Yachtpro http://sailing-thailand.com

I have just got back from Phuket after having a great experience learning to sail. I contacted them via email and within a couple of hours I had an informative response with course structures and prices. My aim was to be able to learn how to charter a sailing yacht for vacations with family or friends. I was recommended to do the ASA Fast Track to Bareboat Charter course lasting 8 days which was tailored to people like myself with limited sailing experience.

Singapore to Phuket is only a couple of hours away by plane and with many low cost carriers, the prices are very affordable. Yachtpro is based at Yacht Haven Marina only 15mins from Phuket International airport. I stayed in Yachtpro’s Studio Marina apartment, 3 minutes walking distance to Yachtpro’s office. The yachts and various restaurants are close by. If you prefer hotels and resorts there are many to choose from close by.

Upon arrival I was made to feel very welcome and felt instantly at ease. A little time was spent in the classroom learning basic sailing terminology, knots and objectives. The majority of the time was given to the practical side of controlling a keelboat and sail trim in a very safe and calm environment with a perfect 10knots of breeze. My instructor was very good at explaining terms with simple diagrams and took great pride in making us understand with a fun and enthusiastic approach.

The next two days we learnt about handling a bigger yacht. We covered anchoring, reefing, berthing and yachts systems etc. first in the classroom and then on the yacht. This was very informative and was delivered in a well thought out and expressive way. On our fourth afternoon we completed a route plan for our 4 day live-aboard, starting the following day. This again was explained very well and we learnt how to plan for a trip including, weather, current, Transits, obstructions, fuel, safe anchorages and alternates. Planning our trip made me very excited about our live-aboard adventure.

The Live-aboard part of the trip was excellent and ultimately taught me how to safely skipper a yacht. The scenery was magnificent high limestone islands tinted orange and yellow emerged from the sea in Phang nga Bay. Countless Beautiful sandy beaches stretching along lush islands, fringed with coral reefs. We stopped in the late afternoon each day at a different anchorage. We slept on the boat at anchor with the gentle motion of the ocean calming us to sleep.

I learnt so much during my eight days with Yachtpro. They have enthusiastic instructors who aim to guide you through your course answering any questions that you have. The yachts are all very well maintained and in very good condition. From my first email to my last “goodbye” i was so impressed with Yachtpro’s service that I would recommend their courses to anyone.

After passing my course my aim now in the very near future is to charter a yacht for a week in Phuket from Yachtpro and consolidate what I have learnt.