Will you book flights for me?
We will be very happy to arrange flights; these will be booked using your credit card details.

How do I get to the boat?
Collections from the airport are available at a cost of 27 euros up to 4 people (or 40 euros for up to 8)

What type of boat do I sail on?
We only use our own boats, two Bavaria 36s with full equipment, bought new for 2004.

How large are the boats?
The Bavarias are 38ft with 8 berths, 3 double cabins and fantastic equipment on board for your enjoyment.

What is the age and condition of the yachts?
The Bavarias are 2004 and inspected to conform with YBDSA and RYA standards.

What equipment is on board?
GPS, Log, Depth and Wind instruments, VHF radio, CD player and Navtex plus all the necessary safety equipment to meet YBDSA and RYA coding for charter and sail training vessels. Please bring along a selection of CDs for us all to enjoy!

Am I guaranteed to sail on the boat I book?
Yes, except in unavoidable circumstances when a boat of equal or better specification would be used.

How many people on board?
The boats are coded for 6 but we only take 5 students on each course.

Will there be unaccompanied children on board?
Not below the age of 16, however we welcome younger children with their families or when they book the whole boat for a course or Skippered charter.

Can I do a course and my partner or friend just comes for a holiday?
Yes, they are welcome to join in and have some tuition or just relax and sunbathe! Most courses are run for mixed abilities.

I know nothing about sailing; can I still do the course?
Yes, the competent crew course is designed for complete novices. It is wonderful to see how well people do and how proud they are of their performance!

Do you take people on their own?
Yes, many people come on their own and join in with the other crewmembers; sailing is a team sport and there is soon a friendly relaxed atmosphere, our aim is for you to enjoy your time on board!

What are the qualifications of my instructor?
Your instructor will be an RYA Yachtmaster Instructor or RYA Cruising Instructor with many years sailing experience.

Can I do a joint theory and practical course on the boat?
In some circumstances this may be possible. An element of theory is taught so that you may apply it in practice. It is possible to gain both RYA qualifications by combining a shore based theory course in Portugal the week preceeding the practical course.

Can I do more than 5 days sailing?
Yes, we run special courses during the summer season of 14 and even 21 days. So that you can fast-track to Day Skipper (including the theory). We also run 14 day cruises visiting both Portugal and Spain! These are especially great for getting at least one of your 60 mile passages and to build on experience.Or, you may stay on board for two 5-day courses and we will try to arrange a slightly different itinerary each week.

Do you do anything other than courses?
Yes, we run two-week cruises, offer skippered charter, bare-boat charter, day and half-day sailing.

How many days do I actually go sailing?
On a 5-day course we leave on the Monday morning returning on the Friday evening.

What time do I join and leave the boat?
You join the boat at 1800hrs on Sunday and leave approx. 1800hrs Friday. Please ensure your flights arrive in time for the start of the course allowing for transfer and baggage handling.

How many nights do I stay aboard?
You will stay on the boat from Sunday to Thursday inclusive. Friday night onboard may be booked at an extra charge of €30 per person; you will however need to vacate the boat by 10.00 am Saturday.

Alternative accommodation
If you prefer to stay in a hotel on Friday night or extend your stay in Portugal for a few days, we can help arrange your hotel or villa booking and transfer from the boat.

How do I get back to the airport for my flight home?
Normally there are several clients going to the airport at the same time and it is easier to share both the taxi and the fare between you than for you to make individual arrangements. We will happily book a cab for you but the cost is not included in the course/holiday fees.

What happens when I arrive at the boat?
Depending on the time of arrival you can relax or visit the beach or town. At 18.00 hrs we ask that you join the boat for a safety brief. Generally the crew will then all go out together for an evening meal in Vilamoura.

What should I bring with me?
Towels for the showers; non-marking non slip shoes; clothes for both warm and cool weather. Warm clothes, preferably multi-layered are especially important in the Winter and early Spring, it's easier to take off and put layers on to suit the conditions. These all need to be packed in a soft, sports type bag. (We will send a more detailed list when you book). Some foreign currency for meals in port etc.

Do I bring a sleeping bag or do you provide one?
We provide pillows with freshly laundered pillowcases; we ask however that you bring your own sleeping bag or bedding.We do have some lightweight sleeping bags for emergencies, laundering costs £4.00 (€ 6.00)

How many meals do I eat on board?
Breakfast, lunch and evening meals are provided on board although 3 nights per week we all eat together in a restaurant sampling local cuisine. We provide some lovely Portuguese wine to have with your meals onboard.

Do I choose where to eat when we go ashore?
Yes, we make suggestions but ultimately the choice is yours.

Who pays for meals ashore?
You do…but this is the only extra! A good meal in a restaurant, including wine, will only cost between £8.00 and £ 17.00(€12 – €25).

Are there any hidden costs?
None. There are no extras on our courses whilst on board; fuel, berthing fees, tuition etc. are all included. See above for ashore**

Can I obtain Course Notes or a Log Book?
You can either order and pay for these when you book your course or you may purchase Log Books on board at the prevailing price. We strongly recommend that you purchase Course Notes when you book so that you can read up before you join us.

What about the language?
There is generally no problem communication because the Portuguese, unlike us, enjoy speaking foreign languages! A few phrases like "Hello" and "Thank you" always go down well though and we can teach you these.

Is Portugal in the same time zone as England?
Yes, it is one of the few countries in Europe that is in sync with the UK. However, it may be that we are actually out of sync with the rest of Europe!

What is the weather like?
From November to April the daytime temperature doesn't normally drop below about 16 or 17 centigrade. In high summer it can rise to 30c or 35c. High factor sun lotion is a must especially on board where the wind masks the burning effect. Even in the summer it can get chilly in the evenings so make sure you have some warm clothes as well as shorts and bikinis! For a Met Office Five Day forecast for Faro click HERE.

What is the Winter and Spring climate?
All countries need rain to top up their supplies of water and to rejuvenate the flora; this is the time when Portugal has its share of rain. However, it is normally mild and pleasant during this period, a mixture of sunny and overcast days but infinitely more pleasant than the weather in the UK and Northern Europe.

Will my mobile phone work?
You can make and receive calls in Portugal so long as your phone is set up correctly. Please bring a 12v charger that you can plug into the cigarette lighter socket on the boat.

Can you arrange land based accommodation should I wish to extend my holiday?
Yes, we have contacts in Portugal who rent villas or rooms, alternatively we can suggest hotels.