value day out for the whole family, whatever the weather!

The Lost Gardens of Heligan Heligan is one of the most mysterious estates in England. Lost to the brambles of time since the outbreak of WW1, this Sleeping Beauty was re-awakened in 1990 to become Europe’s largest garden restoration project. Today Heligan’s 200 acres are a paradise for the explorer, wildlife, plant lover and garden romantic.

Surfing Lessons / Schools / Activities in Newquay, Cornwall, UK Newquay Adventure Centre specialises in outdoor adventure activities for groups visiting Cornwall. Our outdoor activity centre has a large range of activities to choose from including surfing, coasteering, climbing, mountain biking, kite sports and kayaking as well as team building. We pride ourselves in offering a great service in a safe environment.

National Trust For details of all their houses, gardens and parklands in the southwest.

Tate The London gallery’s Cornish offshoot provides a fabulous location to browse the best in British modern art. The gallery revises its exhibitions three times a year.

National Maritime Museum Cornwall | National Maritime Museum Cornwall Opened in 2003 this super museum charts our maritime history.

Things To Do & Family Days Out In The UK | Day Out With The Kids Absolutely brilliant site with masses of ideas of things to do across Cornwall and the southwest. If you are coming this way with or without children don’t miss it!

Golf in Cornwall Definitive list of all the golf courses available

Looe Golf Club Our local picturesque course designed by Harry Vardon - visitors welcome. Take proof of staying at a Cornish Collection holiday property and receive a 30% discount. Pay £20 instead of £28.

Horse Riding

Polmartin Riding Riding lessons and hacks arranged for beginners to advanced levels - BHS approved - 9 miles from Looe.

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Boat Trip to Looe (St. George’s) Island

The Official Boat Trip To The Island

A trip to Looe Island, also known as St. George’s Island, is perfect way to make memories with family and friends, whilst appreciating the amazing scenery we have around us. It will be a holiday highlight & a great experience that you won’t forget!

Your Island Exploration

Join us for a leisurely short boat ride to Looe’s very own Island which is managed by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

Enjoy 2 hours of exploring the beautiful marine nature reserve which provides a quiet haven for wildlife, surrounded by waters which are teeming with life.

Appreciate the breath-taking views of our Cornish coastline and experience many years of local history on the Island, which is the largest island within 1 mile of the Cornish coast.

From Sunbathing Seals to Protected Wildlife

Looe Island offers everything including a stunning beach, woodland areas, protected wildlife, beautiful views and even sunbathing seals, Everything you need and more for a memorable day out!

When your adventure on St. George’s island comes to an end our lovely skipper will pick you up ready for a safe return to port in Looe.

Further Information

Trips Cost £12 per person – Under 10 £6 (landing fee payable to Cornwall Wildlife Trust)

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Looe Sea Safari - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

wimmer yachting skippertraining

Wimmer Yachting

About the operator.

You can find them here: Wickendorf 7 Wolfern in Austria. Formal name of the company is Wimmer Yachting. Their bases are located in Austria : Austria. Wimmer Yachting rents his sailboats from the following ports : Krk , Punat, Seget Donji , Yachtclub Seget. Friday 16:00 is the recommended time for return to the base. Charter a boat before 31.01 and you will get First Minute discounts in this company. First payment is 50% of total price, second payment is to be paid 1 month before first day of charter. Firm Wimmer Yachting is highly appreciated by its customers.

Name Wimmer Yachting
Full name Wimmer Yachting GmbH
Address Stelzhamerstraße 47a, Austria
Check-in 17:00
Check-out 8:00

Bases where You can charter Wimmer Yachting yachts

Marina Kremik, Croatia
Punat, Croatia

Yacht charter offers of Wimmer Yachting (available online)

We've found the best deals for 20 yachts available

Selected offers from Wimmer Yachting starting on 2024-05-25 for 1 week

1068€ 1650€ 35.25%

Bow thruster
Furling mainsail
Plotter gps in cockpit
Year of Build: 2008
Berths: 5 (4+1)

1290€ 1550€ 16.75%

Year of Build: 2006
Berths: 7 6+1

2013€ 2720€ 26%

Gps plotter

2266€ 3500€ 35.25%

Year of Build: 2023

2299€ 3550€ 35.25%

Air conditioning
Year of Build: 2004
Possibility of deposit insurance

Becoming a skipper: qualifications, trainings, remuneration ..

