Frequently Asked Questions

Are the courses specific to one level or do you mix levels?
We find that the mixing levels offers the best courses for all. Having 4 people doing say a Day Skipper practical is most difficult as they all want their turn at being skipper. To have some skippers and some crew allows everybody their time.

What do I need to bring?
We provide bedding and pillows so no need to carry these, we can also lend you a towel if required. Please ensure you have suitable clothing for sailing; it is often cooler at sea so layers are ideal. In the summer, light colours and a hat are a good idea, sun screen a must. Appropriate footwear is essential – deck shoes if possible but if not none-marking trainers can be worn. Please bring a jacket to keep out the wind and for use when ashore.

Do I need any special paperwork?
You should ensure you have adequate travel insurance and we also recommend that you apply for a European Health Insurance Card – EHIC (previously E111). Some Nationalities require a Visa – please check if that is the case.
Please note that the new Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper practical licences require a passport photograph, if you are following either of these course please bring one with you
PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE YOUR PASSPORT OR ID CARD WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES – THE POLICE DO CHECK.

Where is the nearest airport to Lagos?
Faro is nearest at about 75km away, Lisbon is another option with a good rail link.

How can I travel from Faro to Lagos?
There are several options – there is a great and inexpensive (about 8 euros) train link. You need to take a taxi from the airport to Faro train station (about 10 Euros) and the line terminates in Lagos at the back of the marina. The train website is at www.cp.pt. Some people hire a car either for the day or out of season a week is almost the same price. There is plenty of free of charge parking in Lagos Marina. Alternatively we can arrange a private transfer which is 70 Euros.

How will I find you in Lagos?
On your day of arrival (usually Sunday) we will meet you at a prearranged time, usually 6 or 7pm, if you arrive earlier in the day you can leave your bags at the Marina Office (next to the footbridge) and they will look after them. You will then be introduced onto the boat and given a short safety talk to ensure you know all that you need to for your first night aboard. A full safety brief will be given the next day. You will then have time to have a good look around the boat and unpack before we usually meet for a drink or dinner ashore at around 8pm. This provides a great time to get to know your fellow crew and talk about the week ahead. Obviously if the group know each other or arrive at vastly different times then we will make alternative arrangements. The agenda for your time with us will be discussed each day and varied to suit the needs of the group and the weather for the week.

Normally we arrive back in Lagos at about 4pm on the final day (usually Friday) to allow for boat cleaning

Can you offer experience days or sailing between levels or is it just courses?
We try to provide whatever people want whether that is an experience day with tuition, own boat tuition, a standard 5 day course or a two week mileage trip. If you have a requirement just ask and we will see what we can do.

Do I need to complete the theory before joining for a practical course?
It is not a prerequisite to have completed the theory but it is certainly a recommendation. In general students who have fully completed their theory course will get the very most from their practical course.

How do I book?
Please contact us to check and confirm availability, once we have agreed on dates we need you to complete our Booking Form and also make a payment of 25% as a deposit, the balance is payable 6 weeks before you sail.