Greek Waters Aug/Sep 2009

   Following on from our very exciting adventures in 2007 and 2008 sailing in the Aegean, this year we plan to go West towards the Eastern Pelopinnesian cruising ground via the Saronic Gulf, where waters are generally calmer and more friendly for beginners to consider joining us. Flying to Athens, we hope to enjoy a week of cruising in beautiful waters with many sites of historical interest to visit while enjoying the small town ambiance of the many harbours and anchorages throughout the area.

 The proposed dates are Aug 20/Sep 5, assuming we can match flights to dates. Check out this link for more information.

South East Cruising School on YouTube

   Following on from an ISA Day Skipper course we ran in August 2008, successful candidate Tiberiu Coroliuc put together this video of the trip which gives a good flavour of the types of experiences that candidates might encounter - organising the navigation, taking charge of the vessel, sailing in strong winds, life at anchor and on board and more. Check it out here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BgXLuqYShU - follow the link. Hopefully the weather will be a bit better in 2009!

Canaries Jan 2009

  Following on our very successful trips in Jan 2008, we ran a one week trip in the Canaries in early January 2009, (10th/17th). With 5 reasonably experienced crew aboard our Bavaria 39, Tomajo 1, we took on the western archipelago from our base in San Miguel on Tenerife, via San Sebastian, La Gomera to Santa Cruz, La Palma incorporating a driving tour of the island, then on to La Restinga, El Hierro before heading homeward to Santiago, La Gomera and back to base. All but 2 legs involved gale force winds, which tested boat and crew, who managed the conditions admirably. Seafood was the main choice ashore and we had some wonderful meals, capped by our final night in Los Abrigos on Tenerife - yummy! Definitely not a trip for the novice or timid sailor.

  From our 2008 trip, have a look Paddy Smyths article in the Irish Times Travel Supplement (March 22nd) for more information. We hope to be back in January 2010 for another Winter Sunshine Sailing trip - don't be disappointed, contact us now.

10% Discount

   If you are a member of the ISA (either through your club or directly), you can claim a 10% DISCOUNT on all SECS courses in 2009. Existing customers also qualify for the same discount but cannot avail of both, same for students and unwaged.

Summer Options 2009

   Our normal fare of weekends, 5 days, ICC and Own Boat Training courses are all popular options with our customers and provisional dates are available on the SECS schedule - see menu above. Whether you are a beginner, improver or aiming to get a higher Certificate - we have options available that should suit you.

    See our Greek paragraph for information on Sunshine Sail Training this summer.

    Stravaiger is still awaiting her Department of Transport P6 COMSAIL inspection (Survey has been applied for since Jan 2009) - related refinements will be top of the maintenance agenda for the 2009 season.

 Yachtmaster Offshore Successes

   We are delighted to report 2 more candidates have passed the ISA Yachtmaster Offshore Practical exam last year - Ivan Alcorn and Eoin Christiansen, to add to the growing list of South East Cruising School trained Yachtmasters. Others whom we know about in recent years are - Jim Grey (now an Instructor), Brendan O Connell, John Ahern, Colm Mac Fhionnlaigh, Ciaran Doyle, Nicky Keogh, Tommy Mc Aulay, PJ Swaine and Ansis Dimiters (now skippering a 72' super yacht "Celtic Spirit of Fastnet, having been to the Artic and Antarctic, now heading for the Baltic with it).

  This Certificate is the highest practical cert available to Yachtsmen wishing to sail or motor vessels in offshore waters (YM Ocean is mainly a Celestial Navigation Cert) and is due reward for building up experience with over 2500 miles logged and your ability to take full charge of a vessel up to 24 metres in length.

Article from Afloat Sep 08

   Two of our successful students in 2007 penned an article for Afloat Magazine, which was published - Thanks to Ken and Tony O Toole. Read here