Saturday 20 February 2010

Modular Fastrack Coastal Skipper Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore

Coastal Skipper DOT is now called Yachtmaster Coastal and from 2010 we will be offering modular Fastrack courses so you can learn at your own pace. Following our winter in Asia we have teamed up with our colleagues in Langkawi and our pleased to offer a split Fastrack course between Spain, Portugal and Morrocco with the second half of the course being done in SE Asia between the stunning tidal locations of Langkawi Island, mainland Malaysia and Thailand.

8 week novice to Coastal Skipper, including Day Skipper and Coastal/Yachtmaster theory.
8 week Coastal Skipper to Yachtmaster, including Coastal/Yachtmaster theory.
16 week beginner to Yachtmaster, start at the beginning and work your way from Competent Crew up to Day Skipper whilst learning to navigate, before stepping up a gear to Coastal Skipper and then fine tuning all those new skills before sitting the Yachtmaster Offshore assessment. It´s not easy but with dedication and some of the best instructors in the industry you will get through!

To find out more information on sailing courses and RYA sail training call us today on +34 968 143 718 / 695 326 184 or drop us an email to discuss the right course for you

Sunday 7 February 2010

Mar Menor bridge plays havoc with yachts

The bridge (El Estacio) that provides access to the Mar Menor from the Mediterranean has been affected by the Spanish recession, the San Javier Council are reluctant to fund the operation of the bridge and have cut the openings to only 2 per day instead of the 2 hourly opening between 0800 - 22.00 hourse that we have always had.
The current situation is that the bridge opens at 10.00 hours and than once more at 19.00 hours, needless to say this is causing some inconvenience to nearly everyone with a yacht, powerboats are not so readily affected by the reduced operations although some of the larger craft in Tomas Maestre will not be impressed, at this stage what the outcome will be is anyones guess.
With a long tough winter coming to an end, many businesses were looking forward to and hoping for an improved summer trade in 2010 but how the San Javier decision will affect them remains to be seen.
One thing is for sure, yacht numbers entering the Mar Menor will be down and this can only result in a downturn to local business.
Will keep all boaters updated as/if the situation changes.