Having done my Day Skipper a year ago, I asked James to assess my readiness for the yachtmaster practical over 3 days of sailing in Dartmouth. Prior to the trip he asked me to complete my own written assessment of strengths and weaknesses against the elements of the RYA syllabus.

Based on this, James planned a detailed review and assessment from the moment I stepped onto the boat and for the next 3 days we covered a huge amount of both practical and theory work including doing manoeuvres under engine and sail in the river, we did a night passage to Salcombe and back without the use of instruments and prepared a blind passage up to Diitisham. The three days were exhausting but just what I needed, James inspires confidence, is an excellent and patient coach and a firm assessor. His feedback is honest and full, I was extremely grateful to receive a full verbal debrief at the end of the programme with next steps and recommendations.