Is summer finally over

It seems strange to be saying this with Xmas just around the corner but summer finally appears to be over. Having spent the last months in little more than shorts and t-shirts we had a rude awakening this week with near freezing overnight temperatures and rather fresh days. The sun is still shining, but with teeth rattling winds from the North it means the shorts have been retired and with a pending trip to the UK are unlikely to re-appear in the immediate future.
Are the cooler temperatures down to Global warming or is it just that we are well into winter who knows, maybe its just that having experienced such fine weather to date, it would seem that we had not appreciated just how late into the year we really are. It goes to prove that you really can sail in this part of Spain year round and despite the cooler temperatures we are currently experiencing the days are still rather pleasant - albeit you need a few extra layers.
So once Xmas is over and done with, why not try something new and join our Day Skipper navigation courses which will be running throughout February and March. By the end of March we are expecting the shorts to re-appear and it is the perfect time to get afloat and learn new skills in time for Spring and Summer 2014.
To find out more about learning to sail in Spain or improving existing skills, please contact us or post a reply on the blog.
It may have turned chilly but temperatures are still far more pleasant than most British Summers...

VHF radio course in Ayamonte (November)

We have a VHF radio course running in Ayamonte on the 23rd November, learn about communication at sea plus find out how the Rescue service use modern technologies to co-ordinate rescues and save lives.

This is so much more than just a radio course and from 1st January 2014 new regulations mean that the course needs to be taught over 2 days and the current 1 day course will cease to exist, so get in early and get qualified before the changes.

To find out more about the VHF radio content  and training day, drop us a line or call Debbie on 00 34 695 326 184 or UK local rate call 0872 426 0837. Cost is 120€ per person plus 30GBP fee payable to the RYA for the licence.

Yachtmaster training takes us into the Algarve

Building up to a Yachtmaster prep week one of the guys needs a few more miles just to make sure they exceed the 2500Nm qualifying miles, so with a favourable forecast and beautiful clear skies we are sailing along the Algarve which is proving interesting for the crew as well as taking them out of their comfort zone as we cruise new grounds. During the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster exam there is quite rightly a lot of emphasis placed on pilotage techniques so what better way to practice this than visit unfamiliar harbours and anchorages whilst also incorporating key skills such as MOB and picking up mooring buoys under sail.

Currently in Vilamoura we plan to take on additional crew before heading to Portimao, Lagos and Albufeira on our return leg to Ayamonte before an intensive final few days of preparation before the big day.

If you think you have what it takes to become a Yachtmaster or are simply up for a sailing adventure, drop us a line to find out more about our sail training course in Spain or adventure holidays.

Good luck to the boys next week