What is a live-aboard sailing course?
A live-aboard sailing course is a multi-day program where you live aboard a sailboat with an instructor and other students and learn how to sail. The course is normally 5 to 7 days long. Each day you sail to a new destination, giving you a taste of the cruising life. Most routes stop at a harbor for at least one night where you can get off the boat, have dinner, and maybe shop for supplies to use while you’re on the boat. This immersive format means you not only practice sailing skills, but also experience all the rhythms of life at sea, from gorgeous sunrises on deck to starlit nights in a quiet cove.
Will it feel like a vacation or like a training course?
It’s a little bit of both. You will often here a sailing course described as a “sailing holiday” but there is actual learning going on as well. The atmosphere is usually relaxed and fun – more fun and sun with learning sprinkled in. Many people that attend a sailing course do it as a vacation experience rather than any serious intent to become a full-time sailor (though some want to do that too!). You can think of it as an adventure-holiday and an opportunity to meet like-minded interesting people with the added benefit of learning a new skill.
Do I need any sailing experience or special skills to sign up?
No, you do not need any prior experience sailing to attend the entry-level course which is called Competent Crew in the RYA program. Sailing schools will teach you everything from the ground up, so you won’t be expected to know the terminology or techniques beforehand. As long as you’re comfortable moving around a boat and open to hands-on learning, you’ll be fine.
Being comfortable around water is recommended. It’s best if you know how to swim but not essential as life jackets will be available to you at all times.
Who else will be on board? Will I fit in as a solo traveler?
Solo travelers are very common. If you are on a backpacking adventure or peak midlife crisis this is a great way to gain a new skill and meet other fantastic people.
Most participants are in their 30s and 40s though ages can range widely with a mix of solo travelers and couples. The social vibe is friendly and inclusive – by living in close quarters and working as a team, you tend to bond quickly with your crew mates.
How are the living arrangements on board? Will I have to share a cabin?
You will often here it described as “camping on the water” but we think it’s a bit better than that. Accommodations are normally comfy but cozy. The layout of the sailboat is normally 1-2 double cabins (bedrooms) in the front of the boat and 2 cabins in the back plus a small salon (dining area) and a galley (kitchen). There will be at least one bathroom (head) on board with a toilet and a compact shower with hot water. If it’s a nice spacious boat you will have a shower that is separate from the toilet area. If the boat as two bathrooms one is often located inside the master cabin. You may be able to reserve this cabin specifically, check with your school when you are signing up.
If you book as a couple, you’ll share a double cabin. Solo students are sometimes assigned to a shared cabin with someone from the same gender or the salon (dining area) if the boat is full. But space permitting solo travelers are assigned to their own cabin. If you want to ensure you get your own cabin as a solo traveler you can normally pay a little more to reserve the cabin for yourself.
Privacy is limited on the boat, there’s no shying away from that fact but it is part of the adventure.
Is there electricity on board?
You will have electricity normally through a USB port or 12V socket which is good for charging a phone or laptop. Internet connection can be spotty or limited depending on where you are sailing but normally you’ll get signal or wifi when you are near a town or gone into harbor.
There is also a fridge for provisions (food) on the boat and a fresh-water tank for cooking, drinking, and quick showers. In short, you’ll have what you need for a comfortable stay.