Question 1

Do I need any previous experience?

Accepted Answer

For some courses yes, but for beginners courses no experience is required.  Please see our course information pages for more details.

Question 2

Are meals included within the course price?

Accepted Answer

Our customers usually prefer to provision the boat themselves.  We provide the basics such as tea and coffee etc. This means that you get to enjoy the food that you like and also have the opportunity to eat ashore at the many wonderful restaurants in the area.

Question 3

Is fuel included in the course fee?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is. The fuel for the course you take is included in the fee you pay. Exam fuel is also included.   At Marbella Sailing School we use the fuel we need so that you get the maximum out of your learning time.

Question 4

What can I do if I have left something on board the yacht?

Accepted Answer

Don't worry.  People leave things behind all the time.  We will keep it for you in our office and then arrange to send it on to you.

Question 5

Do you provide training materials within the course price?

Accepted Answer

Yes everything you need for your course is included in the price.

Question 6

What qualification will I get?

Accepted Answer

Depending on which  course that you attend, and on whether you are successful, you will receive a recognised RYA qualification.  Please remember that the RYA standard is the highest in the world and just paying for a course does not guarantee that you will pass!  You will have to work hard during the week and show your instructor that you deserve your quaification. This is what makes the RYA the most sought after licenses in the world.

Question 7

What's the difference between Marbella Sailing School and another RYA Training Centre?

Accepted Answer

We think that have the best Yachts and the best location of any sailing school in Europe.  We also pride ourselves on the standard of our instructors which is why people keep returning to us time and time again.

Question 8

I worry about my level of English, what happens if I can´t understand the instructor?"

Accepted Answer

All RYA courses must be taught in English but don’t worry, our instructors are very experienced and used to teaching people whose first language is not English.  They are also very patient and explain things in a clear and practical way.

Question 9

Do we stay in a Marina each night?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes but occasionally we stay at anchor also.

Question 10

What do I get when I book a course?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the package you book but all of our courses are inclusive of Marina fees, fuel, RYA Instructor and certificates, School T Shirt.

Question 11

Is accomodation included on the Theory courses?

Accepted Answer

For Yachtmaster Fast Track students accommodation is provided throughout your trainings. For all other courses if we happen to have a space available on a yacht then you are welcome to stay onboard at a price of 25 euros a night. Otherwise you will need to find accommodation ashore.

Question 12

Who will the instructor be?

Accepted Answer

We have a pool of instructors that we use on a regular basis all of whom are RYA Yachtmaster Offshore as a minimum and have trained with us and know the standards that we uphold.  If you require a particular instructor please let us know.

Question 13

Do my miles with the sailing school count towards miles in my logbook?

Accepted Answer

Of course.  All miles you sail count towards your logbook.  If you are doing Yachtmaster exams then the mileage must have been accrued within the last 10 years.

Question 14

What safety measures are in place to combat COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

While It is virtually impossible to Social Distance on a Sailing Yacht, we have put the following procedures in place for each of our courses and milebuilders:

1. All students will sign a Medical declaration on arrival to state if they have had, or shown any symptoms of Coronavirus.

2. All students will have their temperature taken on arrival at the Training Centre.  If anyone has a high temperature or shows signs of fever they will not be permitted to board the Yacht.  This is to protect not only our instructors but all the other members of the Crew. Should this be the case, then that person will be given a voucher to use at anytime in the future with no date limit.  This is in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.  "Nobody will lose any deposit or course fees as a result of not being able to attend a course for any reason connected to Covid-19."

3. Masks will be provided to be worn onboard but are not compulsory.

4. The boats will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected each weekend in order to prepare for the next weeks course.

5. Hand sanitiser will be freely available and you will be encouraged to use it regularly in order to maintain good hygiene on the boat.  Especially in the food preparation area.   6. We are reducing the amount of students per boat

Common sense is going to have to be applied if we are to continue to enjoy healthy outdoor activities such as sailing.  If we all agree to the guidelines out of respect for each other and follow simple hygiene procedures we will all be able to stay safe and healthy whist enjoying the sport we love.

