About Commodore Yachting: Your Premier RYA Sailing School in the Solent
Welcome to Commodore Yachting, a leading RYA sailing school in the Solent with over 25 years of excellence in maritime training and yacht charters. Founded in 1999 and based at Gosport Marina in Portsmouth Harbour, we’re proudly owned and managed by Directors Jonathan Fern and Tomos Price. Our mission is to deliver exceptional sailing experiences—whether you’re mastering new skills through our accredited RYA courses or exploring the Solent aboard our meticulously maintained charter yachts.
Our History: A Tradition of Sailing Excellence
Commodore Yachting was established in 1999 by Stuart Cooper, a visionary who built a reputation for offering the south coast’s finest maritime training. Stuart’s commitment to comprehensive instruction and vast expertise set the foundation for our success. After his retirement, Jonathan Fern (Jonno) and Tomos Price (Tom) took over in 2015, infusing the company with their passion for sailing and dedication to upholding Stuart’s legacy. Today, we continue to innovate, blending tradition with forward-thinking approaches to training and charters.
Meet Our Directors: Leaders in Sailing and Service
Jonathan Fern (Jonno) – Principal & Director
Jonno’s love for sailing began in 2000 during a memorable day sail from Port Solent to Cowes on a leaky Westerly Centaur—a story he’ll gladly share over a coffee! With over 20 years of sailing experience, Jonno serves as our Principal, overseeing operations and ensuring every customer enjoys a top-tier experience. His background as a construction consultant, managing projects like the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth and the London 2012 Olympics, brings a sharp business acumen to Commodore Yachting.
- Qualifications: RYA Yachtmaster, seasoned project manager.
- Hobbies: Scuba diving, restoring motorbikes (one’s been gathering dust for a decade!), and self-described “awful” snowboarding—complete with epic tales of Alpine mishaps.
Tomos Price (Tom) – Chief Instructor & Director
Tom, our Chief Instructor, is the heart of our training programs. His deep knowledge of sailing, navigation, and the Solent’s waters makes him a standout educator. Passionate and approachable, Tom loves chatting with students about all things afloat, often over a cup of coffee. His culinary flair ensures no one goes hungry on our courses or charters—expect delicious meals crafted with care.
- Qualifications: RYA Cruising Instructor, navigation expert.
- Hobbies: Cooking up gourmet recipes to fuel our sailors—earning him the nickname “Chief Chef” among the team.
Our Exceptional Team: Expertise You Can Trust
Our team of RYA-certified instructors and marine technicians is the backbone of Commodore Yachting. Hand-picked from the UK’s best, they bring unmatched skill and dedication to every course and charter.
- Instructors: With decades of collective experience, our instructors stay current with the latest sailing techniques through ongoing training.
- Marine Technicians: Our technicians maintain our charter fleet to the highest standards, using manufacturer-approved methods and cutting-edge technology.
- Training the Future: We’re committed to nurturing young talent, offering industry-leading programs to develop the next generation of sailors and marine professionals. Many of our current team members started with us as trainees and now lead with distinction.
What We Offer: RYA Training and Yacht Charters in the Solent
As a premier RYA sailing school in the Solent, we provide a full spectrum of services tailored to your needs:
- RYA Courses: From Competent Crew to Cruising Instructor, plus online theory and shore-based training for all levels.
- Yacht Charters: Explore the Solent or cross to France with bareboat or skippered options, mile-building trips, and more.
- Personalized Learning: Small groups and one-on-one instruction ensure you gain confidence at your pace.
- Safety Commitment: Strict protocols and regular fleet maintenance guarantee a secure experience.
Our boats are equipped with modern navigation tools, and our instructors bring local expertise to every journey—whether you’re navigating the Solent’s tides or planning a channel crossing.
Why Choose Us?
- Experience: Over 25 years serving sailors of all levels.
- Expertise: Fully accredited by the RYA, with top-tier instructors and technicians.
- Authoritativeness: Trusted by thousands, from beginners to seasoned mariners.
- Trustworthiness: Transparent feedback welcomed—we thrive on improving based on your input.
Customer Voices: Real Experiences, Real Trust
Emanuel 5 months ago – 10/10
I signed up for the 9 day theory and practical dayskipper course in end of November. It was an intense but pleasurable course. The instructors are really enthusiastic and super knowledgeable. We sailed through the requirements and made great new friendships during the course. Being in such a great location in Gosport you get lots of practical experience with tides, restricted shipping and enjoyable sailing and some of the local eateries are also nice to have. No rations onboard and plenty of cup of joe.
If you haven’t started your sailing experience this is the best place to start it. Good value, great tutoring and experiences never to forget.
Christopher – a year ago 10/10
Fantastic Day Out, Immaculate Yachts, Great Staff – Highly Recommended!
I arranged a corporate team building day at Commodore Yachting for the day in August this year. Both myself and the team attending had an absolutely fantastic time. The staff in the office were a pleasure to work with, and our skipper/instructor for the day (Josh) was brilliant. The yachts are in an absolutely immaculate condition, very clean and well presented. All those heading out to sea were also issued with top notch life jackets and waterproofs too. Cannot recommend this company enough! It has certainly inspired me to book onto a day skipper course personally myself later on this year/start of next. Thank you Commodore Yachting!
Our Values: Safety, Quality, and Community
- Safety First: We adhere to the highest marine safety standards, with regular updates to our training and equipment.
- Customer Focus: Your feedback drives us—tell us what we’re doing well or how we can improve!
- Community Impact: By training young sailors, we’re building a stronger future for the maritime industry.
Start Your Sailing Adventure Today
Ready to set sail with the best RYA sailing school in the Solent? Whether you’re dreaming of mastering navigation or cruising the coast, we’re here to make it happen.
- Book a Course
- Explore Charters
- Contact Us: Have questions? Reach out—we’re always happy to chat!
