Learning to sail properly and efficiently is very important. This gives you confidence competence and knowledge. I have myself seen many cruisers out on the water passage making, who had no idea of sail trim, and could easily with sail adjustment have obtained at least a quarter of a knot more speed. The less time on the open ocean the safer you are. I do not recommend just learning from friends, who although well meaning are not trained to teach correctly.

I do believe in wives and partners learning separately, as each person develops their own strengths and confidence that way and it makes for a more balanced partnership and better ability for individual assessments and decisions quickly if on watch alone. It is important to be as equal in as many areas as possible.

The next two are top of the line, where the skippers go to get the best training. Any sailor can attend. The courses, when passed, are internationally recognised. Well worth going if you have the time.

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