In a global context where the figures of the nautical sector are rather positive, the demand for skippers is growing every year. Becoming a skipper is a real passion coupled with a solid training. Capt’n Boat explains the role of a professional skipper, his trainings, his missions and his remuneration system.

A skipper is the person in charge of the navigation of a boat . He provides paid passenger transport (charter) as well as delivery (boat delivery) of pleasure boats from one port to another, he offers training services (sailing course) and improvement, or he sails a sailboat in sporting competitions (races).

1. What is a skipper?

The skipper is the only master on board . Thus, he is responsible for all the tasks and actions necessary on the boat:

Driving the engines and electrical installations
Relations between the crew and the client
Safety and security of the passengers and the ship
Management of the crew
Hygiene on board and health of passengers
Maintenance and repair of the vessel
Radio communications

The skipper also plays an important role in the animation of life on board.

2. What are the missions of a skipper ?

The missions of a skipper are quite varied. A skipper works most often for vacation organizations, boat rental companies and takes summer guests on cruises. During the off season, he or she is more often employed to deliver private boats.

A. Boat deliveries

The mission of delivery consists, for a professional skipper, to convey a ship for a remuneration, between two ports or two sites by sea.

Generally, it is about :

Driving boats to a shipyard for maintenance or wintering
Routing boats to a race start
Conveying boats to the home port following a purchase

B. Boat coaching

The improvement or coaching is an educational mission. The skipper’s objective is to teach the fundamentals of navigation and the use of a boat.

The services of a skipper are generally requested to:

Train an owner following a boat purchase
Propose improvement courses to owners in order to be more comfortable on their boat

C. Cruise with a skipper

Going on a cruise with a skipper is a good compromise to enjoy both the navigation and the sea air without being embarrassed by maneuvers, anchorages…

We also talk about doing charter missions with clients.

3. Which training to become a skipper?

A. internationally.

The most common certificate to work internationally as a skipper is the Yachtmaster . The Yachtmaster is an English degree from the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), recognized by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and throughout the world. It allows skippers to command pleasure boats up to 24 meters long, and up to 200 miles from the coast. It has 3 levels and each one have limitations: Coastal, Offshore and Ocean.

To obtain the Yachtmaster, the candidate must be over 18 and have at least 1000 miles of navigation in 1st or 2nd category (corresponding to the distance from the coast). The theoretical tests cover a wide range of subjects such as:

The ship and its components (technical, engine, electrical installations)
Navigation in all its states (coastal and offshore, day and night)
Maritime law relating to events at sea
Meteorology and hydrology
Sanitary conditions on board

The practical test takes place during a 12-hour navigation. It includes a night phase, a man overboard exercise as well as port maneuvers.

The Yachtmaster must be completed with a “Commercially Endorsed” endorsement in order to be used on commercial services for profit. To obtain this endorsement, the skipper must obtain the Professional Practices and Responsibilities certificate (PPR), the Basic Safety Training (BST), and the MCA Medical Examination (ENG1).

B. In France

In France, there are 2 main types of skipper certificates:

The Merchant Navy certificates (Captain 200, Captain 500, Captain 3000…) for fishing and trade. Merchant Navy diplomas are authorized for boat deliveries and charters.

A Captain 200 Voile certificate is compulsory to work as a professional skipper in France. This certificate allows you to work as a professional skipper in yachting and sailing, either to carry passengers (12 maximum) on ships of less than 200 tons (about 24 m), or to drive a ship for a third party.

