Gold DofE Expedition - Andrew Simpson Yachting
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Duration
6 Days
Student - Instructor Ratio
4:2 (maximum)
Cost
£950 per person
Required Experience
No previous experience required!
Course Syllabus
  • Knowledge of sea terms and parts of a boat
  • Her rigging and sails
  • Sail handling
  • Ropework
  • Fire precautions and fighting
  • Personal safety equipment
  • Man overboard
  • Emergency equipment
  • Meteorology
  • Helmsmanship
  • General duties
  • Manners and customs
  • Rules of the road

Embark on the ultimate Gold DofE Expedition and take your sailing to the highest level! Over six days, you’ll complete either your RYA Competent Crew or Day Skipper qualification (depending on prior experience) while fulfilling both the practice and qualifying expeditions required for your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.

What to Expect on Your Gold DofE Expedition:

  • Days 1-2 (Practice Expedition): Your adventure starts with a comprehensive safety briefing and berthing practice, followed by setting sail through The Solent. This two-day practice expedition will prepare you for the main qualifying expedition. Your supervisor will also work with you to plan your expedition goal and menu for the upcoming challenge.
  • Days 3-6 (Qualifying Expedition): Over the next four days, you’ll dive into either the full RYA Competent Crew or Day Skipper syllabus. You’ll sail through various ports, refine your skills, and lead your team in achieving your group’s goal as part of the Gold DofE Expedition.

Your Expedition Journey:

  • Expert Guidance: Whether completing the Competent Crew or Day Skipper course, you’ll be under the guidance of an experienced instructor who will help you master advanced sailing techniques, teamwork, and navigation skills.
  • Assessment and Debrief: After the final day of your expedition, your assessor will conduct a debrief, during which you’ll present your group goal. Feedback from this assessment will help you reflect on and celebrate your achievements.
  • Pre-Expedition Planning: Prior to your expedition, your supervisor will help you organise your meal plan and finalise your group’s objective, ensuring you’re ready for the challenge ahead.

This 6-day Gold DofE Expedition is your chance to advance your sailing skills, take on a leadership role, and push yourself to new limits while working towards your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. Develop valuable skills in leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork, all while exploring the beautiful waters of The Solent.

Course Outcomes
  • You will experience living on board and really get to know the boat.
  • This is a 6 day course enabling you to become fully immersed in life aboard a typical cruising yacht.
  • It’s very likely you will spend time with others taking courses, and playing a part in helping them to achieve their certificates, at the same time as building your own confidence and knowledge.
  • Successful completion leads to the RYA Competent Crew or Day Skipper Certificate.
Course Dates
Date: 07/04/26 - 12/04/26
Price: £950
Number of available places: 4

Date: 25/05/26 - 30/05/26
Price: £950
Number of available places: 3

Date: 03/08/26 - 08/08/26
Price: £950
Number of available places: 1

Date: 10/08/26 - 15/08/26
Price: £950
Fully booked