I offer various different training options to suit all levels and abilities including:
One-to-one coaching on your yacht
Private tuition on the art of celestial navigation
Electronics seminars
Masterclasses on club boats
If you think I may be able to sort out some issues for you, please contact me explaining what is needed and leave a phone number so that we can discuss it.
One-to-one training aboard your own yacht
For many years I’ve been responding to a steady demand to sail with clients aboard their own yachts. I enjoy this work, and not only for the challenge and novelty of sailing different boats in sometimes unfamiliar waters. It’s invariably good fun as well.
The days are often used to develop confidence or competence when a new or unfamiliar yacht has just entered the family. On boats over 40ft my wife Ros accompanies me. She can run the deck which allows me to concentrate on the main event. One family opted to have us steer them from novice status to Ocean Yachtmaster in one year, leaving them in the West Indies running their own modern 60-foot sloop.
Many have been less ambitious than that. Years of Yachtmaster Instructor Examining have given me the tact that may be required when the unaccustomed stresses of short-handed cruising have brought partnerships to their knees.
Testimonials:
‘We both thoroughly enjoyed Tom’s visit. We feel we have a “proper” new boat now. I am less nervous of her and think I will be able to fall in love with her as we did the first boat to which we constantly compare her. Those comparisons have not always been in glowing terms. Up till now. We have learned what she can do with expert handling and will do our best to remember and follow all of Tom’s top tips.’ Philippa
‘Tom is a fantastic teacher. I never felt so confident and safe on the water.’ Cathy, Bristol
‘The knowledge and skills I gained throughout the passage are priceless! Thank you, Tom!’ Andy, Cork
‘I am so grateful to you for your kindness, patience with a touch of firmness and detailed instruction. It was a truly memorable day and I cannot thank you enough. I am looking forward to putting what I learned into practice.’ James
Celestial Navigation
I offer private tuition into the art of navigating by sextant.
Testimonial: ‘I am thrilled to have crossed my Ts and dotted my Is. I believe that I have at last understood what I am doing in this fascinating matter.’ Bryan
Masterclass
I’m sometimes asked by sailing schools or clubs to go aboard their yachts for a day and give a Masterclass. We go out for a jolly good sail and they can air any problems they are having.
Testimonials:
‘Many thanks to you, as well as a few hearty shipmates for a splendid day on the water last Thursday. Alas due to dodgy knees I fear my sailing days (apart from the odd day) could well be over, but to listen to the yarns, the history of the Pilot Cutter and share laughs with a great crowd, as well as the feel of Morwenna moving nicely in a good breeze made it very special for me.’ Eddie W
‘Tom, thank you again for a great couple of days on Morwenna (second year running), a thoroughly entertaining and inspiring time.’ Tony B
‘We had a masterclass aboard Lady Emma with Tom Cunliffe last week in The Solent. Excellent.’ Richard R
‘I had a great day on Lady Emma yesterday with you and the Lados gang. Thanks for all the good advice you imparted to us all.’ Alan D
Electronics Seminar
I’ve set up, introduced and been MC at Electronic Seminars for clubs. These usually last a day and I bring along a Radar specialist, a Plotter professional and one or two others to give talks about various aspects of electronic navigation. I’m able to provide practice equipment, courtesy of Raymarine for a hands-on session.
Testimonial:
‘Wow, that was a most successful day. Your chairing very effectively kept control: the timings were spot on. We and many others were most pleased by your iconic, charismatic, informative talk. Many many thanks to you. What a memorable day.’ Royal Harwich Yacht Club