In order for the Captain 200 to be effective, you must also hold the BST, ROC/GOC, EM1 and a Medical Checkup .

The State Certificates (BPJEPS, BEES ..), are qualified to carry out only training.

C. Yachtmaster or french title?

There is no one title better than another. It all depends on what type of vessel you want to work on.

If you want to work on French flagged vessels, Capt’n Boat recommends that you opt for the French titles. Otherwise, the Yachtmaster titles are a good option if you want to work on foreign flags.

There is now a gateway to work on a French flag with a Yachtmaster : the Master 200 GT.

4. Qualifications and obligations of the skipper

A skipper’s ability to make decisions, sense of responsibility, interpersonal skills, dynamism, initiative, composure and great resistance to physical and nervous fatigue are essential qualities for a skipper. The journeys can be long and the customers demanding, a skipper must therefore be able to adapt his behavior to each situation and people, he must be versatile, available and autonomous.

In any case, being a skipper is a “passion job” that requires a lot of investment. The human element is an essential part of this job, especially for charter services.

5. Remuneration of the skipper

The cost of a professional skipper varies according to the service (boat delivery, charter, coaching), the duration of the service, the sailing area, the size of the boat and the number of passengers :

For charters, the remuneration is a daily rate. Example : In Croatia, a skipper is paid at least 240€/day ; In France, 300€/day ; In Saint Marteen, 250€/day ; In Greece, 240€/day ; In the Bahamas, 350€/day ; etc ..

The price varies according to the geographical area, each country has its own minimum wage.

For boat deliveries, the remuneration is per nautical mile. Here, the wage is the same internationally : 3,5€ per nautical mile.

Want to become a skipper? Capt’n Boat offers you a professional marketplace

Here is a similar article: How to become a yacht stewardess: The fundamentals of the job 👈

Multicoque déchargé d'un cargo à l'aide d'un treuil

Embark on the convoying of a Leopard Catamarans fleet

100% growth in 2023 for the 3rd consecutive year – Capt’n Boat makes the review

Skipper Jobs: How to find Capt’n Boat missions easily

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RYA Day Skipper & Yachtmaster online theory courses

Study and pass your RYA theory qualifications with our enjoyable and informative online courses for leisure and professional sailors.

For aspiring skippers

RYA Day Skipper

Online Theory Course

Coastal / Offshore

RYA Yachtmaster

25% off multiple bookings - study with family or friends and get a great discount, call us for advice on 0238 218 2604, “amazing, the course is so easy to follow and there is a huge amount of support. for anyone wanting to sit an rya theory course skippers online is definitely the place to choose.”.

What makes our courses different

Our engaging and informative Day Skipper and Yachtmaster online theory courses use fully narrated and animated lessons to provide enjoyable, high-quality, in-depth theory training . With regular exercises in each lesson and mock exams to prepare you for the real thing, you’ll confidently work towards your RYA qualification with us.

What do our customers think of us?

Rated 4.9 out of 5

By far the best course available

Having researched a number of Day Skipper online theory courses this was by far the best I could find. The course was extremely well written. I have received similar training in other professions but none as well crafted as this.

Andrew Harvey

Excellent Yachtmaster theory course - I’d definitely recommend it.

Does what it says on the tin and more. I was impressed how well the course managed to tackle teaching relatively complex skills in a logical and easy to understand way.

Katherine Fleming

Can’t imagine it being done better than this.

Really well designed and executed online Day Skipper course. Real life, quick and friendly support on hand. Honestly can’t imagine it being done better than this.

The benefits of studying online with us

We believe that the flexibility to study at your own pace, our high quality instructor support, and our comprehensive training package provide the most effective way of studying RYA Day Skipper online theory or Yachtmaster online theory courses.

Test your theory knowledge

Try our RYA theory quiz to test your knowledge and see whether our Day Skipper or Yachtmaster theory course is best for you.

