Serious Sailing

Roundstone (pictured left) is one of our operating areas and is an attractive village set in the heart of Ireland's newest and most unspoilt cruising area.

The picturesque harbour is one of the best places for seeing the Galway Hooker, the traditional sailing vessel of the West, while the village has plenty of good places to eat and drink.

We run practical courses from Roundstone, Bunowen Harbour, Rossaveal, Galway Bay and nationwide.

Please click here for national and international directions. For full details of prices and latest availabilities of courses listed below please contact us.

ISA POWERBOAT TRAINING - The student will be trained in seamanship and boat handling skills on small planing or displacement power boats.

Level 1 (Introduction to Powerboating) -

Level 2 (National Powerboat Certificate) -

Level 3 (Safety Boat) - 

Level 3 (Advanced Powerboat) -

Powerboat Instructor courses - We can train ISA Powerboat Instructors in the disciplines listed above.

DIESEL ENGINE MAINTAINANCE: One day practical course and assessment. RYA Diesel Engine Maintainance certificate.

RYA CRUISING INSTRUCTOR - We can train holders of an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence to become RYA Cruising Instructors which will entitle them to teach RYA Competent Crew and RYA Day Skipper courses at approved teaching establishments.  

COMPETENT CREW - This is the first level in the Yachtmaster Cruising Scheme's practical training. At the end of the course, the student should be a useful crew member, able to take watch and understand basic boat handling. Duration: 5 days. Location Algarve.

DAY SKIPPER - This course is designed to introduce the student to skippering. At the end of the course, the student should be able to safely skipper a yacht on local passages by day, and be able to come home after dark. Duration: 5 days. Location Algarve.

COASTAL SKIPPER - This course includes more advanced skippering. Longer passages will be undertaken, and there will be more night work. Duration: 5 days. Location Algarve.

YACHTMASTER EXAM PREPARATION - The student is expected to be Coastal Skipper standard, have a Shorebased Yachtmaster Certificate, a VHF Operator's Certificate, a Sea Survival Certificate, and a current First Aid Certificate. The student should have logged at least 2,500 sea miles including certain other criteria. Duration: As required - depending on student's experience.

OCEAN YACHTMASTER QUALIFYING PASSAGE - Students who hold a Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence and a Shorebased Ocean Yachtmaster Certificate may undertake a qualifying passage with us, during which they can prepare their submission for the oral examination for Ocean Yachtmaster.

PERSONALISED TRAINING FOR ORGANISATION - The West Galway School of Navigation will carry out on site training for the personnel of organisations such as fish farming companies, RNLI crews, Coastguard crews, Garda boat crews etc.

OWN BOAT EXAM PREPARATION - We will train you, in your own power or sailing boat, in preparation for Yachtmaster examinations.




Please click here to view our shorebased theory courses and our professional courses.