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Recently we sat down with Emily who has completed her RYA Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper Yachtmaster Coastal and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Expedition with us onboard Duel. Emily is now planning to take her Yachtmaster Offshore Exam in May and talked us through her sailing journey.  What first got you interested in sailing? Sailing’s always kind of been in the family. My Papa sails, and one summer in Wales he got me out on his Speedbreeder dinghy. He thought I already knew what I was doing… I didn’t. We headed out anyway, the mainsheet snapped, and getting back to shore was a bit of a struggle. But even with all…

Andrew Simpson Yachting is committed to protecting the waters we love by taking meaningful steps toward sustainability. As sailors, we recognise our responsibility to minimise our impact on marine ecosystems. That’s why we are embracing a greener approach with the following initiatives: Sails Over Engine Whenever conditions allow, we prioritise sailing over motoring to reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions. Using Shore Facilities To prevent pollution, we utilise onshore waste disposal and restroom facilities wherever possible rather than discharging into the water. Responsible Anchoring We use mooring buoys where available to protect fragile seabeds from anchor damage and where we…

Ben Ritsema has been a Professional Yacht Training student with ASY. He completed the RYA Competent Crew, RYA Day Skipper and RYA Yachtmaster Coastal courses. Ben has shown great praise for the positive learning environment nurtured by our excellent team of instructors. “I’ve had the pleasure of completing my Competent Crew, Day Skipper, and Yachtmaster Coastal courses with Andrew Simpson Yachting, and I can’t recommend them enough. Every step of the way, their professionalism, expertise, and passion for sailing shone through, making each course not only educational but thoroughly enjoyable.  “The instructors are exceptional—patient, knowledgeable, and always willing to go…

If you're eager to start your sailing journey, you might be wondering whether the RYA Competent Crew course is the right stepping stone for you. Designed for beginners or those with minimal sailing experience, this five-day course introduces you to life onboard a yacht and prepares you to be an active, useful crew member. But is it worth the investment? And what can you expect from the course itself? Let’s dive in.  Cost of the RYA Competent Crew Course  The RYA Competent Crew course is priced at £725. This fee includes everything you'll need for the duration of the course: …

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a prestigious youth development programme designed to challenge young people and help them build essential life skills. There are three award levels (Bronze, Silver and Gold) which are designed to challenge participants further with each level. When you think of a D of E expedition, I imagine you think of hiking boots and large backpacks scrambling up a mountain or through the countryside; despite these stereotypes there are many ways you can complete your expedition including onboard a sailing yacht!   Yachting can be an exciting and rewarding alternative for your expedition and with…

Why Learn to Sail? Learning to sail opens up a world of opportunities, from weekend trips with family to epic solo adventures. When you learn to sail, you can discover a whole new world of freedom. Here are some compelling reasons to take the plunge: Freedom and Adventure: Sailing allows you to explore new destinations at your own pace, free from the constraints of land-based travel.  Skill and Knowledge: Sailing is a skill that enhances your understanding of weather, navigation, and seamanship.  Community: The sailing community is welcoming and supportive, offering camaraderie and shared experiences.  Getting Started: The Basics of…

In the world we live in today, few experiences rival the extravagance and pleasure of cruising the open seas on a yacht. Yet, behind the glitz and glamour lies a world of dedicated professionals ensuring the seamless operation and impeccable service that define the yachting experience. Whether you are a keen sailor looking to progress within the industry or have seen Below Deck on the TV and admire the life they live, a yacht career might be your calling and here at Andrew Simpson Yachting we can help you on the way. Let's navigate through the waters of this exclusive…

Embarking on the RYA Day Skipper Course is an ideal way to build a foundation in yachting and to work towards your sailing goals. Sometimes figuring out which course is right for you can seem like navigating uncharted waters. The Day Skipper Course may be the right one for you – in this comprehensive guide to the course, Thalia, our resident yachting expert, talks through some of the key information about the course.   Whether you're new to sailing and seeking to earn your stripes or a seasoned sailor looking to refine your skills, we’ll provide some crucial insights into who…