VHF Radio Course

We have a VHF radio operator licence course running on Sunday 4th March. Learn to communicate at sea and how to raise the alarm in the event of serious mishaps. Also get to grips with the phoenetic alphabet and gain an in depth knowledge of safety and rescue at sea.
Practice on our training radios and experience the simplicity of Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

Cost is 120€ p.p plus a 30GBP licence fee payable to the RYA 
Spaces are limited so give Debbie a call on (+34) 968 143 718/695 326 184 to reserve your place

Electronic Navigation

Talking to fellow sailors and students, it is worrying that there appears to be an over reliance on technology. With the accuracy of modern GPS its hard not to rely on it but when I hear of people running aground in areas clearly marked on the charts as shallow, I have to question the logic in putting your confidence (and lives) in the hands of the little electric box. Surely common sense and your own eyes should at least prompt you to double check your position if the shoreline appears closer than it should, even if the gadget tells you, you are fine.
Passage planning and basic navigation should form the backbones of any trip, regardless of where you are and the distance you intend to travel. Solas regulations also require us to record our trip .i.e. fill in the ships log. The answer is simple, plan and monitor your outings on the water, pre-plan, identify hazards, set a safe depth and make regularly entries in the log. Whilst you there, pop a mark on the papre chart and look around to confirm that you are seeing what you should be.
If its been a while since you practiced traditional navigation skills, brush up with a 2 day Basic Navigation or 5 day Day/Coastal Skipper shorebased theory courses. Navigation is like any skill, no matter how competent you were, if you don't practice frequently those skills will slip away. Enjoy the challenges of seamanship and arrive safely at your destination, I am not saying throw the GPS away, but get back into the habit of using depth contours, 3 point fix and landmarks to help you on your way. With a little extra attention and effort we can all stay safe on the water and enjoy letting those everyday stresses slip away. Who know's you may even enjoy the challenges of using the traditional techniques.

ICC course

Spanish Authorities require all boat skippers to carry an ICC licence aboard, so get legal and stay on the right side of the law with our 2 day ICC course running on the 10/11th March. This 2 day course not only helps you comply with Spanish Maritime Regulations but also gives you access to the instructors knowledge and the chance to receive personal tuition. Call us for more details 695 326 184

Sailing Masterclass

Thinking of learning to sail or improve skills and reach the next level. Look no further, our low student instructor ratio of 3:1 on sailing courses guarantees you the very best learning experience. Many sailing schools teach 5 students per yacht which not only makes them cramped but also means that you are only involved part time. With our low student ratio you are involved nearly 100% of the time enhancing your learning experience, helping you get the most from your training provider.
Some schools offer a Sailing Masterclass at premium rates, but with Mar Menor Sea School every class is a Masterclass, our philosphy is simply to provide the very best training available making you a safer and better sailor.

Tidal sailing courses

You can now take your Day and Coastal Skipper courses in tidal waters with Mar Menor Sea School. Courses start in April from our new base in Isla Canela, fly into Faro and the yacht is less than 60 km away. Day Skippers can get to grips with navigation, pilotage and boat handling in tidal marinas. Coastal Skippers will find the nearby estuaries challenging and there is plenty of opportunity to practice blind pilotage and eye-ball navigation. For novices the Competent Crew course can be taken in either tidal or non-tidal waters.  When starting out there is normally enough to take in without worrying about running aground or which way the tide is running.

Mar Menor Bridge Times

Following a week of rather blustery weather, conditions appear to be returning to the normal sailing winds we tend to experience in this area. With our minds now set on getteing afloat again, we checked the Mar Menor access bridge for lifting times and can confirm that they are currently opening on the even hour between 10.00 and 20.00 hours

Biscay Adventure

We have some clients looking to bring their own Westerly Oceanlord from Troon down to the Med. The trip is likely to go ahead in June and they are looking for a couple of experienced hands to help with the delivery through Biscay. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to gain some offshore experience and travel to the Med in time for summer.
Please email me if you are interested so I can put in contact with the owners