Mile Building Passages

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know I will be safe?
A: Our training vessels are inspected annually by an RYA Inspector for conformance with the code of practice for small commercial vessels and meet all requirements as set down by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). At the heart of the RYA Training Scheme is the total emphasis on safe practice and procedures. Your Instructors have a duty of care and have followed this ethos from the very beginning of their training. They understand its value and adhere to it rigidly.

Q: How long is my course?
A: With the exception of the “Start Yachting” and “Essential Navigation & Seamanship” courses, which are 2 day “tasters”, all Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper, and Theory courses last for 5 days. Yachtmaster Preparation Weeks last 5 days with an additional 2 days for examination.

Q: Fees: Inclusions and exclusions
A: Virtually all of the usual ancillary costs of Course Notes, catering, accommodation etc., are included, but this may vary between different courses.

Q: What is not included in my fee?
A: You will need to arrange and pay for: your travel to and from the yacht; your accommodation during your stay in an island not covered by your course dates, or our Accommodation Offers all meals ashore. Where relevant, travel and subsistence costs of examiners for Yachtmaster Coastal; Offshore, and Ocean and not included. Examination fees should be paid direct to your examiner.

Q: What about accommodation?
A: For on board accommodation on Practical Courses, we limit course numbers to 4 students plus our instructor. This not only ensures greater comfort on board but also allows for more effective instructor / student ratio. Generally speaking, couples and friends will share double cabins. In cases of individuals attending a course on their own, they would not be expected to share a cabin with a member of the opposite sex. For on shore accommodation we have negotiated very competitive rates locally for booked students. Please see Accommodation Offers for details.

Q: Who does the catering?
A: We all do! It is part of your training that you learn the basics of life on board a yacht. This does not only cover catering, but also brings in clearing up, cleaning and general good housekeeping. The Caribbean is a whole new culture to many people and it is all part of the experience to sample the local cuisine ashore in the evenings.

Q: What should I bring?
A: You are more than likely travelling from overseas to join us, so the usual “old chestnuts” are: passport, travel tickets, insurance policies; local currency (US$ or EC$ are both accepted in Antigua). You will also need your G15 Log Book and any previous certification you have achieved in the RYA Scheme to date. Please do not forget however, that your stay with us is not “all work and no play” and there is an element of Caribbean Holiday to it all. For this you will need lightweight clothing – tee shirts and shorts are fine - the Caribbean is not at all formal; and some lightweight footwear such as deck shoes or flip flops. Please note flip-flops may not be worn on board due to deck hazards, and all soles should be NON marking. It is not obligatory, but bare feet on board are usually the order of the day! The Caribbean may be paradise but it is a tropical climate. A lightweight waterproof jacket is recommended and there is no need for heavy duty wet weather gear or sailing boots. You will also need personal toiletries, swim shorts/bikinis; a hat; sunglasses, sun cream, personal electronic devices. You know the usual stuff for a holiday in the sun! Soft holdalls only please for all luggage. There is insufficient space for rigid suitcases.

Q: Do I need to bring snorkelling equipment?
A: There will be opportunities during breaks for swimming and snorkelling but we do not provide equipment.

Q: What about toilet facilities?
A: There are 2 toilets (heads) on board with fresh water and shower facility. There is also a fresh water shower on the transom. Some nights may be spent at one of our Antiguan marinas, and all have shore side facilities.

Q: Where will I be sailing?
A: That depends on your course! For the novice and intermediate levels we tend to cruise the calm west coast of Antigua with the occasional foray southeast into Atlantic conditions. For the advanced levels we may well sail between neighbouring islands. All sailing plans will be governed by weather and sea conditions at the time.

Q: Can I use electronic devices on board?
A: Bring a camera to capture your experience. Mobile phone coverage will be limited unless close to land and international providers will be expensive. You can bring your Laptop / Tablet if required. 12 volt cigarette lighter chargers only please.
None of the above are requirements for the course.

Q: May I smoke?
A; Yes, smoking on board is permissible, however it is nice to clear this with your fellow students first and always smoke in a place where you are downwind of everyone. NEVER smoke below decks!!

Q: What is a Yachtmaster Preparation Week?
A: Once you have achieved your Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Course Completion Certificate, there is no official RYA Yachtmaster Practical Course. By this time you should have taken your knowledge to sea, logged miles, acquired experience and gained further knowledge to make you ready for your Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore examination. It is a tough examination and our “Prep Week” is designed to highlight, and practice, those elements of the exam you will be expected to be competent in. The “Prep Week” immediately precedes the examination so you undertake this final stage fully prepared and focused.

Q: What is a “Mile Building Passage”?
A: There are experience criteria that must have been logged before you are eligible to undergo a Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore examination. Our Mile Building Passages are a week of intensive sailing by day and / or night, during which we cover as many miles as possible to help build up the miles and skippering experience required in your Log Book.

Q: I just want to go sailing! Why do I have to take a course?
A: You don’t! Although we try to offer priority places on our courses to our genuine students, if there is a space on board and you are not interested in taking a course, you are more than welcome to join us. We would, however, request that you are not disruptive to the fluency of the training of our students. You never know, it may be the lowest cost Caribbean sailing experience you will ever find!!

Q: What about sea sickness?
A: If you are a serious sufferer of sea sickness you may wish to reconsider the sailing life. However, many famous sailors persevered despite this ailment, and there are many proprietary anti sea sickness products available. We recommend you discuss with your doctor which is the most appropriate for you. If possible opt for one of the “non-drowsy” solutions.

Q: What about drugs?
A: Unless they are legally prescribed for a medical condition, FORGET IT! Be warned that despite common perceptions to the contrary, Caribbean islands are zero tolerant of illegal substances and penalties can be harsh. ANYONE found in possession of ANY illegal substance in ANY quantity on board ANY of our yachts, or premises for which we are responsible, will be reported to the local authorities and immediately discharged without recompense of any kind. This is non-negotiable.

Q: What Currency will I need?
A: US Dollars & EC Dollars are widely accepted but Euros will be needed in French West Indies Islands.

Q: What about alcohol?
A: Beer & wine in moderation is permitted in the evenings after the yacht is secured. We call these “Anchor Beers”. No alcohol is to be consumed on board or ashore during the daytime. Spirits are not permitted on board at any time during the course. You are advised to moderate drinking spirits ashore in the evening. Hangovers are not acceptable, and you will receive no sympathy!.

Q: What about immigration formalities? 
A: These apply if we leave the coastal waters of our island to sail to another island outside the nation state. In Antigua, Barbuda is an exception as it is part of the Antigua nation. Elsewhere your skipper deals with all formalities ashore and you may not go ashore until these are completed. We are happy to advise on visa requirements if required.

Q: What about insurance? 
A: Miramar Sailing Ltd. is a licensed Antiguan business and is fully insured to operate the course you are booking with GB£5,000,000.00 Third Party Liability for “ON yacht” incidents. All incidents that occur “OFF yacht", such as water activities and excursions ashore are not covered and you are recommended to take out Personal Travel Insurance to ensure that you are covered for these activities. Please check with your card issuer if cancellation insurance is offered when paying by credit card.

Q: Are there age limits?
A: The RYA set age limits as follows:
Competent Crew – no minimum / Day Skipper – 14 / Coastal Skipper - 17  / Yachtmaster Offshore – 18.
However at Miramar Sailing School we prefer:
Under 15 - must be part of a group of family and friends occupying a yacht solely / 16 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or appointed chaperone / Single students 18+.