Southampton to Portugal Offshore/Ocean Passage

Aims:

This course offers you the chance to log plenty of sea miles towards your Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore and experience some unforgettable offshore sailing. If you already hold the Yachtmaster Offshore qualification, this passage can be used as a qualifier for the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean exam.

Course Duration:

Eight days, meeting at 0930 on day 1.

Pre Requisites:

• Minimum age 18
• Minimum Experience RYA Competent Crew or 5 days, 4 night hours, 100 miles

Candidates for the Yachtmaster Ocean Qualifying passage will need to have completed the Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased first.

Course Content:

Departing from Southampton, this passage heads West out of the English Channel before clearing North Brittany and crossing the infamous Bay of Biscay. After rounding Finisterre you will head down the Portuguese coast bound for Cascais (Portugal). As you head further South and leave the English climate behind the temperature will rise. The Portuguese coast normally provides some good downwind sailing at this time of year.

On passage you will learn about watch patterns, offshore position fixing, steering in ocean waves and long distance passage planning. You will experience the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy plenty of sailing.

The more experienced crew members will have the option to take an active role in running the yacht so that this passage can be used towards the Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence. On passage our Instructor will help you through the practical side of astro navigation and ensure you have taken some reasonable sight to use for your oral exam on return to the UK.

The passage length is 750NM. On arrival in Cascais, Lisbon airport is near by and has daily flights back to the UK. We suggest you hold off booking flights until the passage is well underway and you have a good idea of arrival day. The boat has a four-day stop over in Portugal before commencing its next passage (Cascais, Portugal to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria).

What's Included:

• Instruction 
• Yacht, gas and diesel 
• Accommodation on board 
• Meals and snacks on board 
• Loan of a life jacket 
• Free Parking 
• 1 year free introductory membership to the RNLI

What's Not Included:

• Wet weather gear (£20/week hire if required)
• Footwear/boots

Optional Extras:

Those who would like to book the next leg (Cascais to Gran Canaria) at the same time as booking this leg get one of the legs half price and can stay on board for the stop over in Portugal (meals are not provided for the stop over).

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