YACHT skipper training: Intensive training for single-handed sailors on First 24

For years, YACHT's single-handed training has been one of the most sought-after training programmes for sailors. Since then, many participants have regularly taken part in solo or double-handed regattas and benefit from the practical experience and theoretical expertise imparted by our experienced trainers.

Now we are going one step further.

For the first time at the beginning of SeptemberAdvanced training for advanced users on. It will last one day longer than the previous sessions and, if conditions permit, will also include aNight drive included in accompanied solo operation.

The three-and-a-half-day course covers all the manoeuvres that can sometimes pose problems even for experienced sailors when they have to cope without a crew. One focus will be on setting, jibing and recovering the gennaker and code zero, as well as its optimum position.

Participants should already be able to sail safely with a crew; experience in sailing under spinnaker and gennaker is also an important basic requirement. It is expresslynone Training for beginners.

They are sailed on Beneteau First 24 gennaker boats, which are designed for soloists and small crews. The cockpit layout and tiller steering enable efficient manoeuvring. The twin rudder system also provides a high degree of controllability under gennaker and in stronger winds. Europe's Yacht of the Year 2017 nevertheless requires more active sailing than a tall ship, which is why a certain level of fitness is an advantage. Because training will always push you to your limits.

In order to provide as much sailing practice as possible, there are only three participants on board each boat, as well as an experienced trainer who gives immediate feedback and instructions. The participants take turns in all manoeuvres and sail single-handed, although not alone. If strong winds and swell make safe solo sailing impossible, they will practise in two-handed mode.

Lectures on preparing for single-handed trips, analysing the wind and weather and drawing up a course plan are an integral part of the training. Before setting sail for the first time, there is a briefing on the boats and a demonstration of the manoeuvre sequences by the coaches before each exercise at sea. Throughout the training, our coaches also pass on experience from their own campaigns in the Mini-Transat, the Class 40 as well as in races for everyone such as the Silverrudder Challenge and the Vegvisir Race.

COACH
Andraz Mihelin
The Slovenian was one of the best in the Proto class of the Mini Transat during his active time as an ocean-going professional. For several years, he held the record for the fastest 24-hour time on a Mini 6.50. He successfully sailed Class 40 and Volvo 70. As a co-partner, he founded Seascape, which he sold to Beneteau last summer. Since then, he has been in charge of the trailerable sports boat programme at the world market leader. Andraz has taken part in the Silverrudder around Funen three times and won his class twice. He speaks German, but will do most of his coaching in English.

COACH
Andreas Deubel
The Hamburg native has been sailing Mini 650s for five years, culminating in his participation in the legendary Mini-Transat 2017 from La Rochelle via Gran Canaria to Martinique. Prior to that, he was successful in several dinghy classes, including Opti, Teenie, 420 and OK dinghy, but also on small keel yachts such as X-79 and H-Boat. He loves long-distance sailing, whether solo or with a crew. Andreas is a Silverrudder and Vegvisir finisher. Last year he was German X-79 champion.

COACH
Bjarne Lorenzen
For him, YACHT skipper training is a home game. The master sailmaker and boat builder has been working at Doyle-Oleu Segel in Heiligenhafen, where we also have our training base, since 2011. Bjarne takes care of sail designs and projects there, which also gives him the opportunity to race on a wide variety of yachts - from standardised classes to ORC/IRC and superyachts. He has twice competed single-handed in the Silverrudder. In his spare time, he is also a passionate cruising sailor.

TRAINING CONTENT
Parts of the training are held in English. It is designed for experienced, sport-orientated skippers. Here is an excerpt from the training programme, which focuses primarily on manoeuvring practice:

- Cruise preparation under the special conditions of solo operation
- Manoeuvre sequences
- Sail trim and sail choice
- Autopilot: types, setting and use
- Sleep management, rest periods

DATE
5 to 8 September 2019
(Start: Thursday at 1 pm, end: Sunday at 4 pm)
LOCATION Oleu sailing loft, Heiligenhafen, Baltic Sea
PRICE 750 Euro, for YACHT subscribers 720 Euro
Not yet a subscriber? Then click here ! The price includes 3 packed lunches, teaching materials & a cool Blond Travelbag in size M. The participant price does not include accommodation.

REGISTRATION Directly here in the web form of YACHT online.
Please click here! If you have any questions, please contact Nadine Timm, YACHT editorial team, training@yacht.de, Tel. 040/339 666-40.