Own Boat Tuition

Many boat owners feel that even though they may have been sailing quite a while and are generally comfortable with their current skill sets, the odd tune-up or bit of expert advice which is specific to their own boat is always a good thing.

Whether you’ve had your own boat for years or are a new owner wanting to improve your skills to make your sailing safer and more fun, why not contact us to see how we can help you?

We can offer bespoke training with one of our friendly, professional Yachtmaster Instructors, on your own boat based from any of the marinas in the Solent area (For locations further afield in the UK or worldwide please contact us), to help you gain that all-important confidence in the familiar surroundings of your own boat.

Tailored to You and Your Crew

isn’t just about the skipper. If you’d like to introduce family members or friends to boating, we’re happy to help train them too, making sure your crew is confident and competent. With everyone more comfortable handling lines, helming, or navigating, you’ll find skippering less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.

Our services don’t stop at just tuition for skippers—we welcome all boaters and their crew, whether you’re looking to refresh safety protocols, enhance teamwork, or simply make outings smoother and more enjoyable for everyone on board. We understand that every boat and crew is unique, so your training will always be adapted to your specific needs and aspirations.

Practical Skills for Real Situations

Not so confident at slow speeds in marinas or perhaps with rafting to other boats in high season? Why not do a Marina Skills day on your own boat, with one of our friendly, professional Yachtmaster Instructors?

Bought a Spinnaker/Gennaker and want some top tips from the professionals on efficient downwind sailing? We can help! How about understanding a bit more on maintenance tasks which are more bespoke and particular to your own boat? We can help! Feel you’ve got the sails trimmed well, but want to know if there is anything else you can do to squeeze that last bit of performance out of the boat? We can help!

Our instructors will also help you get to grips with your boat’s unique systems—handy if it’s new to you, you’ve changed berths or marinas, or just want a refresher after some time off the water. We’ll even cover essential routine checks and simple maintenance you can take on yourself, or point you towards local professionals for jobs that need a specialist touch.

Alongside personalised tuition, we can advise on broader aspects of boat ownership, such as local safety regulations, emergency procedures, and best practices for equipment checks. For those needing additional support, we can arrange:

Go Further, With Confidence

How about one of our skippered cruises? If you fancy taking your boat further afield, but are nervous of your skippering abilities away from familiar waters we can put an experienced, qualified skipper on board who will keep you safe and also help you develop new skills and build your confidence to undertake the journey yourself.

Alternatively, how about doing one of our RYA courses on your own boat? We can offer a variety of courses which can be held on your boat for up to five people (Subject to the size and cabin arrangements of your boat). Take a look at our courses on offer and if you feel this is something you’d really like to do, why not contact us so we can give you some options?

Support Every Step of the Way

At the end of your session, we’re always happy to offer feedback and advice on what to tackle next—be it further Own Boat Tuition or another RYA Training Course. No matter your goals, we’re here to provide all the support and training you need to build your confidence, fine-tune your skills, and make your time on the water as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Whether you’re seeking practical tips, comprehensive training, or reassurance that you’re using the right approach for your boat and crew, our range of services and friendly, professional instructors are here to make every voyage more rewarding.

 

Benefits of Own Boat Tuition

Own boat tuition offers personalized training to enhance your sailing skills, tailored to your vessel’s unique setup. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a new boat owner, our expert RYA-certified Yachtmaster Instructors in the Solent area provide bespoke guidance to boost your confidence and safety. From mastering marina manoeuvres to fine-tuning sail trim, you’ll learn in the familiar surroundings of your own boat, making every lesson practical and relevant.

Imagine docking with ease or handling your boat in tight spaces without stress. Our instructors, with over 20 years of combined sailing experience, focus on your specific needs—whether it’s navigating new marinas or understanding your boat’s systems. This tailored approach ensures you gain skills that stick.

We can offer bespoke training with one of our friendly, professional Yachtmaster Instructors, on your own boat based from any of the marinas in the Solent area (For locations further afield in the UK or worldwide please contact us), to help you gain that all-important confidence in the familiar surroundings of your own boat. Our RYA Yachtmaster and Advanced Powerboat Instructors an provide tailored tuition focused on both Sail and Power, ensuring your training is perfectly suited to your boat and your preferred cruising grounds—whether you’re based in a busy marina, a quiet harbour, or anywhere within the Solent.

This means you benefit from practical, hands-on experience that directly relates to your particular vessel and the locations you most often visit, all delivered in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Tailored Training for Power and Sail

Whether you own a sailing yacht or a motorboat, our own boat tuition is designed for all vessel types. From classic Beneteau to sleek Sunseekers, our instructors adapt training to match your boat and cruising style. Need help with slow-speed marina handling or rafting during high season? A Marina Skills Day with a Yachtmaster Instructor can make these tasks second nature.

Got a new spinnaker or gennaker? We’ll share professional tips for efficient downwind sailing. Want to tackle boat-specific maintenance? Our instructors guide you through tasks like checking your rigging or servicing your engine, ensuring you’re ready for any challenge.

Why Choose Own Boat Tuition?

