The Southern Sailing School

[Giblets]

I am sure that SSS used to state on their web site and in their paperwork that the boats used were working boats and, as such, may not be in A1 condition visually. This was stressed as customers should not be afraid of causing the odd bump or two as this was all part of the learning process.

Did YM Practical with 'em many years ago when John Goode was in charge (is he still?) and have to say that the whole experience was excellent.

[jimi]

I am sure that SSS used to state on their web site and in their paperwork that the boats used were working boats and, as such, may not be in A1 condition visually. This was stressed as customers should not be afraid of causing the odd bump or two as this was all part of the learning process.

Did YM Practical with 'em many years ago when John Goode was in charge (is he still?) and have to say that the whole experience was excellent.

Same here! If I'd wanted a cruise on a luxury yacht I'd have picked something different!

[aBod]

Just to say that a boat that is a bit tatty and semi falling apart isn't necessarily a good sign for a sailing school!

I used to work as an instructor before I escaped and at most of the schools I worked at we let people try things out and were happy for them to bash the boats around as that's the only way they learn. However if it was a bad bash then we taught them how to repair the damage or got somebody in to fix it. Leaving damage (even if you don't think it's structural) or broken kit on a boat isn't great practice or very safe, it's lazy!

SSS is obviously a very good school from what you guys have said. However it's not great to have a boat that is ruffed up and I personally wouldn't advice somebody to a place that can't be bothered to fix a boat.

[parsifal]

Just to say that a boat that is a bit tatty and semi falling apart isn't necessarily a good sign for a sailing school!

I used to work as an instructor before I escaped and at most of the schools I worked at we let people try things out and were happy for them to bash the boats around as that's the only way they learn. However if it was a bad bash then we taught them how to repair the damage or got somebody in to fix it. Leaving damage (even if you don't think it's structural) or broken kit on a boat isn't great practice or very safe, it's lazy!

SSS is obviously a very good school from what you guys have said. However it's not great to have a boat that is ruffed up and I personally wouldn't advice somebody to a place that can't be bothered to fix a boat.

When I did a course with SSS the boat was perfectly seaworthy and everything worked properly. The instructor was first class.

[jimi]

Just to say that a boat that is a bit tatty and semi falling apart isn't necessarily a good sign for a sailing school!

I used to work as an instructor before I escaped and at most of the schools I worked at we let people try things out and were happy for them to bash the boats around as that's the only way they learn. However if it was a bad bash then we taught them how to repair the damage or got somebody in to fix it. Leaving damage (even if you don't think it's structural) or broken kit on a boat isn't great practice or very safe, it's lazy!

SSS is obviously a very good school from what you guys have said. However it's not great to have a boat that is ruffed up and I personally wouldn't advice somebody to a place that can't be bothered to fix a boat.

like this ;-)

[Talulah]

like this ;-)

Looks like they could also have done with some training on splicing a line onto a fender.
(Can't really talk. Mine are tied, not spliced.)

And for anyone buying fenders, blue topped ones are a nightmare. I have numerous blue paint marks on my boat as a result of them.