Kipper Sailing is based in Lymington at the Western end of The Solent on the South Coast of England, about 90 miles from London. A regular, 1hour 50 minute, train service from London Waterloo delivers you to within 5 minutes walk of our embarkation point on picturesque Lymington Quay. Read more about our sailing area.

What sets Kipper Sailing apart from other sailing schools?

	Our classic Victoria Cutter "Kipper" is very different to the ubiquitous production line boats used by most sailing schools. She draws admiring glances from experienced yachtsmen and women wherever she goes. Not only does she sail beautifully in all wind conditions but she is extraordinarily well equipped for a school yacht (radar, chartplotter, onboard Internet, heater, microwave, generator, dinghy with outboard etc.).
	All our courses are taught by Kipper Sailing's Principal - John Corden, a highly-experienced, life-long sailor, Yachtmaster Instructor, Short-range Radio Certificate Assessor and Radar Instructor.
	All our food is freshly prepared onboard from top-quality, healthy ingredients (see our sample menu).
	We strive to be ecologically sensitive, comply with the Green Blue initiative (see: www.thegreenblue.org.uk) and buy carbon offsets from Climatecare (see: www.climatecare.org).
	We maintain a comprehensive library of instructional and reference books onboard Kipper for students use.

Read what our customers say about us

Our practical yachting courses include:

Start Yachting

This short introduction to sail cruising is aimed at the complete novice. The emphasis is on having fun and you instructor will know that you may be apprehensive. By the end of the course, you will have experienced steering a yacht, sail handling, ropework and will be aware of safety onboard.

RYA Competent Crew An enjoyable, 5 day course equipping you to become as useful crew member on any sailing yacht. No previous experience necessary!

RYA Day Skipper A comprehensive 5 day course in skippering a sailing yacht by day in coastal waters, leading to successful candidates being awarded the RYA Day Skipper Course Completion Certificate.

RYA Coastal Skipper Learn the skippering techniques necessary for coastal and offshore passages by day and night on this advanced 5 day course.

RYA/MCA Yachtmaster (or Coastal Skipper) exam preparation Provides you with 5 days of intensive and challenging, in-depth preparation for RYA practical exam.

Our shore-based, theory courses include:

Short Range (VHF) Radio Operator's Certificate If you own a marine radio, hand held or fixed set, you are REQUIRED BY LAW to hold an Operator's Licence. Learn the procedures for operation and gain the qualification in this one day course. Also learn all about GMDSS, DSC and Emergency Radio Equipment.

Basic Navigation and Safety Gives a basic introduction to navigation and safety for anyone new to boating: sailors; powerboaters; sea anglers; divers and boatmasters. Also useful for experienced dinghy and keelboat sailors and inshore racers. Normally taught over 2 days at the weekend

Day Skipper A comprehensive introduction to: chart work; navigation; pilotage; passage planning; meteorology; buoyage; IRPCS (collision regulations); safety and the basics of seamanship. Either taught Monday to Friday, with and exam on Saturday, or over 3 weekends

Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster An advanced course in navigation, meteorology and IRPCS (collision regulations) for candidates taking the Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate. The syllabus makes some provision for revision of subjects in the Day Skipper Course but candidates who have not acquired the knowledge set out in the Day Skipper Course are unlikely to be able to assimilate all the subjects covered in the time available

RADAR & AIS The aim of this one day course is to teach students to use small boat Radar and AIS to assist decision making in navigation, pilotage and collision avoidanc