START YOUR RYA ONLINE THEORY COURSE NOW - and begin studying straight away

How do I Become a Skipper?

Boatability can help you become a commercial Skipper

Route 1.

The MCA's (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) Standard Training Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) qualifications, which are normally associated with larger vessels (over 24mts), Ships and a ships boats, e.g. liferaft coxswains.

The Boatmaster or Boatmans License. This is more of a locally awarded qualification controlled by local councils but issued controlled by its local Harbour Authority, for example, local tugs, ferries etc.

Route 3

The RYA path is the most common route for smaller vessels (normally under 24mts/80 Tonnes) as it is fairly quick and the most cost effective and shortest route to a skippers qualification. Types of jobs associated with this range from operating a safety boat under a bridge to skippering a luxury motor cruiser in the UK or abroad.

Here are a few examples for the Skipper Training RYA Path

RYA Level 2
RYA VHF SRC
RYA First Aid or Equivalent
RYA Sea Survival or Equivalent
ML5 or ENG1 Medical
RYA Advanced Powerboat
An independent Direct Assessment

Please Note

The commercial training we offer, professional practices & responsibilities - rya, commercial safety boat training, military & government, commercial boat handling, commercial skipper training.

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Skippertraining

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Wie werde ich Skipper
Theoriekurse
Ausbildungstörns
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Sprechfunk Lizenzen/ GMDSS

Die Grundlage für entspannte Yachturlaube und Törns ist der perfekte Umgang des Skippers mit der Yacht, die Einteilung der Mannschaft, richtige Törnplanung und noch viele andere Faktoren. Damit du diese Grundlage für deinen nächsten Törn bilden kannst, bieten wir dir Skippertrainings und Crewtrainings in entspannter Atmosphäre an. Unsere Skipper werden mit dir an der Verbesserung deiner Manöversicherheit arbeiten. Sie werden dir zeigen, wie man die Mannschaft richtig einteilt oder wie zum Beispiel eine richtige Sicherheitseinweisung auszusehen hat. Es ist ganz klar, dass es nicht jedem möglich ist jedes Jahr mehrere Wochen zu segeln, daher ist es ganz normal, dass Grundlagen mit der Zeit vergessen werden. Darum ist es wichtig ab und an ein Auffrischungstraining zu machen.

Crewtraining

Was gibt es schöneres als einen Segelurlaub nur mit deinem Partner/ deiner Partnerin. Damit dies aber auch gut funktioniert, ist es wichtig, dass du und dein Partner/ deine Partnerin ein Team bilden. Denn es ist schwierig eine Yacht ganz alleine zu bedienen, besonders bei starkem Wind können Hafenmanöver, wenn man auf sich alleine gestellt ist, schnell zum Fiasko werden. Warum also nicht gemeinsam mit deinem Partner/ deiner Partnerin ein Crewtraining absolvieren? Es spielt keine Rolle wie viel Erfahrung dein Partner/ deine Partnerin mitbringen, unsere Skipper erarbeiten mit dir und deinem Partner / deiner Partnerin gemeinsam die Grundlagen des Steuerns, des Fahrens von Manövern oder die richtige Bedienung der Leinen. Das Ziel unserer Skipper- und Crewtrainings ist es, dass auch für dich als Skipper der Urlaub zu einem Urlaub wird.

Aktuelle Termine für 4 Tage Skipper- und Crewtraining:

Training auf einer Einrumpfyacht ab PORTOROZ (Slowenien)

27.04.-30.04.2024 / Kojenpreis € 410,00 / inkl. Skipper, exkl. Bordkasse / AUSGEBUCHT
01.05.-04.05.2024 / Kojenpreis € 410,00 / inkl. Skipper, exkl. Bordkasse / AUSGEBUCHT

Weitere Termine je nach Bedarf

TÖRNANMELDUNG TÖRNBESTIMMUNGEN

Katamarantrainings ab PULA

06.04.-09.04.2024 ab Pula / Kojenpreis € 490,00 inkl. Skipper, exkl. Bordkasse / 1 Koje frei
10.04.-13.04.2024 ab Pula / Kojenpreis € 490,00 inkl. Skipper, exkl. Bordkasse / AUSGEBUCHT
Zacherl Yachtcharter
+49 8067 180828

Private Skipper Training

WHY PRIVATE SKIPPERTRAINING?