Personalised Learning on Your Vessel
Own Boat Tuition is the ideal way to familiarise yourself with your vessel’s unique systems—whether you’ve just bought a boat, are settling into a new berth or marina, or just want to re-acquaint yourself after some time away. Training on your own boat ensures everything you learn is directly relevant and instantly applicable.

Professional Guidance Tailored to You
Our professional, qualified team will help you build your knowledge and improve your handling and navigation skills—even in challenging conditions. Maybe you’d like to introduce family members or friends to boating, and want some assistance in training them to become capable crew. With our help, you’ll find skippering a little less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.

Constructive Feedback and Next Steps
At the end of your day, we’ll offer feedback and advice on what to focus on next—be it further Own Boat Tuition, RYA training courses, or simply some maintenance routines you might want to consider doing yourself or with the help of local professionals. Our aim is to empower you to make the most of your vessel and your time on the water.

Flexible, Supportive, and Always Focused on You
We pride ourselves on offering flexible options—whether you want a single skills day, a full course, or ongoing support. Our instructors adapt to your needs and sailing ambitions, ensuring you leave every session with new confidence and practical skills.

Whatever your goals, we’re here to help you get more enjoyment, comfort, and safety from your own boat.

Preparing for Sailing Adventures

Dreaming of taking your boat to Greece, Croatia, or the Caribbean? Own boat tuition prepares you for new cruising grounds. Practice Mediterranean mooring techniques, navigate unfamiliar harbors, or master berthing maneuvers common in holiday hotspots—all on your own boat. Our instructors tailor sessions to build the skills you’ll need abroad, so you can sail with confidence.

For example, learn to anchor securely in deep bays or handle stern-to mooring, common in Mediterranean marinas. These skills ensure you’re ready to enjoy your adventure without surprises.

Alternatively, take an instructor with you. If you’re nervous about skippering in unfamiliar waters, we’ll provide an experienced, RYA-qualified skipper to guide you. They’ll keep you safe while helping you build the confidence to take the helm yourself.

Complement your own boat tuition with RYA courses to round out your skills. These can be conducted on your boat for up to five people, depending on cabin size. Here are our top picks:

To truly make the most of your private tuition, you might want to consider adding a few complementary RYA courses to your sailing toolkit. These are especially useful for boat owners looking to handle more situations independently and with confidence:

  • VHF SRC Radio Course
    Master essential radio procedures—ideal for everyday communication, safety, and emergency situations at sea.
  • First Aid at Sea
    Learn practical first aid tailored to the unique environment of a boat, so you’re prepared for whatever might arise on the water.
  • Marine Diesel Engine Maintenance
    Get hands-on tips for keeping your diesel engine in top shape, spotting early signs of trouble, and handling basic maintenance.
  • Outboard Engine Maintenance
    Build confidence with essential skills for troubleshooting and maintaining outboard motors—perfect for tenders or backup engines.
  • Day Skipper Theory
    Strengthen your navigation, meteorology, and passage planning—key for taking charge as a competent skipper.
  • Theory & Navigation Refresher
    Brush up on the theory side if it’s been a while; boost your navigation confidence and stay sharp.

Adding any of these courses alongside your bespoke own-boat tuition is an excellent way to round out your knowledge and make every trip feel a little more effortless. Whether you need to brush up on the latest radio procedures or want to feel surer when diagnosing an engine hiccup, there’s always something extra to learn.

These courses, paired with bespoke tuition, help you handle more situations independently. Visit the RYA website for more details.

Comparison of Own Boat Tuition Options

Training Type Duration Price (Starting) Key Benefits
Marina Skills Day 1 Day £360/per boat Master slow-speed handling and rafting
Skippered bespoke training 2-3 Days Custom Quote Build confidence for long-distance cruising
RYA Courses on Your Boat 5 Days £1800 Earn certifications tailored to your vessel

Running RYA courses on your own boat, can this be done? YES!

Alternatively, how about doing one of our RYA courses on your own boat? We can offer a variety of courses which can be held on your boat for up to five people (subject to the size and cabin arrangements of your boat). Take a look at our courses on offer and if you feel this is something you’d really like to do, why not contact us so we can give you some options?

Maybe you’d like to introduce family members or friends to boating and would appreciate some help in training them, so they can become confident and helpful crew. By ensuring your crew is competent, you’ll find skippering your boat becomes less stressful and a lot more enjoyable—plus, everyone gets to share in the fun and responsibility on board.

Ongoing Support and Expert Guidance

At the end of your own boat tuition, we’ll take time to review your progress together and offer practical advice on where you might want to head next. This could mean recommending further bespoke sessions to hone specific techniques, or perhaps guiding you toward one of our RYA Training Courses if you’re keen to work toward a qualification.

We’re also happy to provide friendly, no-nonsense guidance on routine maintenance jobs—whether it’s small checks you can easily tackle yourself, or jobs best left to trusted marine professionals in your area. Whatever your boating ambitions, we’re here to help chart the right course forward.

For locations beyond the Solent, contact us for custom arrangements.

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own boat tuition
Expert Yachtmaster Instructor guiding a boat owner during own boat tuition.