The South East’s leading sailing school based at Ringmer nr Lewes and Haslar Marina, Gosport. Getting out on the water has to be one of the smartest lifestyle choices you can make. Fresh air, moderate exercise and the intellectual stimulation of navigation and passage planning make boating a great leisure option.

There are many ways to get out on the water, either in this country or abroad, and you don’t necessarily have to buy a boat to do it! you could crew for people, try www.crewseekers.net. Or volunteer to sail on one of the sailing vessels operated by a number of sailing charities, I have had some truly memorable sailing with charities.

Flotilla holidays offer an opportunity to sail in exotic places with little or no previous experience. The ‘lead boat’ will help you through the challenging bits like berthing and leave you alone to cruise the rest of the time. When you have a few sea miles under your belt you might consider ‘bareboat’ chartering. The nautical equivalent of car hire, pay your money, turn up with the right qualifications and you are ‘free to navigate’.

If you get involved with boats bear in mind that a competent skipper brings peace of mind to all aboard. That is where professional training has a role. Seamanship and boat handling can be learned quickly and enjoyably through professional instruction. If you would like to know more about training under the Royal Yachting Association schemes please talk to us at Mustang Sailing on 01323 873 880.