Would you like to enjoy a completely individual skipper training? Maybe exactly on your dream yacht?

Then grab your loved ones and enjoy a skipper training of a special kind. You simply tell us your desired date and your desired yacht and we will organize the rest for you. By the way, all skipper trainings can also be conducted in English. The spearhead of our skippers is specialized in this kind of trainings!

On which yacht you would like to do your private training, you can choose freely. Click here to search for a yacht!

Also the wish - skipper we make possible! Find your Skipper!

Find your perfect skipper with us! So your vacation becomes a pleasure! If you have any questions, please contact us personally!

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How to Become a Yacht Week Skipper

Possibly the best job in sailing.

Here at Sailing Virgins, we are often asked about what it takes to become a skipper for The Yacht Week. We should know: all instructors at Sailing Virgins are current or former skippers and/or instructors with The Yacht Week, so we thought we would share some tips. This post introduces The Yacht Week, the Skipper Academy, and gives you the nine steps to make a Yacht Week Skipper. For a free infographic, click here .

What Is The Yacht Week?

If you are reading this you are probably already aware of The Yacht Week. If not, watch their trailer below. In short, the Yacht Week is a global phenomenon, where people - mostly in their 20s and 30s - become part of sailing events which are staged in six destinations around the world.

If you are into meeting some great people, enjoy partying and like the sound of sailing around the Mediterranean during summer (or any one of half a dozen other locations), check them out.

The Yacht Week Skipper

All Yacht Week skippers must have their RYA Yachtmaster certificate or equivalent. However, the Yachtmaster certificate is only the beginning concerning the Skipper Academy.

For qualifications, the Quarterdeck literature states a Yachtmaster Coastal level is required as a minimum, however, we recommend a Yachtmaster Offshore level, as this will increase your chances of being selected for the Academy and passing.

Besides, the additional miles and experience can come in very handy during a 40 knot squall at 7am when you are effectively single-handing.

The coveted Yacht Week Skipper polo.

The Quarterdeck Skipper Academy

The Skipper Academy itself is run by Quarterdeck . Quarterdeck is a company related to, but separate from, The Yacht Week. Quarterdeck exists to train skippers in the advanced flotilla methods required by The Yacht Week and other sailing events companies.

The Skipper Academy is a 7-10 day course (current iterations have it at 8 days) covering principally how to deal with paying crews, familiarisation with the sailing routes and how to raft in their various configurations (such as line rafts, tunnel rafts, perfecting med mooring among other skills).

The Skipper Academy itself is widely acknowledged by participants to be one of the best weeks of their lives. It is tough. In any given course the pass rate is around 70-80%. Successful candidates are then invited to work in one of The Yacht Week’s locations, usually starting with Croatia.

Making Yacht Week Skipper In Nine Steps

There are many routes you can take to become a skipper for The Yacht Week. The nine steps below will help you to become not just a skipper for The Yacht Week, but a confident one at that.

1. Basic sailing experience

Budget: $0 - $500

Classic Sailing Virgins Education

Either through sailing with a friend, joining a local community sailing club or a university sailing club. Weekend races, beginner sailing courses, anything that gets you time on the water and on the winches.

Any time spent on a boat is beneficial here, whether it is on a sailing vacation (The Yacht Week included) or just on a lake near your home, on a dinghy. The more time spent here, the merrier.

