2024 course candidate feedback

​Coastal Skipper April 2024 - 'Debbie is one of the best instructors I've ever had the privilege of spending time with. Empathetic but really on the ball when the going got tough. I basically think you nailed it - Debbie is at the top of her game. Lovely boat, very spacious and handled well even in the extreme conditions. Excellent meals with no preparation required meaning all time was spent learning'.  'Debbie was patient, knowledgeable and took the time to go through a learning point'.

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Day Skipper June 2024  'Debbie is extremely experienced, willing to discuss and debate etc. Really great week. Much more adventure then expected, which really made the difference'.

'Excellent course methodical and just the right depth of information at correct intervals'.

'Debbie is very informative and trusting. Provided lots of good tips and tricks. I did not feel judged or worried if I made mistakes, I felt very empowered by her teaching style. Thank you for an amazing course and experience. Thank you for trusting me with your boat. I really enjoyed our week long tour of Scotland and have learnt tonnes and tonnes. Hopefully see you for Coastal Skipper :)'

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Day Skipper August 2024 'Debbie was great – knowledgeable, experienced, able to give constructive feedback, and open to others’ ideas'.  Very clear, calm, bags of common sense & happy to repeat points over time so they are embedded.' Debbie was always positive, cheerful and happy to answer questions.' 'Overall 5*, challenging and fun (even in the rain!). Great mix of people'

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Day Skipper September 2024 'Excellent course, well paced, great teacher, learnt a lot.'  'Really had a good week :)' 'Engaged, clear, excellent course has enthused our motivation further.' 'Many thanks Debbie for all the excellent instruction, demos, explanations and patience.'​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2023

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2023: Successful Coastal Skipper, Day Skipper and Competent Crew candidates; a minke whale swam with us for 30 minutes, Anti-clockwise circumnavigations of Mull, dinghy inside Fingal's cave on staffa; turquoise water at Lunga.

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'Excellent instructional techniques and very good facilitated debriefings, highly recomended'  'Excellent food throughout'  'Debbie's instruction and personality made it the most enjoyable experience, would 100% recommend this instructor and course'  'Patient instruction inspiring confidence' 'Very clear instructions, everything explained beforehand'   'Great week with good food and very clear instructions that helped me to learn very quickly'  'All very clear with good feedback'  'Fantastic'  'Constant feedback, postive, supportive'  'Instruction and hints to improve were good, I felt I can do it after being instructed'  'Excellent boat'  'A well laid-out boat, well equiped' 

RYA Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper and Competent Crew candidates April and June 2023

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​​​​​​​​​​​2022

Very clear information, gradually building independence/confidence through observation and affirmation modelling of learning and reflection.'    'Food was really good. Compliments to the chef Jennie. Lots of it!!'   Really valued Debbie's experience in both sailing and training. Great to see and experience a woman in a leadership role, sharing her experience in what is perceived as a male dominated world (sailing). I will be recommending this course, particulary to women who I know are put off by male instructors!'    'Enthusiasm, clarity, flexible to learner needs'  'Calmness throughout, incredibly hard working, very personable, clear briefing and examples, Great fun to be with - nothing too much - First class.'   

'Altogether a wonderful experience and most memorable. Great boat, first class instructor, great course in world beating scenery. I could not have asked for anything more. Well done!' Food was superb - wholesome, filling and well prepared for optimal preparation'  

RYA Day Skipper candidates August and September 2022

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'Debbie was tremendously experienced and patient, I had complete confidence in her'.    'Debbie manages to deliver theory and practical instruction in a clear interesting and understandable way'  'Lovely food and an interesting menu'  

'What a great course! I have learned and gained confidence from the experience'.  'Thoroughly enjoyable and I would highly recommend it'   'Clear instructions'  'Good feedback'   'Enthusiastic'  'Lovely yacht'  'Excellent food'  'Thank you for the wonderful experience, I look forward to sailing more!'

RYA Day Skipper candidates April and June 2022

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A Day Skipper candidate in June 22 wrote this article about her experience  

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2021

​​Feedback from 2021 Day Skipper candidates:

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'I left Dunstaffnage reluctantly; I wanted another week! I was tired but inspired to sail, to learn and to develop as a skipper. That was a consequence of Debbie's instruction and to the support she receives from Chris and the wider team.'

RYA Day Skipper candidate October 2021

​'instructions delivered in a very clear, professional and friendly manner.'    'Alcuin is a fine boat to learn on.'  'Incredible value for money.'  'Very enjoyable course where I learned a lot, and got more comfortable with sailing a yacht'. 

RYA Day Skipper candidates August 2021

'Debbie is as ever, clear, diligent, gracious, patient, organized and well in control.'

'Debbie is a fantastic instructor. Exactly the right combination of careful & caring, and laid back'.

​​'I finished the course buzzing, wanting to do more sailing and feeling like I had learnt a lot :)'

'You made us aware of the requirements, set out a plan and adjusted it to the weather, answered questions, informed us of our progress, worked on theory and practical - very well structured!'

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2019

​​2019: Successful candidates; Stunning weather & views; Sightings of a Minke whale, otter and many puffins on Lunga; Dinghy taken into Fingal's cave at staffa.

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Feedback from 2019 Coastal Skipper, Days Skipper and Competent Crew candidates:

​​'Debbie provided excellent guidance with very regular constructive feedback. I personally gained a great deal of confidence.' 

'I enjoyed the course, learnt a lot, gained confidence, got to visit lovely spots and generally had a good time.'

​'Clear info. Good pace of delivery. Well differentiated for ability. Excellent week with Glencoe Outdoor Centre completing my RYA Coastal Skipper. Debbie clearly knows her stuff and is an excellent communicator.'

​'Clear concise instruction & feedback throughout. Very helpful.'

​'I enjoyed the course and felt it helped me reach my aims of improving boat handling. Also a very nice and friendly & fun experience.'

​'Debbie was a very good instructor and encouraged all the participants to reach their best potential.'

​'A lovely course combining learning, fun, team working and camaraderie'.      'Debbie is a brilliant instructor - very patient.' 'The food was excellent, great variety.'     'I learned a lot and it was great fun.' Day Skipper candidates August 

​'A fantastic RYA Coastal Skipper course with a hugely experienced and knowledgeable instructor in one of the most challenging and rewarding sailing environments - highly recommended!' Coastal Skipper candidate April 2019

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