Who do you choose for your sail training? RYA training and certification is recognised in most parts of the world, but in our experience, schools are not all equal!! So, having spent the winter studying for our Day Skipper and Yacht Master theory, my wife and I set about looking for the “right” school to carry out our practical Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper qualifications. Our criteria were as follows, must be tidal with a maximum of 4 pupils to 1 instructor to allow plenty of teaching time. For my wife Martine, there had to be a chance of sunshine!! The search commenced and the Algarve coast of Portugal seemed to suit with a spring tidal range in excess of 3m, the Azores High giving almost guaranteed winds on a daily basis and the likelihood of a good dollop of sunshine. So, onto the RYA website and one company stood out as offering standards above the rest. RU Sailing work to a maximum pupil tutor ratio of 4-1 and also offer an “Optimum” package where you can opt for a 3-1 ratio. Having looked at reviews, they were all 5 star and many people were returning several times. We made the booking on an Optimum basis. So, how was it, well the whole experience was fantastic. From the initial booking where Jules couldn’t have been more helpful and her communication was informative and regular, to the emails before departure checking that we were OK with transfers etc and the attentive help when our flight was delayed. We were met by Jules and Rob in one of the portside cafes and then left to settle in for the night. During the week it became apparent that Rob, our instructor also races very seriously, so has a complete understanding of sail and hull dynamics and wants to impart as much learning as possible, whether a part of the curriculum or not. His delivery of information is considered and tailored to your learning requirements, something many instructors don’t achieve. The 5 days on board were busy, but Rob exudes a calming influence over the students. Annecy, their Jeanneau 37 was well equipped and in perfect working order. We both agreed that he was the best instructor of our sailing years. Well done Rob, Exceptional! We departed much the wiser. To cap it all, we were kept very well fed when aboard and guided to some of the best local restaurants when eating out. Would we book with RU Sailing again? Absolutely, in fact we wouldn’t go anywhere else! Regards Tim & Martine Hartley Halifax UK

Highly recommended small sailing school in Lagos - A quality learning experience you probably won't get anywhere else

Very professional sailing classes. Royal Yacht Club certified instructors. Rob and Jules maintain their vessels in the Marina. They are contactable by email and phone. They no longer maintain an office space, but lease classroom space as necessary at a local dive shop.