Sailing Academy FAQs
Here, you will find the most frequently asked questions and answers about the MCO Sailing Academy.
Which course is right for me?
“My level is SBF-See, I have an Inland Waterways certificate (including BodenseePatent) or FB1, and I have already completed a few trips as a crew member.”
Then we recommend the Day Skipper course. This also requires a few basic skills. This includes mastering a few sailing knots, moving safely on board, and being clear about the sequence of standard maneuvers (tacking, jibing, mooring with the forward or aft spring line).
“My level is SKS, FB2, or Swiss offshore skipper, and I have already skippered on a few trips.”
For you, we would recommend the Yachtmaster Theory course and the introduction to tidal training.
“My level is FB3, FB4, SSS, SHS, and I have already skippered on several trips.”
The Yachtmaster course is suitable for you or, if you have insufficient tidal experience, the tidal training and the Yachtmaster Theory course.
“I don’t have any sailing training, but I have been sailing on our own boat since I was a child.”
In this case, please come to the tidal or day skipper course so that we can determine your level of knowledge and develop a corresponding training plan for you.
“I have been sailing with my partner for several years. Now, I would like to complete training by myself without the tried-and-tested habits from my partnership to gain more confidence and be able to handle the boat confidently.”
Then we suggest that you simply join a course without a partner. Sometimes, that’s the best way. If you are a woman, consider taking part in one of our women only courses. It’s very easy to learn with like-minded people and without any pressure.
“None of the options are suitable for me. What can I do?”
In this case, just drop us a line on +43 699 14034101 to discuss any concerns you may have or if you have any special questions.
Who are our sailing trips for?
Our offers and courses are aimed at people who want to work seriously on gaining and improving their skills as a sailor, but also as a skipper (crew management, issuing commands, seamanship). Whatever your experience level is, we promise we will take you a big step further.
We don’t issue certificates willy-nilly. But if you attend one of our training programs, we will support you intensively and individually to help you become a responsible and confident skipper. This way, you will also obtain the certificate you want. Our weekly courses in particular are designed as a “pathway” to Yachtmaster.
What is expected of me as a participant?
At MCO, we place great emphasis on treating each other with respect. This is especially important in the very cramped space of a sailboat. If you foresee problems, discuss them as soon as possible so that you can handle the situation calmly. Over the years, a small but fine MCO community has developed, from which a number of sailing crews and friendships have already emerged. In addition to full commitment to training, we therefore expect mutual respect, consideration, patience, and full integration into the crew.
Please leave your ego with the harbor master before the course starts. 😉
What are the physical requirements for taking part in the course?
We don’t expect you to be a top athlete, but you need to be able to get safely from the cockpit to the bow and from the jetty onto the boat. Please be honest during booking, and don’t sugarcoat anything. In any case, please contact us before booking if you suffer from chronic or other medical conditions (allergies, intolerances, cardiovascular problems, etc.).
What happens in a one-week course?
STRUCTURED, PROFESSIONAL, INTENSIVE – AND LOTS OF FUN.
At the start of the week, we’ll give you an overview of the coming days and a detailed safety and boat briefing. Each day begins with breakfast at 8 AM, followed by the daily briefing at 9 AM. The days on board usually last until around 7 PM. As we mainly run our courses in fall, winter, and spring, we sail into dusk almost every day, which gives you perfect opportunities for learning to sail at night.
Theory and practice alternate. The course units take between 1.5 and 2 hours each. In between there is of course time for a quick cup of tea or a few snacks. We break for lunch (often at anchor or on a buoy) and eat a small warm meal. Two more units follow in the afternoon.
We use the entire Solent area for training. This means that we spend almost every night in a different port. Boat chores are shared, and every team member contributes equally.
In the evenings there is always time for short (!) visits to the pub.
What language is spoken, and do I have to speak perfect English?
On board, we speak a mixture of German as well as Austrian and Swiss dialects. Anything that has to do with commands, nautical terms, and key learning content (in theory and practice) is increasingly communicated in English over the course of the week.
A little rusty school English is sufficient for this. However, good English obviously makes the path to Yachtmaster easier.
How do I get to the Solent?
- Flight to London –> train to Port Hamble
- Flight to London –> shared taxi to Port Hamble (Prestige Travel Solutions)
- Flight to Southampton (via Amsterdam) –> bus/taxi to Port Hamble
- Train through the Channel Tunnel: London, Southampton, Port Hamble
- Cars can be parked free of charge and under guard in the Port Hamble Marina.
Why is there such a large price range?
You can either book a berth in the comfort double cabin (standard price) or a cabin for yourself (standard + 80%).
What should I bring for training in the Solent?
Please take a look at the MCO packing list in the event announcement.
Be sure to bring:
- sleeping bag
- headlamp with red light
- writing materials
- items for your personal comfort (headphones, sleep masks, earplugs, etc.)
When can I take the exam?
Your instructor will assess your situation with you and make recommendations. We are always friendly and respectful, but we address all issues openly.
Please remember that the main objective is not to pass the exam by any means available, but to master all the requirements confidently based on your in-depth knowledge.
How do I register for the exam?
MCO will arrange an examiner for you (please select during booking). Before the exam, you will officially sign up on board by submitting the application form, which you can find under the following link.
What do I need before the exam starts?
At the start of the exam, you must present the following on board:
- completed application form
- your proof of mileage (YM Coastal: 800 NM, at least 400 in tidal waters, YM Offshore 2,500 NM, at least 1,250 in tidal waters)
- your SRC certificate
- a passport photo
- your first aid certificate (not older than 3 years, at least 8 hours, with hypothermia and drowning)
- You can either pay the examination fee (£220, as of July 2020) directly to the examiner or by credit card
You can find a template for the proof of mileage in the members area of our homepage. We’ll be happy to give you the access data upon request.
Does a theory exam expire?
No
Where can I find the general terms and conditions?
Click here for the terms and conditions.