Question 15

Do you have female instructors?

Accepted Answer

Yes we can provide a female instructor if required.

Question 16

Where will we stay each night?

Accepted Answer

You sleep on the boat in either one of the beautiful marinas or in an idyllic anchorage.

Question 17

Will I get my own cabin?

Accepted Answer

Yes, unless you specifically request to share a cabin you will have your own cabin.

Question 18

Can I train on my own boat?

Accepted Answer

Yes we can arrange an instructor for you at the rate of 250 euros per day.  You can also do Yachtmaster prep weeks and exams on your own yacht. Please contact us for details.

Question 19

Are the classrooms air conditioned?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our classrooms are comfort cooled (air conditioned) and have abundent natural light.

Question 20

Is smoking allowed onboard?

Accepted Answer

No.  All of our boats and instructors are non smoking

Question 21

What is an example itinerary?

Accepted Answer

Courses start at 0930 on Monday morning and finish on Friday evening at approximately 1700. You are welcome to stay onboard the night before and the night after your course for an additional €50 per night.

The itinerary is dependant on the weather and will be decided by the Instructor once he or she has an up to date forecast. We usually leave our base on the first day and sail along the coast staying in a different Marina each night and return on Wednesday.  You will also get the opportunity to anchor in beautiful bays for lunch and a swim.

Question 22

What is Marbella Sailing School?

Accepted Answer

We are a brand new centre based in the luxurious Marbella , Spain.  We offer full range of RYA courses from Beginner to Yachtmaster Offshore (and beyond) onboard our fleet of beautiful sailing yachts and motor cruisers.

Question 23

Will I get seasick?

Accepted Answer

All of us get seasick from time to time, even me if the weather is bad!  Some people feel a bit queasy on the first day but this usually passes and is completely normal. If you are unsure whether you will be affected or not there are various remedies available which work well.

Question 24

Do we stay in a different place each night?

Accepted Answer

No.  We like to travel along the coast and explore the area.  This gives you the true Cruising experience.

Question 25

Are marina fees included?

Accepted Answer

All marina fees are included in the course fees.

Question 26

Do I need insurance?

Accepted Answer

We have our own insurance which covers you whilst on the boat.  However we always recommend that you take out your own travel insurance to cover things such as lost luggage, flight cancellations and delays, and medical emergencies.

Question 27

How many miles will we do in a week?

Accepted Answer

Between 80 and 120 on a typical course.

Question 28

Where & when does my course start and what do I need to bring?

Accepted Answer

Before your course, we will have told you where it is and when it starts as part of your booking confirmation.
 Courses tyically start at 0930 on Monday morning and finish on Friday evening at approximately 1700. You are welcome to stay onboard the night before and the night after your course for an additional €50 per night.    If you are taking a practical course on the water, you should keep a good look at the weather a day or two before your course. We almost never postpone a course due to weather, but safety is paramount so if we do then we will inform you the day before your course is due to start. We have only done this once in 3 years, so it's thankfully very unusual.   All the information you need about your course, what to bring, what to wear and how to find our training locations can be found on our online booking page.

Question 29

Do I need to be physically fit?

Accepted Answer

Sailing inevitably involves a bit of physical activity but this is not strenuous.  You will be outdoors and active all day so expect to be tired by the end of the week.

Question 30

Border Control

Accepted Answer

From New Year's Day, UK nationals arriving at EU border controls might also need to show a return or onward ticket, show they have enough money for their stay, and use separate lanes from EU citizens when queuing. If you are planning to stay in an EU country for longer than 90 days you may need to apply for a visa or permit.

Question 31

Insurance

Accepted Answer

Make sure that you have appropriate travel insurance - with healthcare cover - before heading abroad. This is because, beyond 31 December, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will no longer be valid for most people. Currently, a prescription made out by a UK doctor is valid in all EU countries. This may no longer be the case beyond 31 December.

