Algarve Training 

I have lived in the Algarve for 4 years, running a small charter and sail training operation based in Portimao. And I loved it. Well, most of it. The winters, between Christmas and end March, could be very wet and unsettled, and made me move to Lanzarote.

 

But I do miss:

• the beautiful coastal scenery

• the tidal estuaries, offering great training ground

• the anchorages, specially around the island of Culatra in the Faro estuary

• the “Nortada”, a northerly wind, blowing every afternoon and dying off in the evening

• the relatively easy sailing and passage making because of these wind and weather conditions. 

• the ever friendly Portuguese people and their food, grilled fish or stew please

 

In November you can join me for a week´s sailing and training around the area I love and have come to know so well.  We’ll be departing from Portimao, which we won’t do before we have visited the charming fishing village of Ferragudo (where I lived), and visit Club Nau on the beach on Sunday late afternoon.

 

In the marina of Portimao parking can be practiced. The river leading into Portimao is great spot to learn to anchor in a tidal environment. From there, heading East, we will be sailing towards Villa Real de San Antonio, situated on the river Guadiana which borders with Spain.

The highlight stop over will be the tidal estuary of Faro, where we anchor and visit the stunning island Culatra. The final program will be made together, before we depart, and will be depending on weather and every crew member´s objectives for the week. 

 

This week is for everybody interested, regardless experience and level. You can chill and enjoy, learn and actively participate, improve on your practical skipper skills, plan a passage and be in charge as skipper. Before we set sail we discuss your expectations, goals and experience and put together your personal learning plan for the week. 

 

The training “buffet menu” you can choose from are based on:

• The RYA competent crew syllabus 
  Focussing on being safe and enjoying onboard, while learning all the basic skills to make you a competent crew member, including: 

  • sail handling, how do sails work, when and how to trim (adjust), how to reef

  • knots and warps, preparing the boat for parking 

  • safety, how to be safe, use of safety equipment

  • driving, steering a compass course, sailing different wind angles    

  • how to use a dinghy safely

  • anchoring, use of the anchor winch

• The RYA dayskipper syllabus
  Teaching you the skills, and giving you the experience to be in charge of a sailing yacht and her crew, including:

  • planning a passage (weather, navigation, weather, tides etc)

  • executing a passage (monitoring/situational awareness, crew management)

  • park the boat, leave the dock, taking into account wind and tide, including use of warps and managing crew,

  • anchoring, select a spot, drop and weigh anchor

  • picking up a mooring buoy

  • sail trim and sail selection

  • crew management

NOTE I am not able to issue any formal certificates/qualifications. 
But if you want to learn the basics, or are already qualified and are looking for improvement on skills or gather more experience, either as crew or as skipper being in charge, this could be the  perfect week for you.

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