Frequently Asked Questions

What clothing should I wear for sailing?

There is an old saying, that there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing!  Outer wet weather gear (tops & bottoms) are available in a variety of sizes at no extra charge should conditions dictate.  These are worn over your normal clothes.  However, you are welcome to bring your own.  As a precaution we recommend bringing a change of clothes just in case.

Top:

Multi layering is the best approach as layers can be added or removed depending on conditions.  Always use good quality, breathable, non absorbent fabrics that are flexible and easy to remove.  As a rule of thumb, use;

Base layer - Cotton, mixed fabric t-shirts or modern polar type base layers.

Mid Layer - Mixed fabric Jumper or fleece.

Outer layer – Breathable waterproof jacket.

Trousers:

Jeans are not generally recommended as they tend to absorb water and are not very flexible.  Try to avoid anything with too many studs or exposed zippers etc., as these can scratch the yacht, catch on ropes and let in water.  Shorts are fine in hot weather.

Footwear:

Always wear footwear on deck as toes are very vulnerable!  Deck shoes, sailing boots or white soled trainers are ideal.  Bare foot, flip flips and high heels will not be allowed.

Headwear:

Wear a beanie / woolly hat in cold weather and a cap in hot, but make sure it is fastened into your other clothing because the wind will take it!  You can buy these on the day from our sailing centre at a cost of £10 if needed.

Eyewear:

Sunglasses are also very important if you can wear them.  But again make sure they are fastened securely.  Quality UVB-filter sunglasses are ideal.

Gloves:

Although not essential, you will be pulling ropes, so if you feel your hands need some form of protection, then, consider using gloves.  Sailing gloves come in a variety of styles, from the fingerless gloves of dinghy sailors to the think insulated gloves of offshore sailors.  Woollen gloves are not recommended.

Can my family or friends watch me sailing?

There is a public walkway directly above the pontoons, ideal for friends and families to watch the yachts leave and arrive and take pictures.  However, we do ask for safety reasons that only participants come onto the actual pontoons.  Most activities take place outside of the marina, but there is a walkway along the marina wall where you can see courses/activities at a distance.

Brighton Marina has cafe’s, restaurants, pubs, shops, a multi screen cinema, a bowling alley, a casino, a luxury hotel and a gym!  So don’t worry about them getting bored when you’re off sailing!

Will I be sea sick when sailing?

It is rare that people are sick, but if you are worried at all, there are many pills and acupressure bracelets on the market.  Please read all medication instructions carefully as some have to be taken well in advance and others cause drowsiness. 

Although Brighton nightlife is difficult to resist, we recommend an evening of relative sobriety the night before your sail.

Is there free parking in Brighton Marina?

Yes, there is a multi storey car park at the entrance of the marina.  Please print off the Parking Voucher under 'Notes and Downloads' and display it in your window - one voucher for each day your car is parked there.  If you are attending a theory course in the Neilson building at weekends, go through the barriers and drive to the end of the marina, over the lock bridge and park in the Neilson 'visitors' area in the car park in front of the building.  Remeber to inform us that you will need an exit pass before the day.

What if the weather is too bad to go sailing?

Obviously all sailing activities in the UK are weather dependent, so if we feel that the conditions are unsafe we will try to let you know approx 24 hours before your start time on the number you have given us at time of booking.  How3ever, if you haven’t heard from us and have doubts, we highly recommend giving us a call between 14:00 – 17:00 the day before your course/activity (or before you set off if you’re coming some distance).  Rescheduling is rare but it is necessary from time to time.  Wet weather gear is available at no extra charge.

Do the boats have toilets?

The Sigma 8’s (small racing yachts) do not have toilets, but there are great facilities on the pontoons.  Most courses/activities are in 3 hour ‘chunks’, so there is plenty of opportunity for ‘comfort breaks’.  All other boats have marine toilets.

Do the boats capsize?

Modern day yachts are cleverly designed with a heavy ‘keel’ and triangular shaped sails which ‘spill’ the wind as the boat leans over, so it is next to impossible for our yachts to capsize.   We have never had a yacht capsize or anyone go overboard, and statistically more people drown in their cars than participating in sailing courses and activities!

Are your courses and activities suitable for complete novices?

Absolutely, about 90% of our participants on our ‘tasters’ have never sailed before so our RYA qualified instructors aim their teaching level at beginner level.  That is not to say, those with some experience will get nothing out of it; in sailing there is always something to learn!

What is the ICC qualification?

The ICC (International Cetificate of Competency) certificate is currently as close to an international ‘driving licence of the sea’ as is possible to get and usually a minimum requirement for bareboat charters in most countries.  You will automatically be issued with an ICC certificate from the RYA by request, if you pass your RYA Powerboat level 2 (for under 10m powerboats) or RYA Day Skipper Practical (for over 10m power and sail boats).  It is possible to apply directly for an ICC assessment at an RYA school but there is no official course as such, so you need to know your stuff before going directly for assessment.  Our 'ICC for sail' course is a two day course involving one day of prep and one day assessment.  Our ICC for power is incorporated into the Powerboat Level 2 Course also.

Do you allow children or do child discount?

Yes, but different courses and activities have minimum age restrictions and some require accompanying by an adult, so please check the course/activity first.  If you have any doubts give us a call.  We are part of the RYA ‘Onboard scheme’ which means CRB checks are compulsory for our instructors who work with children.

Do I tip the Skipper / Instructor?

Even though this is the norm in the USA and some parts of Europe, it is not in the UK.  As with any service if you feel it has been to a high standard and feel you would like to show your appreciation, it would be welcomed but by no means expected.

When is your Sailing Season?

Our UK ‘on the water’ season generally runs from the first weekend in April until the last weekend in September but please check our online calendar for specific dates of courses/activities.   Our theory courses run all year round. 

Do you provide Childcare?

We don't provide childcare facilities but try: http://www.babyrockchildcare.co.uk/

Can I bring Alcohol?

None of our activities allow for alcohol.  However if you charter a yacht exclusively for a special occasion, you can bring your own alcohol and drink at the skippers discretion.  Alternatively try a specialist champagne and canapes hamper from The Secret Restaurant.    

What course/licence do I need to drive a boat?

Not a straight forward answer!  

The short answer is, in the UK, amazing as it may sound, legally you do not need to hold a licence or attend any course to drive a powerboat or sail a yacht.. for anything up to 24m or under 500 gross tons.   

The long answer is.. its complicated! it depends on which country, which company/club, what type of boat, who you are sailing with and the reasons you are on the water. ie leisure or commercial.  You need to find out as much information as possible.  Once you have this information drop us an email and we'll explain exactly what you need, or what we'd recommend. 

In the mean time try taking a look at our recommended '6_steps_to_sailing.pdf' for sailing yachts and read the FAQ above 'What is the ICC qualification?'