frequently asked questions

where are you located?

Vancouver, BC, Canada is where I spend most of the year. I am typically back in Europe during Autumn and Winter.

are you a sailing school?

Yacht Master Class is not a traditional sailing school, it is not an RYA Recognized Training Centre - and it is not trying to be.

I offer and deliver First Class Private Instruction  with an absolute attention to your individual needs.

However, if a traditional sailing course is what you are after, I regularly teach for a couple of schools & can arrange training through them. Please check Certification Courses

can I bring other crew members to training sessions?

Absolutely! Crew management is a major part of sailing. If you have friends or family that you sail your boat with regularly, or if you have a group of friends that would like to expand their skills, definitely do bring them along.

I don't have a boat. Can I still train with you?

Yes. We can either charter a boat, or I can arrange a training course through a sailing school. 

I feel confident with sailing, but am struggling with theory. Can you help?

Theory is actually one of my secret passions. I admittedly rather enjoy reading the ColRegs during winter by the fire with a glass of good peated scotch in my hand. But pssst!

Knowing your theory well will give you the edge over many a sailor; it is gold in situations that you need to understand quickly, and can also bring a great sense of accomplishment.

 
Be it the rules of the road, chart work, navigation, or weather, I can guide you through it in a practical, and understandable manner.  

can I join you on one of your adventures?

Absolutely! Besides teaching, I run quite a few adventure experience builders every year. Always in interesting locations, and always with a unique opportunity to learn.

Through Wander the Waves, we also run more holiday-y adventure sails.

Hit me up for available spots!

what qualifications should I take?

If you own your own boat and sail for pleasure, in many parts of the World you don't need any qualifications. In Canada, you need a PCOC which is more of a formality. 

However, as you are responsible for yourself, the boat, and everybody onboard, my recommendation is at least an equivalent of a Day Skipper course. Plus, you will enjoy your time on water way more when you are confident in your skills.

If you are looking to charter a boat, please read the question below:

I would like to charter a boat, what do I need? Can you help me arrange a charter?

In most parts of the World, you need an internationally recognized skipper's license, and a radio license. RYA licenses are the gold standard throughout the World, ICC is accepted in most parts of the World, and respective national licenses are often accepted as well. If in doubt, you can check with the charter company.
In Canada, which is still a developing charter industry, some companies might ask you for a sailing  resumé or references.

I can help you arrange a charter. I can recommend the right destination, and help you choose the right boat for your needs, and arrange it for you. I am a licensed charter agent and can make the whole process super easy and tailored for you.

I would like to go for a vacation sail with you as a skipper, can this be arranged?

100%! I am excited to take you out on a holiday of a lifetime. And if you'd prefer, a family style catered experience can be arranged through Wander the Waves.

can I get a skipper's license through you?

I cannot certify you through private training. However, I can recommend or organize a sailing course through a recognized training centre where you can earn your certificate upon course completion.

Please check available dates in the training section.

I can help prepare you for taking the course. 

do you offer training on catamarans?

Yes.

do you offer training on powerboats?

No. However there are many skills that are the same on a sailboat and a powerboat, and we can focus on those. 

do you offer any discounts?

I am very happy to offer discounts to youth training programs or equivalent, non-profit organizations, ocean conservation projects, and projects of particular interest. These can be, for example, innovative boat designs, unusual destinations, creative & scientific projects, or social-help projects. 

how does insurance work?

I am fully insured for commercial work in Europe.

In Canada and US, I can only take legal charge of your vessel if the vessel's insurance policy lists me as a skipper and covers me for liability towards the boat, the Participant, and any other third parties.

Otherwise, I can train Participant onboard as a coach, but without legal command of the vessel. The boat owner then remains in charge of the vessel.

In both cases, a liability waiver needs to be signed before training commences.

is sailing safe?

statistically, sailing is a pretty safe activity. However, there are risks involved - I believe the trick is to strike the right balance between managing these risks, and living them at the same time. 

Out on the ocean, we are witnesses to elements that are far greater than us. With due respect and preparation, I believe these elements make us feel alive in a way that we can seldom experience in the safety of modern world. 

I will never push a questionable situation, and always err on side of safety. 

you are from a landlocked country. How did you learn to sail?

As landlocked as the Czech Republic is, it is only a 5 hour drive to the Baltic, and an overnight drive to the Mediterranean.

I did a little bit of windsurfing with my family when I was young. I never sailed though.

About 15 years ago, I got a phone call from a friend asking me if I wanted to join him for a week in the Mediterranean. Yes was the answer. Dangerous answer. Confronted with the wild freedom of the ocean, there was no turning back. After a couple of years of occasional sailing in the Med, I went for an RYA sailing course in Western Scotland, and the rest is history.

Many sailors learnt sailing when they were very young. I feel that having started sailing only later in my life allows me a different perspective on the challenges of learning to sail. 

can you teach me to race?

I am a cruising sailor in my soul, and have limited racing experience. I love to explore the uncharted coves and dents in cliffs, and when I sail past an island I've never seen before ... it lures me in.

Don't get me wrong though, I got that need, need for speed!

I enjoy perfect sail trim, and I believe it is as important when you are cruising as it is when you are racing.

I can teach you to sail fast, sail efficiently, sail with happy watery eyes and that broad grin on your face!

do you want to grab a beer?

Sure! Hit me up on the contact page or PM =)

are these your pictures?

All the pictures used here were taken on our sails, mostly by us, some by friends and clients. Glad if you like them! :)

why is the video background so low quality?

For some reason, Google sites don't support video backgrounds. A 1990's gif of enormous size is what we are stuck with.
The actual videos I am working on are all HD as a minimum. 

when are the YouTube videos coming out?

I am working intensively on a first batch of training videos. I expect them to be ready late this Summer. Subscribe, stay tuned & sign up for a newsletter!

can I request a training video?

Yes. Please comment under an existing video, and / or contact me directly. 

how can I support your YouTube channel?

Thank you for considering that, I truly value that. It is what will eventually keep the channel going. Before the Patreon account is fully set up and running, please do get in touch!

If you'd like to offer expert advice, I would highly appreciate it as well!

I would like to collaborate with you / sponsor you.

I am always excited for for an interesting cooperation. Please do get in touch.

I would like to sail professionally, can you give me advice?

Yes! I walked the road myself, and can give you bearings. Feel free to reach out to me! There will be a video dealing with this topic soon too.