2. Sailing Theory

This is usually classroom-based learning such as NauticEd Bareboat Charter Master, ASA 103/4, RYA Day Skipper, or online versions of this such as NauticEd.

During this course, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of navigation, weather and boat systems.

The cost of this is in cluded in some intermediate courses such as those offered by Sailing Virgins, and costs $250 - $500 if undertaken separately.

3. Intermediate Sailing Course

Budget: $2,500 - $3,000

This is a 1-2 week duration, live-aboard sailing course where your instructor will impart to you the skills necessary to sail your own boat. Depending on the course you choose, this will count for your miles and variety of experience.

Some intermediate courses (such as the Sailing Virgins Island Adventure Course) will include extras like night passages and sailing between countries.

Sailing Virgins courses are designed for people in their 20s and 30s - Sailing Virgins is the only sailing school in the world to offer this. This makes the week much more social, athletic, and prepares you for some of the techniques assessed during The Skipper Academy.

4. Purchase Sailing Gear

Budget: $1,000 - $2,500

Image thanks Zhik

At this stage, you may look to purchase your own foulweather gear, deckvest, and Personal Locator Beacon. Ideally, you want to be self-reliant, as given you will be sailing on other people’s boats and across oceans, you cannot always vouch that their methods or equipment are up to speed.

You ultimately need to trust your gut before embarking on any long journey. We have known sailors to refuse getting on a boat due to either issues with the skipper or the boat itself. Regardless of boat or skipper issues, when you are on a night watch and it is blowing 40 knots in the middle of an ocean, it is a good feeling to know you have decent equipment.

If you'd like some pointers on what gear to buy, we wrote a blog post on 10 Items Every Skipper Should Own and also 8 Apps Every Sailor Should Have .

When you take your Intermediate Sailing Course with Sailing Virgins, you will receive alumni discounts of up to $1,000 on co-branded Sailing Virgins / Zhik sailing equipment. Zhik is said to produce some of the best performance equipment in sailing, and makes gear for the biggest sailing events such as America's Cup, Volvo Ocean Race, and Olympic Games/World Cup. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(1817063, '10322372-0bdc-48b3-8c28-fd4040049937', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"});

5. Log Sea Miles

Budget: $500 - $3,000

Cross an ocean or two, sign up for deliveries, the aim is to attain skills through diverse experience. You will sail with fantastic sailors, and possibly terrible ones. The variety is all part of it.

In other words, learning what not to do is as valuable as learning what to do during this stage. When you cross an ocean there is a good chance you will have a variety of conditions, and will be on watches including, as a matter of course, night sailing.

Your aim is to log at least 2,500 miles, with at least four distinct major journeys, sailing with several different skippers, in a variety of areas, sampling a variety of experiences. Here are some ideas on how you can build your sea miles.

If you do your Intermediate Sailing Course with Sailing Virgins, we will share tips with you on how to find the longer passages, what to look out for and how to approach such an adventure. Every January Sailing Virgins also sponsors an alumni “ex-Virgins” sailing week, where students are invited to return to the Caribbbean for a low cost week of sailing and adventure.

6. VHF, First Aid Courses

Budget: $150 - $300

These are prerequisites for the Yachtmaster Oshore course. One tip is to organise this when you book your Yachtmaster course (see below). Some of it can be done online. Many training centres (such as the Hamble School of Yachting , who we can vouch for) offer these courses as well as the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore preparation course (as described below)

7. RYA Yachtmaster Offshore course

Budget: $1,000 - $3,000

This is a week-long course where you will do five days of “preparation”, followed by two days of examination, carried out by an independent examiner.

The separation of preparer and examiner, the reputation of the non-profit Royal Yachting Association, and the fact that the Yachtmaster scheme was invented by the RYA, mean heading to Southampton (aka “Yachtmaster mecca”) is a valuable part of the process.

For most sailors, whether from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Europe or the US, sailing is a great sport. For the British, sailing saved their nation on more than one occasion.

