Thank you for booking with Broad Reach Sailing. We look forward to welcoming you aboard
Joining Instructions
What to bring
Our yacht is fully equipped and is very comfortable, even in winter, but it is essential that you bring suitable clothing. Foul weather kit is provided if required at no extra cost Try to keep your kit to a minimal amount where possible as space can be limited. Please pack your clothing in a soft holdall as suitcases are difficult to store on board.
This list is intended as a guide, but may be helpful when packing.
- Sleeping bag (We provide pillows and pillow cases)
- Wash/shower kit
- Towel (the fast drying ones are ideal on board)
- Note book and pen
- Small torch or head torch with red light (Day Skippers and Coastal Skippers)
- RYA log book (We keep a stock on board if you don’t have one)
- Phone charger
- Quick drying trousers (The type you would use hiking etc)
- Fleece
- Thermals (winter)
- hat and Gloves (Winter)
- Sailing Gloves (These are useful especialy if you are not used to rope work)
- Flip flops (These are ideal for the shower etc but not for sailing in)
- Non marking shoes (Trainers are fine if you don’t have deck shoes)
- Sea Boots (Ideal if you have them but don’t go out and buy them specificly for your course)
- Warm Socks (Winter)
- Passport and Euros (Mile builders only)
What to wear
If you are new to sailing, the ideal clothing is similar to what you would wear for walking or camping. Lightweight cargo type trousers are ideal as they dry quickly. A warm fleece is ideal for sailing and going ashore. If you don’t have deck shoes and sea boots, non marking training shoes will be fine, if it’s cold warm socks should be worn. We supply good quality foul weather gear if you require it, you will have supplied your size at the time of booking.
What to expect
On the first evening we go through a few important safety points and the “get to know you” introductions, and talk about the plan for the next few days. Most evenings will be spent alongside in a marina or maybe occasionally at anchor, the marinas are well equipped and have excellent shower facilities. Our RYA courses follow the syllabus as laid down in the RYA G15 logbook, a copy can be purchased from your instructor if you do not have one already. During your course you may complete a night sail of approximately 4 hours.
All meals are on board including evening meals, if you have specified any special dietary requirements we will ensure your needs are catered for. Everyone is encouraged to take part in the preparation of meals and the cleaning that goes with it, as this is an essential part of sailing.
On the last day we aim to get you on your way home by 4 pm.
Day Skipper & Coastal Skipper Courses
Please take some time to refresh your memory on the theory aspect of these courses, there is insufficient time to teach the theory element within the practical course. You should focus on, rules of the road, buoyage, lights/shapes, general chartwork.
After your Course
Start Yachting, Competent Crew, Day Skipper and Costal Skipper Students– Your Instructor will keep you up to date with your progress during the course. If all goes well we will send your certificate to the address on your booking form a few days after your course. We will also ask for your feedback as this helps us continually improve the service we offer.
Day Skipper & Coastal Skipper Students
Please bring with you 1 passport size photo, this is for your new style RYA photo card qualification. We will be unable to issue a certificate without a photo.
Yachtmaster Exam candidates– An RYA examiner will come aboard to assess a candidate for the Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Certificate. Candidates will need to provide evidence of their logged mileage, VHF and first aid certificates. You will need a passport photograph and a cheque to cover the exam fee. A certificate will be issued by the RYA to successful candidates.
What Next
Hopefully you will have enjoyed your time with Broad Reach Sailing and will be looking forward to your next sailing trip. We run regular experience cruises over weekends; these are aimed at those who would like to gain some more sailing experience without enrolling on another course.
Arriving at the marina
On arrival at the marina car park give your instructor a call on the number provided in your final confirmation email and make your way to the gang way by the Boat House Café in the car park. Your instructor will open the gate for you and meet you on the pontoon.
If possible we would like you to arrive around 7.00pm on the evening prior to the start date of your course. This allows plenty of time to settle in, meet your crew mates, and be ready for the start of your course the following day. If for any reason you expect to arrive late please let us know at the earliest opportunity.
Car Parking
Therei s a secure car park at the marina. It is camera controlled and is pay on exit. We have a negotioated rate with the marina of just £15 for the duration of your course. You instructor will advise you of the payment arrangements.
How to get there
By Road- Use post code PO12 1AH for satnav. Exit M27 at Junction 11 (A32), Follow A32 for approximatly 5 miles. On entering Gosport you will pass Aldi supermarket on the left. The marina is a few hundred yards after Aldi and is signed “Premier Marina”. If you pass the Castle Tavern Pub, you have gone too far.
BY Rail-Portsmouth Harbour is the nearest station and has a direct link from Waterloo. Turn left when leaving the station and follow the ramp down to the Gosport foot ferry. Take the ferry to Gosport (every 15 mins). Turn right from the ferry terminal in Gosport and walk approximatly 200m, passing the Castle Tavern on your right. The marina entrance is immediately after the pub on the right.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0239 3000 300 or bookings@broadreachsailing.co.uk