Neil Revalidates As RYA Cruising Instructor
Interactive Sailing Holiday Anyone?
BlueFoot Travel offers cabin charter sailing holidays in the Caribbean. As well as ensuring you have plenty of time to relax and recharge, a big part of joining a charter with us is getting hands-on sailing experience under the guidance of Captain Neil, an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean, RYA Cruising Instructor and NauticEd Level V Captain Rank Chief Instructor/Assessor.
“Aboard Nemo, we have an interactive charter style,” says Neil. “We encourage a hands-on approach with sailing and water sports, but only if you want to. I really enjoy teaching beginners. During our yacht charters, our guests are relaxed and there is no pressure for certificates and deadlines. It is very rewarding to see their excitement as they start to learn, improve their knowledge, even if they are already experienced sailors!”
RYA Cruising Instructor
Neil revalidated as an RYA Cruising Instructor this week. First, though he had to obtain his Yachtmaster Offshore sailing certificate. He went one step further and got his Yachtmaster Ocean certificate after crossing the Atlantic Ocean.
As an RYA Cruising Instructor, Neil is able to teach practical sailing up to and including RYA Start Yachting, RYA Competent Crew and RYA Day Skipper. During the summer, Neil regularly teaches in the UK and Portugal (RUSailing) and he also teaches occasionally for RYA sailing schools in Antigua (Miramar Sailing pictured here where Sam also got her Yachtmaster Offshore) and Bequia (Sail Grenadines).
Here are some of Neil’s sailing credentials:
- NauticEd Level V Captain Rank Chief Instructor/Assessor (2020)
- RYA Cruising Instructor Certificate (Sept 2018)
- Teaching Hours: 4,200+ (Sept 2018)
- Sailing Miles: 20,000+ (Sept 2018)
- GOC Radio Operators Certificate (Aug 2017)
- RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Sail, Commercially Endorsed (Nov 2015)
Informal Sailing Instruction?
BlueFoot Travel is not a sailing school, so we do not provide any certification. However, Neil can provide you with informal sailing instruction, and you can be safe with the knowledge he has the formal qualifications. He inspires confidence, which makes him an excellent teacher and great fun to be around.
This is ideal if you…
- Are new to sailing. You can, if you wish, learn the basics in a relaxed environment with someone to guide you all the way. We’ll show you which ropes to pull, to hoist and to adjust the sails. You’ll soon be on the helm as Nemo glides effortlessly through the waves.
- Recently got a sailing certificate and you want to get hands-on experience in new waters.
- Are thinking about cruising in the Caribbean and want to see what it is like with someone who knows the area.
- Already have sailing experience. This is the perfect opportunity to hone those skills and build miles in the warm tropical waters of the Caribbean. Below deck, the charts are always available for anyone who wants to use them, and Neil loves to discuss all elements of sailing, especially sail trim!
What Our Guests Say
“Most “cabin charters” are designed 
for non-sailors and you aren’t allowed to be actively involved. With Sam and Neil, you will be encouraged to helm the boat, trim the jib, raise the anchor, and be an active member of the crew.
I’ve searched far and wide for this type of experience, and I can assure you it is rare.
As an avid sailor, I can also say that it is a true pleasure to sail on such a well maintained and lovingly cared for vessel. Yacht Nemo is a 51 foot Dufour, that sails well and has generous cabins.
Another very important consideration is safety. The safety equipment on board is top-notch and well maintained, unlike many private boats I’ve seen. Neil is a serious sailor and well trained.” Zane, Ohio
Hands-on Sailing Adventure
If you looking to experience some hands-on sailing in the Caribbean, then come and join us. Lots more information on our shared cabin charters can be found on our trips pages.
Neil & Sam
The BlueFoot Travel Team
#SailingInStyle
About BlueFoot Travel
We offer sailing holidays in the Caribbean. Join us onboard a shared yacht and experience an unforgettable crewed cabin charter. Book a cabin for your sailing vacation – ideal for solo and single travellers, couples and small groups. Relax and recharge. Enjoy delicious healthy food. Get hands-on sailing experience with an RYA sailing instructor. And, have lots of fun as we sail from one beautiful island to the next. Sail in style with BlueFoot Travel.