Consequently the British have a reverence for sailing that does not really exist in any other culture we are aware of. It is nice to experience this as part of your journey to becoming a professional skipper. Blue skies and warm waters it isn’t, but well-honed sail training location with a variety of tidal and traffic experiences, it is.

We recommend Hamble School of Sailing as our favourite in southern England.

Budget: $500 - $1,500

Short for “Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping”, more commonly known as Commercial Endorsement, the STCW is a series of five mini-courses that allows you to work in the industry.

While not mandatory to become a Yacht Week skipper, it will be looked upon favourably when you apply to the Skipper Academy. Plus, STCW-qualified skippers will normally earn a weekly "bonus" for this qualification.

And particularly with the surprisingly realistic firefighting and sea rescue components (among a couple of admittedly boring subjects thrown in) it is a worthwhile learning experience in its own right.

The STCW series of courses can be done in a variety of places, including the UK, USA, Australia and for a low-cost option, the Philippines.

9. Quarterdeck Skipper Academy

Budget: $0 - $1,000

Image thanks Quarterdeck

With the steps outlined above ticked off, you are in a good position to apply for the Quarterdeck Skipper Academy. You may not be accepted to the academy, and even if you are, you may not pass, so a positive outcome to this step is by no means a certainty.

Conducting your Intermediate Sailing Course with Sailing Virgins will give you a much better idea of what Quarterdeck looks for in its candidates and how to optimise your chances of being accepted and passing the Skipper Academy.

How long does it take?

The fastest I have seen the process successfully take was someone dedicating six months of their life to sailing, including sailing in the Mediterranean, an ocean crossing, sailing with instructors for multiple weeks in the Caribbean, then heading to the UK to do their Yachtmaster.

This individual, an athletic, fast learner and already familiar with mechanical systems, later told me that six months felt hellishly fast for what he had achieved.

A normal process for someone taking weeks where they can, is around two years. There is no effective short-cut to this: people who try to override the natural learning curve end up losing confidence at precisely the wrong time.

Should Intermediate Courses be RYA, ASA, IYT, or NauticEd?

Below Yachtmaster Offshore, it really doesn't matter which syllabus you choose. We have written another blog post discussing this in further detail. In short, until you get to Yachtmaster Offshore (which is RYA), concentrate on the testimonials of the sailing school, and in particular what the instructors are like. Here is a blog post giving more detail on choosing a sailing school in the BVI.

What about Zero to Hero?

Some schools offer courses that start with the most basic sailing course, and provide the student with the miles and expertise to pass the yachtmaster exams in one go. These “zero to hero” courses can take between 8-12 weeks, and cost from $6K - $14K. That is, around the same cost as the steps described above if you were to do them individually.

The advantage of such a course is that it is more or less a guarantee that a Yachtmaster certificate will be attained.

However, such courses are looked upon with skepticism in the sailing community, and in the Yacht Week in particular. They tend to provide a “monocultural” experience, without the rich learning that comes through the longer, more peripatetic journey described above.

Free Infographic - 9 Steps To Become A Yacht Week Skipper

Becoming a Yacht Week skipper is a great thing to do. As well as being one of the best jobs on the water, the people you meet and the experience you gain whilst being a part of this organisation can set you up for years into the future.

The path described above, with nine steps to achieving Yachtweek Skipper status, is more than the bare minimum, for a reason: you want to be confident in your sailing before you are paid to do it.

Confidence comes with milage and variety. A mix of sailing in your local area, the Caribbean and the UK, decent instruction, plus at least one long journey such as an ocean crossing, should set you up for success.

Sailing Virgins is a Caribbean-based sailing academy for people in their 20s and 30s who wish to level up their sailing game. Check out our Intermediate Sailing Courses and our Island Adventures , both of which can gain you a sailing qualification that is an essential part of your path to becoming a Yacht Week skipper.

Please post any thoughts or questions in the comments below. Enjoy the journey.