Attended a one day marina skills practical course to brush up on docking skills since you can never get too much practice at this. Really enjoyed the day and came away with more knowledge and greater confidence. Highly recommended for any level of sailor. Thanks to my instructor for being an excellent instructor. December 2021.

Sadly I had to cancel my VHF course shortly before the due date due to a severe infection. I was advised to get back in contact at a later date. Unfortunately I’ve developed a joint condition so I’m unable to sail. I approached Solent for a refund on the course fee paid given the circumstances. This was refused citing their terms and conditions which is that no refund can be given within 14 days of your course. So be warned - you will lose your money if you cannot attend your course due to ill health and can’t give 2 weeks notice. In the circumstances any offer to rebook was no use to me. Very disappointed in the attitude of this company. Following my honest review on Trip Advisor the manager of Solent made a complaint about me to my employer, accused me of starting a smear campaign, misrepresented what I had said and called me a liar about my health condition.

Awesome! Ok, i can't justify describing the course in one word, so i'll embelish a little further whilst trying not to wet myself with excitement. Right from the start it was clear this merry bunch are professional and more importantly, passionate about what they do. I love that, it shows this isn't just a job to these guys, it's their life, they love it and that enthusiasm and passion rubbed-off on all of us pretty much instantly. Our instructor (i'd love to name him personally, as he was a legend, but apparently i'm not allowed to) was awesome and knew his stuff. Teaching technique was spot-on, with a thorough explanation, demonstration and helping hand where needed. He made the five days of the course an absolute pleasure and we didn't want the fun to end. The boat (Janbo) was immaculate, very spacious and seriously impressive. The rest of their fleet looked equally impressive. They've made some serious investments in their choice of vessels, and this showed. The RYA Competent Crew course was great fun, very informative, packed full of hands-on sailing, both practical and theorectical. Right from the start getting everyone involved, working together to ensure the boat was managed safely, whilst showing everyone how much fun sailing is. We sailed in a few varied-conditions for November, from force 6/7 winds, to dead-calm-no-wind-just-mist-and-fog. I loved it, especially all the night sailing and mooring-up the boat at various marinas at night. Basically, everything i expected and more. Very comprehensive and great fun. The last day made it for all of us, a blast down to the Needles, quick about turn followed by a nice leisurely journey up the Solent back to base. For me, that was just the pinnacle of a perfect weekend of sailing. The worst part of the course? When it ended...... none of us (instructor included!) wanted it to end, and we all promised to return for the Day Skipper course in March (I'm not sure i can wait that long!). We all parted as great friends (i'm getting teary here!) and i hope to see all the guys again soon. What can i say? This was just the best experience ever and to quote Arnie....I'll be back (for more!). Now then.....lets get that Sea Survival, Day Skipper and VHF course booked-up.....! Change nothing guys, seriously, it was pefect.

I completed the RYA level 2 powerboat course as necessary for ICC qualification and enjoyed the course. The mix of theory and practical work was very well paced and allowed for practical consolidation where appropriate. The option to stay on one of the companies larger yachts overnight on the Saturday was a real benefit. The boats are very well equipped and comfortable and make planning the stay completely trouble free. I would have no hesitation in recommending Solent Boat Training and would expect to use them in future for bare boat charter.

I had been looking around the web and in person at companies to Learn with and to Charter from. Have family in Southend, Scotland and Lincoln so I did cast the net wide. Something about how easy to use the site was made me try these guys in Southampton. I pinged and email and made a call..well.. from that first contact I have felt like I have expert friends in the industry.I have met or trained with almost every member of the team but can't mention names here. I have chartered the Ribs and the larger motor Yacht as well as taken several courses and had bespoke one to one coaching. Sometimes with wife, sons or friends. The experience has always been outstanding. Key differences are: flexibility - they work hard to get you the experience you really want. Value - they often surprise me with improvements or extras. Quality - everybody seems like leading experts but stay friendly in style. Cost - I often say what I can afford and they try to give me some options. Variety- They have every type of water craft worth having. And expert in using them. I can honestly say I have opted to keep going to Solent rather than scrape cash to buy myself a boat. It's just much easier and friendlier that way.

Very good course, Ollie was a very knowledgable teacher and was able to answer any questions we had, very friendly and relaxed couple of days. Will certainly come back to do the intermediate course with you guys. Thanks for a great couple of days learning a new skill, and the free accommodation on your brand new luxury yacht. Tony H

My husband and I completed the Powerboat Level 2 course mid August. We were very impressed with the whole set up. To have no more than 3 of us on the course and to tailor the level from a 15yr old to 44yr old was no mean feat! Our instructor Olly was brilliant and had the patience of a saint. The balance of classroom and practical was spot on for us. To do both across both days, meant we implemented what we had learned in the morning and attempted to perfect the following day too. We thoroughly enjoyed the 2 days and came away feeling infinitely more confident in our ability. How anyone can entertain the idea of not completing this course if you're new to boating and intend on buying a boat, is beyond me. Thanks Solent Boat Training :)

The course was excellent, and there was a good balance between presenting the information required to pass the examination and practical exercises involving the radio sets. Our instructor was very willing to discuss things further and to answer questions. He had expected us to have read the RYA VHF book beforehand which hadn't been mentioned in the pre-course communications - however in the end the course was sufficient to pass the short exam at the end and receive the radio licence. Overall, the course fulfilled and surpassed its objectives.

I joined the guys at Solent Boat Training (SBT) at the end of June 2013 for a taster day. Although a qualified and experienced yachtswoman, my work commitments had kept me off the water for a while and the SBT taster day was just what I needed.The skipper was young and enthusiastic and quickly established a rapport with everyone. His calm manner was reassuring, ideal for the total novice, giving the impression of a safe environment for learning and enjoyment. His enthusiasm and professionalism both shone through. Although the weather was not ideal for the total novice our skipper gave us a full day on the water learning the basics from points of sail to tacking and gybing, anchoring and returning onto a pontoon, I had plenty of opportunity to brush up on my skippering technique and my helming. I'm sure the others who participated would not hesitate to recommend SBT for their RYA practical sailing courses - they also provide excellent lunches, an essential element of skipper training. I'm looking forward to returning to SBT for more practical sailing in 2014 and even chartering their Bavaria 37'. An excellent introduction to sailing for the novice who might be a bit apprehensive about what to expect.

A big thanks to Bo and the team at SolentBoatTraining. Could not fault the service and experience. Great kit and location. I did a lot of online research and you guys came up with the goods going above and beyond when our overnight stay broke down at the last minute. Would recommend your team to anyone considering getting on the water and look forward to seeing you at Southampton Boat Show 2013 where I will be booking for the advanced course.

I recently took part in a course for jet skiing, I found the experience excellent and would strongly recommend it to any one. I found the course brilliant as I have no experience with any kind of jet ski before the instructor soon taught you the basic controls, before being aloud out on the Solent. I found the course a great mix of theory n practical time on the ski. And at the end of the day had a great final experience on the skis. Would deffonatley recommended this to any one with a light interest or someone looking to buying there own ski. An excellent course for all.