After having taken all theoretical certificates in Germany, I began looking for an instructor who could teach me the hands-on practical side of what one learns in Germany. I quickly found that the RYA system was the right path for me: very challenging and, yet, very praxis oriented.

Within the RYA, I found Leon and Reginasailing to have the perfect philosophy on sailing and who turned out to be an ideal instructor who could help me to approach my goals. I have now joined two theory courses and two practical sail training courses with Leon and I must say his extremely kompetent way to explain everything very understandably is outstanding. Especially the theory courses on Malta (RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and RYA Yachtmaster Ocean shore based courses)were so pedagogically valuable that I finally was able understand what I already should have understood long ago through my German course… These “theory courses” are really more like practical tips given in a classroom and at the end we were able to prepare a hands-on passage plan! 

Thereafter followed the practical training legs: First year, I sailed from Lymington/UK to Lorient/Bretagne, France and in the following year I sailed on the RYA Yachtmaster Prep course from La Coruna, Spain to Lymington, UK, where I finally was able to take the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore exam.

Onboard Leon’s extremely well maintained Hallberg-Rassy, we were taught practical skills in a playful and fun way. This was really entertaining, yet always focused and concentrated, while, at the same time, very friendly. It was so nice to become prepared for the otherwise very “disciplined” RYA Yachtmaster Offshore exam in such a friendly and polite environment where we all valued our corresponding skills and experience!

We practiced harbour manoeuvres, berthing, classic and electronic navigation with radar, anchoring under sail, blind navigation, “treasure hunting” with the hand bearing compass, weather, safety, engine…. you name it! Finally we were very well prepared for the actual Yachtmaster Exam, despite the fact that the nervousness could well be read off our faces on the exam’s day, when Allen, the examiner, stepped onboard!

Allan is an extremely experienced sailor. He carefully followed all our manoeuvres and navigation skills and the de-briefing after the (successful) exam was so valuable! I learnt so much during his de-briefing!

Since we all were very well prepared, all candidates passed this very tough exam. After the two very stressful exam-days, it was so fantastic to sail into Lymington Harbour and celebrate our achievement, that I have dreamt of for so long (despite all German certificates I already held).

What an experience this was! And how proud I now am to call myself a true RYA Yachtmaster!

Thank you so much, Leon, for your patience you showed to all candidates and that you prepare sailors for this very renown exam in this wonderful Reginasailing atmosphere! It’s simply so unique and we are privileged being able to learn so much from your competence!