WHO IS THE RYA?
The RYA are the Royal Yachting Association; they are the governing body for recreational water sports in the U.K. They also set the course syllabus, issue certificates and guidelines for Training Centres. RYA certificates are internationally recognised. For further information please see their website Royal Yachting Association.
WHO IS HOT LIQUID SAILING?
Hot Liquid Sailing is a company with a friendly modern approach to yachting. We work hard to provide our sailing school & corporate clients with the highest quality, professional and thorough tuition. Delivering high teaching standards in order to keep sailing a fun and safe pursuit and give our students that little bit extra to promote good seamanship and not just deliver the course syllabus.
WHERE IS HOT LIQUID SAILING?
Hot Liquid’s Training Centre facilities and training yachts are based at Shamrock Quay Marina in Southampton. Shamrock Quay is ideally placed for easy access by road, train or plane. We are conveniently located in the central Solent which is our primary cruising area.
HOW SHOULD I GET TO HOT LIQUID?
By car: If you have Sat Nav our postcode is SO14 5QL. Alternatively enter our postcode into Route Planner for detailed directions and a map.
By train: Hot Liquid is within a 5 minute taxi ride from Southampton Central station, click here to find train times.
By air: We are 20 minutes from Southampton Airport, click here for flight details.
WHAT YACHTS DO YOU USE?
For our Expressl Crew programme we use modern cruising yachts. Our primary training yachts are Bavaria 36's which are 37’ long and can accommodate 8 people, although for personal comfort and safety our training programmes have a maximum of 5 students.
For our Express Skipper programme you will experience sailing a wide range of yachts including a long keeled classic design, offshore racing yacht, medium and large sized cruising yachts and powerboats.
HOW DO I KNOW THAT THE YACHTS ARE SAFE?
Our training yachts are Maritime & Coastguard Agency coded for commercial use. This means that they are inspected annually including a full service of all safety equipment. The yachts also undertake a full out of the water inspection every 5 years.
WHERE WILL I SAIL TO?
The majority of the sailing will be in and around the Solent and English Channel.
The Solent is considered to be one of the best sail training areas in the world due to its many challenging factors including; commercial shipping ports, complex tides, navigational hazards, and many picturesque harbours and rivers. Another benefit of sailing in the Solent is that it is sheltered by the Isle of Wight providing relatively comfortable conditions during adverse weather.
Our Express Skipper programme includes sailing from Southampton to Africa via the Channel Islands, France, Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME?
Upon booking your course Hot Liquid will send you a welcome pack which includes a comprehensive guide to preparing for our programmes. All safety equipment including waterproof clothing is provided with the course; however you should bring comfortable, sensible casual clothing. It is important to bear in mind that you will be spending your time outdoors. We do not provide bedding for hygiene reasons so a sleeping bag and pillow are required.
Our neighbours at Shamrock Chandlery can supply you with sailing equipment including; gloves, boots, books and general sailing equipment. Your passport is essential and driving Licence is advisable.
WHAT HEALTH AND FITNESS REQUIRMENTS ARE THERE?
There is no real health or fitness requirement for sailing, however there are some guidelines. Hot Liquid would need to be informed should you be affected by any of the following conditions; Epilepsy, any Disability, Giddy Spells, Asthma, Diabetes, Angina or any other heart condition.
Basically you should consider your self to be fit enough to participate in and complete the programme.
WHAT PREVIOUSE EXPERIENCE DO I NEED?
For the Express Skipper Programme you should be at least of RYA Competent Crew level or have equivalent experience. If you have more than 100 sea miles then you should be OK.
If you do not have this experience then please see our 'Fresher's course' alternatively contact Hot Liquid and we will work with you to gain this prior to the start date.
Please contact Hot Liquid if you have any concerns about this or any other matter.
HOW DO I PROOVE MY EXPERIENCE / SEA MILES?
Please bring the relevant certificate or your log book with you. If you have any doubts please call at Hot Liquid on 02380 211914 to discuss your level of experience.
WILL I HAVE ANY FREE TIME DURING THE PROGRAMME?
There is plenty of time for relaxing and socialising, there are frequent over-night stops in ports and marinas around the south coast in addition to this we have built some spare days into the program; this comprises 3 weekends and one Sunday. You will also be free each evening of the theory modules.
IS THERE ANY PRE-COURSE READING?
Hot Liquid have produced a comprehensive program guide this will hold all of the course notes and handouts that go to make up a successful study program. There are many good books on the theory and practical aspects of sailing, a large selection of which may be purchased from Hot Liquid at a discounted price.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE SAFELY WHILST I AM AT SEA?
Hot Liquid have a secure storage area for students use, this is available during both the sea phases and the shorebased theory elements.
DO YOU CATER FOR SPECIFIC DIETARY REQUIRMENTS?
Yes we do cater for vegetarians and other dietary requirements. Simply let us know in the relevant section of our Express Skipper Programme booking form and we will take care of your catering requirements.
WILL I NEED A PASSPORT?
You will need a Passport. This Programme is not confined just to the Euope, there are opportunities for travel out-side of the EU, possibly to North Africa. You should contact your countries embassy if you believe that this may affect you.
WHERE WILL I STAY DURING THIS PROGRAMME?
During the 3 month Express Skipper Programme you will need to source local accomodation for 26 nights. Hot Liquid can assist at finding local accomodation at discounted rates. During the 63 days at sea your home will be one of our yachts. You and your crew mates will share a variety of berths, from saloon berth and double cabins to pipe cots in a racing yacht. Whilst ashore please check the list of local hotels and guest houses.
HOW MANY STUDENTS ON BOARD?
The maximum ratio of Student to Instructor at sea is 5:1.
DO YOU HAVE LAUNDRY FACILITIES?
There are full laundry facilities hare at Shamrock quay, even including Ironing facilities..
WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO THE INTERNET?
Hot Liquid provide free broadband wireless internet access at the Training Centre. During your sea phases frequent overnight stopovers allow for internet access using your own equipment.
WILL I HAVE POSTAL ADDRESS DURING MY COURSE?
Yes, you may have post including parcels delivered to our Training Centre. Please contact us for further details.
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