Boat Handling Weekend
Starting from: £549
Safe & Secure Checkout
A yacht approaches a crosswind and cross-tide berth. A crew member stands at the bow with a rope while the skipper gently guides the yacht… Suddenly, with two meters to go, chaos erupts with arm waving, shouting, swearing, and finally, the inevitable crunch and blame game! It could all be so different!
- Practice close quarters boat handling in a marina
- Learn the best berthing & unberthing techniques
- Gain confidence for your next sailing holiday
Safe & Secure Checkout
Practical and Informative
This was a great weekend, it was very practical and informative and worked around key handling skills that everyone should know! This would be a fantastic course for anyone progressing from comp crew to Day Skipper, or a must for any newly qualified DS topping up skills before going on their first charter or flotilla. Our trainer Paul was great; keen to understand what we wanted from the training and focused on giving us the skills and developing best strategies for situations likely to be encountered. I have used and recommended this School before, and will continue to do so. Boats and equipment are well appointed and maintained and new fleet due next year! First Class once again!
Simon M
Verified Customer
Many of our customers have asked us to provide specific training in boat handling under sail and under power - and we are happy to do so.
You will have the opportunity to be instructed in berthing and unberthing techniques and then practice handling a yacht under power on and off pontoons in a variety of marinas. Time will also be dedicated to boat handling under sail so you will practice picking up buoys, man over board and maybe even sailing on and off pontoons.
Whether you want to brush up on your skills before a practical course, a charter or a flotilla holiday or you just need the practice, this master class can be tailored for you.
There will only be up to 4 students.
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 Boat Handling Weekend
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 Boat Handling Weekend:
Required Experience
- This suits anyone from Day Skippers (or looking to do their Day Skipper) and above.
Course Duration
- A weekend
Skills Gained
- Practice manoeuvring a yacht in a variety of different situations including in close proximity to other boats.
- Opportunity to also practice manoeuvres under sail like MOB and picking up a buoy.
Building Confidence
- Great for building confidence with parking a yacht in the confined spaces of a marina.
Get Started In 3 Easy Steps
We make learning to be a competent yacht Skipper easy.
Select A Date
Look at our upcoming dates and choose the one that best suits you.
Take The Course
Nail those boat handling skills.
Become A First Class Sailor
With your improved and new found boat handling skills have no fear about pulling into your next marina.
Boat Handling Weekend -
Complete Breakdown
The idea of this weekend is that you will spend one day focusing on boat handling under power and the other day focusing on boat handling under sail. However conditions may mean that you do some of both on each day.
The weekend will help you develop your skills and confidence in sail and power handling on a yacht, including advanced power handling techniques. If there is anything specific you wish to practice let us know - the weekend can be tailored to your needs. On the sail handling side the same applies - let us know if there is something specific you wish to cover but you can expect to go over things like MOB practice, picking up buoys under sail, sailing on and off pontoons and the finer points of sail trim.
It works best if you can arrive on the Friday evening (8pm) although this is not an absolute requirement, some join the boat at 8am Saturday Morning.
Accommodation is on board, use of waterproofs are included, food on board is included for all meals apart from the Friday evening meal.
Accommodation/ Timings
We find it is better if you arrive the evening before your boat handling weekend starts (8:00pm). This way you can start getting to know the yacht, the skipper and your crew mates before the weekend really gets under way. If this is not possible then you need to be at the boat by 8.00am on the first day of the Sailing Course.
During your sailing course you’ll sleep on board the yacht. There’s typically three double cabins and two single berths which provide accommodation for eight people. However, there’s only ever a maximum of 4 students on board, plus the instructor. You can book a whole boat with up to 5 students.
Sometimes two people have to share the saloon or a cabin. The saloon is a large airy space with the two single berths or a large double. The cabins can have a dividing cloth to separate the space in half. You would never have to share with someone of the opposite sex.
You can expect to get away by 3/3:30pm on the final day. If you are catching a train we recommend you do not book a ticket in advance as we can’t guarantee you will get away at 3pm on the dot. It could be earlier or a little later.
What Sailors Say About Us
5.0 based on 561 Happy Customers On Tripadvisor 
5.0 based on 323 Happy Customers On Google Reviews
Excellent equipment, safety and instruction
I have used First Class for most of my sailing training both theory and practical for over 12 years. I have also taken weekend sailing trips including a channel crossing and boat handling weekends as well as a Round the Island race.
I have always found equipment, safety and instruction to be excellent ( apart from one instructor on one trip… who no longer works for them!)
My recent boat handling course was as good as ever. Clientele tend to be young professionals and always cosmopolitan. They are usually keen and bright and this enhances learning.
As a 75 year old late into boating, I need the infectious enthusiasm that the instructors instil in their students.
David M, UK
Verified Customer
Very experienced instructor
This is not the first time I've used First Class Sailing, which is a recommendation in it self and I was not disappointed.
The course (Boat handling) offered plenty of opportunities to for everyone on board to try their hand in docking the boat in various wind and tide conditions under supervision of very experience instructor offering many hints and tips when required.
Handling a boat in close quarters is often the most dreaded part of any sailing holiday so a quick refresher can help take the stress out of the experience.
Marek Z, UK
Verified Customer
Patient Skipper
Excellent, patient skipper - thank you Stephanie!!
Well organised and a cute boat too. De-mystified the art of docking/springing off and close quarter handling
E.R, UK
Verified Customer
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Ready to go on a Boat Handling Weekend
Get some great experience on this boat handling trip
- Develop skills and confidence
- Let us know if there’s something in particular you want to work on
- Practice manoeuvring in different situations
Skills and Confidence
The First Class boat handling course was excellent and gave me the skills and confidence to skipper and handle any yacht up to 45ft in close quarters. I had recently passed my RYA Day Skipper Practical but felt that I still needed to gain a bit more confidence and experience before I could be fully responsible for a yacht in very busy marinas with the added challenges of tide and wind thrown in. A blend of excellent instruction from Graham, a quality yacht and great fellow course members ensured that this two day course was great fun and fully met my expectations.
Jonathan T
Verified Customer
Ready to go on a Boat Handling Weekend
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