Boat Handling Weekend Course

The Boat Handling Masterclass is an intensive practical weekend designed for skippers and experienced crew who want to improve their close-quarters yacht manoeuvring and develop genuine confidence handling a yacht under power in wind and tide. Based at Hamble Point Marina with direct access to the complex tidal conditions of the Solent, the course focuses entirely on practical boat handling with extensive time at the helm.

Many sailors are comfortable at sea yet feel pressure returning to harbour. Manoeuvring in marinas, reversing into berths or dealing with crosswinds and tidal streams can quickly become stressful situations. This masterclass is designed to remove that uncertainty through structured coaching, repetition and practical understanding of how yachts behave under power.

Throughout the weekend you will practise close-quarters manoeuvres in a wide variety of realistic situations. Topics include prop walk, prop wash, spring lines, ferry gliding, reversing techniques, berth approaches and manoeuvring in confined spaces. The emphasis is not simply on completing manoeuvres, but on understanding why the yacht behaves as it does and developing calm, repeatable techniques that work in demanding conditions.

Courses are scheduled around spring tides wherever possible to maximise tidal flow and provide meaningful training conditions. By the end of the weekend, participants typically notice a significant improvement in confidence, composure and boat control when manoeuvring under power.

This masterclass is best suited to sailors at RYA Day Skipper level or above together with yacht owners and experienced crew wanting to improve their close-quarters manoeuvring skills. It is also valuable preparation for Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster candidates.