Boat Handling Weekends
We designed this 2-day course to address a common gap in skipper training: confident, consistent close-quarters manoeuvring. While RYA courses such as Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper introduce mooring concepts, they often lack the dedicated practice time required to master tight-space handling under power.
Many competent sailors are comfortable in open water, but navigating a yacht under power in a tight, crowded marina, especially with wind, tide, or limited visibility, is a different skill set entirely.
The Boat Handling Weekend was created by Sail Squad to bridge that gap. This intensive course offers structured, practical experience and targeted instruction to help skippers refine their techniques and approach a mooring like a pro.
What Is the Boat Handling Course?
During this weekend course, you will be guided by our instructors through various berthing scenarios in different marinas and tidal conditions. We provide ample helm time in a supportive environment where questions and mistakes are welcome.
On Saturday morning, we’ll take the time to understand your experience, goals, and any specific concerns you may have, such as reversing under pressure or managing spring lines. With a maximum of four students, you’ll receive personalised coaching and focused practice. This course spans two days, allowing us to cover all aspects of boat handling in different tidal conditions, rather than simply mimicking the actions of the previous student.
Whether you are preparing for your Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper, or Yachtmaster exams, this course will help you build confidence and decision-making skills, making marina manoeuvres feel less intimidating.
2 Days of Close-Quarters Manoeuvring
The difference between a confident skipper and a stressed-out one often comes down to close-quarters boat handling, which is exactly what this weekend fixes.
Throughout the course, we’ll help you internalise key principles, including: “Slow is pro, but fast enough to steer,” “steer before gear,” and “in to tide, in to tide, in to tide”.
Over two days, you’ll develop essential techniques for manoeuvring under power. You will have the freedom to decide your focus areas; however, some common topics include:
Berthing and Unberthing
Master parking bows-in, stern-to, and alongside (including finger births and against another yacht).
Tactical Decision-Making
Understand the effects of wind, tide, and boat characteristics on your manoeuvres.
Turning in Tight Spaces
Practice safe, effective throttle handling and executing power turns.
Lines and Fenders
Learn the correct setup for different mooring situations.
Reversing with Control
Understand prop walk and prop wash, and how to use them to your advantage.
Midships Cleating and Springing Off
Learn techniques for secure mooring and easy departures.
Crew Communication
Analyse crew strengths, assign roles and build a system that works smoothly every time.
Using Transits
Use visual techniques to maintain headings while manoeuvring in close quarters.
Weather Considerations
Learn how to adjust approaches based on conditions, wind, and tide directions and strengths, including how they interact with one another.
Price – £379 Per Person
- Location: Multiple marinas around the Solent, UK
- Duration: 2 days (Saturday 9:00 am to Sunday around 3:30 pm)
- Group Size: Maximum 4 students
- Included: Drinks and refreshments onboard
- Not Included: Main meals. Please bring your own or explore local dining options nearby.
Book Now
By the end of the weekend, you’ll feel more confident, in control, and capable of handling even the trickiest berthing situations. Reserve your spot today, or feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Looking for a specific date? Let us know! If our scheduled weekends don’t fit your availability, we’ll do our best to arrange one that works for you.
Why Do a Boat Handling Course with Sail Squad?
Variety of Situations
You’ll get hands-on experience at the helm in real marinas, navigating genuine challenges under expert guidance.
Highly Experienced Instructors
Our seasoned instructors offer expertise, calm coaching, and a supportive teaching style that helps build your confidence quickly.
Encouraging Environment
Whether you’re feeling nervous, need another go, or prefer to try a different approach, we’ve designed this course to foster your growth without pressure.
Personal Approach
As a small school, our team prioritise individual attention, from the moment of booking through to being onboard with our full-time instructors.
Small Groups
With just four students on board, you’ll have ample time at the wheel and genuine opportunities to practice each manoeuvre.
Flexible Booking
We want to accommodate everyone for this course, so please let us know if you have a specific date in mind.
FAQs
We’ve covered the most common questions to help you get started. If there’s anything else you need, just drop us a message. We’re always happy to chat.
No, this course is suitable for sailors of various skill levels, from pre-Day Skipper to pre-Yachtmaster. We will tailor the experience to match your background and goals.
Plenty! With a maximum of four participants onboard, everyone will have lots of time at the helm, navigating real-life marina scenarios.
That’s part of the learning process. Challenging conditions provide an excellent opportunity to practice real-world techniques safely, guided by expert supervision.
Yes, please feel free to bring your own lunch. We will provide drinks and snacks, but you will need to bring lunch for both days and arrange your dinner for Saturday night.
Non-marking shoes, warm and waterproof clothing, lunch for both days and a notepad if you’d like to jot things down. We’ll send a full kit list after booking.