Question 32

COVID-19

Accepted Answer

At present, it is still unclear whether British travellers will be barred from visiting EU countries from 1 January due to the bloc's COVID-19 restrictions. Non-essential travel is currently only allowed into the EU from a very limited number of non-EU countries who have low coronavirus infection rates. Once the Brexit transition period ends, rules permitting free travel within the bloc cease to apply to Britons.

Remember! If you have to cancel your sailing trip with us for ANY reason related to Covid-19, you will never lose any money paid. Instead you will be issued with a voucher which can be redeemed at any time in the future with no expiry date. It is also transferable to friends or family.

Question 33

Passports

Accepted Answer

Check your passport. - as from 1 January onwards, British travellers will need at least six months left on their passports in order to travel to Europe.. Your passport will also need to be less than 10 years old, even if it has six months or more left.

Question 34

Using your mobile phone while in the EU

Accepted Answer

Currently, there are no extra charges for data roaming on mobile phones when Britons travel to an EU country. However, this could change from 1 January depending on the terms of the UK's future relationship with the EU. This means Britons cannot continue to use mobile data services when roaming unless they actively choose to continue spending.

Some mobile operators - Three, EE, O2 and Vodafone - have said they have no current plans to change their mobile roaming policies next year. Meanwhile, the government has legislated to protect Britons from unexpected charges from 1 January, with a £45 per month limit on mobile data usage charges while abroad.

Legislation also ensures that consumers will continue to receive alerts when they are at 80% and 100% data usage.

Operators will be required to take reasonable steps to protect their customers from paying roaming charges for inadvertently accessing roaming services.

Question 35

Driving in the EU

Accepted Answer

If you want to drive whilst you are here you should get an international driving permit (IDP). This can be bought from the Post Office for £5.50.

You should also carry a "green card" - which is proof of motor insurance - when driving in the EU, including in Ireland, from 1 January. These can be obtained from insurance providers six weeks before travel.

Question 36

Taking your pets abroad

Accepted Answer

Ok so you probably wont be bringing your cat sailing with you but if you are here for an extended period and want to bring the family pet then you will need to make some additional arrangements. These include having a pet passport, having your pet microchipped, and having your pet vaccinated against rabies. However, from 1 January, it is unclear what rules will apply to Britons taking their pets abroad to the EU, meaning pet passports could no longer be valid.

Question 37

RYA Licenses

Accepted Answer

Finally a word about RYA licenses and the International Certificate of Competence.  The issue of these licenses, and their acceptance by countries around the world is nothing to do with the European Union and therefore will not be affected by Brexit.  The RYA continues to be recognised worldwide as the highest standard in certification for recreational boaters.

The International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft (ICC) is not an EU document. It is issued under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Inland Transport Committee Working Party on Inland Water Transport Resolution 40. It is this resolution which details how and to whom the ICC may be issued, the syllabus requirements, the layout of the certificate and it also lists the countries which have notified the UNECE Secretariat that they have accepted the resolution. The UK Government has accepted Resolution 40 and has authorised the RYA to issue the ICC on its behalf. 
If the EU was to develop a skipper licensing directive or regulation for private pleasure craft at some point in the future, acceptance of the ICC in EU countries might change. But at this stage we have no reason to suspect that acceptance of the ICC, in countries that have adopted Resolution 40, might change as a direct consequence of the transition period ending.

FAQ

Our most asked questions answered

FAQ

Read answers to the most common questions we're asked from our new students

Choose Your Course

Marbella Sailing School

Local 24B Edificio Levante, Calle Levante, Puerto deportivo de Estepona, 29680 Estepona, Málaga

FAQ

Our most asked questions answered

FAQ

Read answers to the most common questions we're asked from our new students

Choose Your Course

Marbella Sailing School Local 24B Edificio Levante, Calle Levante, Puerto deportivo de Estepona, 29680 Estepona, Málaga

Marbella Sailing School

Local 24B Edificio Levante, Calle Levante, Puerto deportivo de Estepona, 29680 Estepona, Málaga