Setting Sail into 2025: First Practical Course of the Year a Huge Success!

The 2025 sailing season is officially underway, and what a brilliant start it’s been! Ramsgate Sailing School kicked off the year with a successful first practical course, welcoming four fantastic students aboard the ever-capable Elizabeth for an unforgettable week on the water.

Meet the Crew:

A huge congratulations to Gary, Guy, Zak and Stephen, who rose to every challenge thrown at them with skill, enthusiasm and a good sense of humour. From crossing the Channel to navigating fog, these four proved they’ve got what it takes to sail with confidence and control.

Channel Crossings, French Adventures & Foggy Lessons

Our voyage included stops in Calais and Boulogne, giving the crew a real taste of international sailing (and some decent croissants). But the sea had one last test in store, on our return to Ramsgate, we found ourselves shrouded in fog.

This provided a brilliant opportunity for some real-world application of skills in restricted visibility, including the use of radar, AIS (Automatic Identification System) and maintaining a sharp all-round lookout. A special shoutout to Guy, pictured on the bow, showing textbook lookout technique while navigating home.

Fog may dampen the view but it makes for seriously valuable seamanship training. And, as we always say: you never want the first time you use your radar to be when you're halfway across the Channel in a white-out!

Porpoises & Selfies at Sea

Once the fog cleared and we re-entered the Dover Strait shipping lanes, we were greeted by a delightful pod of porpoises, dancing and diving alongside Elizabeth. It was a magical moment that reminded us why we love doing what we do, and why sailing is always an adventure.

Meanwhile, back in Boulogne, Zak took things to new heights—literally! Taking full advantage of a calm moment, he volunteered to go up the mast, camera in hand, and returned with a top-down selfie that’s definitely one for the memory bank. While not on the RYA syllabus, learning how to safely go aloft is a great skill for any budding sailor to have in their locker.

Ready for More? Join the Adventure

If this sounds like your idea of a great time (and let's be honest, how could it not?), then hop aboard! We’ve got a full calendar of practical sailing courses, masterclasses and adventures lined up throughout 2025.

Whether you're working towards your Day Skipper, brushing up your navigation, or dreaming of your first Channel crossing, Ramsgate Sailing School has the course, the crew and the boat for you.

➡️ Book your next sailing course now! Ramsgate Sailing School⛵ 

Real skills. Real adventures. Real sailing.