About Rival Sailing
RYA practical sailing courses, from Start Yachting and Competent Crew to Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster prep.
Based in the Firth of Clyde, we also offer informal day sails, cruises & mile-builders on Rival 41C yacht East End Endeavour.
Rival Sailing Description
We're an RYA Sailing Centre based at Greenock in the Firth of Clyde. We deliver RYA Sail Cruising courses, from Start Sailing to Yachtmaster preparation.
We also provide informal day taster sails, skippered charter cruises, mile-builders and sailing tuition on board much-loved Rival 41C sail training yacht East End Endeavour.
For organisations working with young or disadvantaged people, there's our sister company East End Endeavour Ltd - a not-for-profit social enterprise. Visit www. eastendeandeavour.org. uk
Reviews
This week we've been delighted to welcome on board a father and daughter team! Weather wise, it's been a mixed bag, but we hope Tom and Jasmine enjoyed their RYA Competent Crew course in the Clyde, which took in some night sailing and visits to Rothesay and Kames.
rivalsailing.co.uk/sailing-services/rya-c ourses
#Sailing #Clyde #Scotland #LearntoSail
We have 3 SPACES LEFT on our next RYA course for aspiring Competent Crew and Day Skippers. Book now if you're looking to gain your qualifications or need a refresher to brush up your sailing skills.
rivalsailing.co.uk/sailing-services/rya-c ourses
5-day RYA course (please contact us to discuss) for Competent Crew (all ages) and Day Skipper (aged 16+) candidates (suitable respectively for beginners or skippers with some previous yachting experience and basic navigation and sailing skills)
Book an RYA assessment or a skills refresher. Just £450 all-inclusive; multi-booking discount available,
Want more time? We may be able to add on the weekend of 18-19 August so you can enjoy an extended 7-day course! Just £595 all-inclusive; multi-booking discount available. Please contact us to discuss.
Our refresher cruise last week included visits to the Holy Loch, Ardrossan, Tarbert, Millport and Rothesay, complete with porpoises and glorious sunsets! Many thanks to Russ Cockburn for sharing his photos.
rivalsailing.co.uk
Meet the crew of this week's refresher cruise, which started with a Sunday evening sail from James Watt Dock Marina to the Holy Loch and a trip to Ardrossan today. Watch this space for more...
www.rivalsailing.co.uk
TWO SPACES left on our 5 or 7-day SAILING REFRESHER from 22nd to 27th / 29th July. Brush up on boat-handling, practice pilotage and passage planning, nail navigation and (hopefully) soak up some sunshine in the Clyde! ⛵😎⚓
More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/217191162 370662 Email jenny@rivalsailing.co.uk to book
We enjoyed a great wee trip "doon the watter" from Greenock yesterday, sailing to Rhu for a late lunch at the Ardencaple Hotel, followed by an evening sail up the Gare Loch and back to James Watt Dock Marina via the Sugar Boat. Sunshine and sightings of playful porpoises and seals basking near Roseneath made the afternoon special. We hope the birthday boy and fellow crew enjoyed themselves as much as we did!
rivalsailing.co.uk/sailing-services/day-s ails
Looking for a #SAILING REFRESHER?
We have 2-3 spaces left on our July skills-builder cruise - perfect for exploring the Clyde (and possibly beyond) whilst brushing up on practical boat handling skills, passage planning, pilotage and so on... Heatwave possible but sadly not guaranteed!
Book 5 days for £450 or 7 days for £630 (includes food, fuel & berthing fees). Multi-booking discount available.... rivalsailing.co.uk/sailing-services/rya-c ourses
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A few highlights from last week's Midsummer Mile-builder.
The heatwave may have held off until our last day but the cracking crew enjoyed 300 miles of epic sailing, including revels in Rothesay (well, a couple of pints...), a visit to Bangor, midsummer night sail back to the Clyde, lunch on a Millport mooring and last-night Indian takeaway at the Holy Loch.
rivalsailing.co.uk/sailing-services/mile- builders
Hope you're all enjoying the rare phenomenon that is a Scottish heatwave! 😎 If you fancy cooling down with a wee trip "doon the watter" from James Watt Dock Marina, give us a shout...
rivalsailing.co.uk/sailing-services/day-s ails
We often get bees landing on the boat, sometimes miles from land. Now we know how to provide appropriate on board hospitality! 🐝
rivalsailing.co.uk
We're now offering a 5 to 7 day REFRESHER CRUISE in July to meet demand 😊 Perfect for sailors with previous experience looking to brush up on sailing skills, from boat handling to pilotage and navigation!
Book 5 days for £450 or join us for the full week for £630, all-inclusive (multi-booking discount available). We currently have 3 SPACES LEFT but are getting lots of enquiries so contact us asap to discuss/book.
http://www.rivalsailing.co.uk
☀️⛵ Sunshine and sailing - not a bad combination! ⛵☀️
We've been busy on the water with freelance work but as we approach June we're looking forward to our fully-booked Midsummer Mile-builder aboard EEE 😎
Remember to keep an eye on our calendar for upcoming sailing activities from James Watt Dock Marina. We still have SPACES AVAILABLE on our RYA Sail Cruising Course in July - book a beginners' weekend, do a full course over 5 days or get in some extra boat time by joining us for the full week. Contact jenny@rivalsailing.co.uk to book.
Looking for some summer sailing combined with the chance to gain a globally-recognised RYA qualification? We have FOUR SPACES LEFT on our 5-day Sail Cruising course from James Watt Dock Marina, 22nd - 27th July. And... if you'd like more time on board, you can extend this to 29th July 😊 Contact us here or email jenny@rivalsailing.co.uk to discuss or book.
http://www.rivalsailing.co.uk/sailing-ser vices/rya-courses
#sailing #training #courses #Clyde #Scotland
Apologies for the social media silence over the past fortnight - sometimes the day jobs get in the way! As some of you worked out, our May Mile-builder crew sailed from Greenock to Belfast, where they spent a day exploring. The crew had hoped to continue north to Rathlin or Islay/Gigha but unexpected gale force winds scuppered those plans and the rest of the week was spent in the Clyde. Ports of call included Lamlash, Ardrossan and even a trip up the river to Glasgow.
Next up for those looking for sea miles... our Midsummer Mile-builder 🌞 We have 1-2 spaces available so please contact us! rivalsailing.co.uk/sailing-services/mile- builders
Shouldn't be too hard to work out where our EEE mile-builder crew sailed to after leaving Greenock on Sunday evening - there are a couple of handy clues in the background. Great day spent exploring yesterday. Where next? Watch this space!
http://www.rivalsailing.co.uk/sailing-ser vices/mile-builders
It's a beautiful morning in the North Channel!
Our May Mile-builder crew left James Watt Dock Marina last night after getting settled in to the boat and are heading for Northern Ireland, where they'll decide on their next passage plan. Ailsa Craig (AKA Paddy's Milestone) can be seen directly behind our intrepid morning watch.
http://www.rivalsailing.co.uk/sailing-ser vices/mile-builders
Wow! 😮 Here's the proof that this weekend's RYA course crew were lucky enough to see a pod of orcas near Rhu on Saturday afternoon! 🐋🐋🐋 Also known as killer whales, these amazing mammals are the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family. 😍 What a privilege to see them in the Upper Clyde.
rivalsailing.co.uk/location/sea-life
Using my daughters account to give a review as last weekends informal refresher course deserved one.
A weekends' sailing with Sam ticked all the boxes, a beautiful area to sail and much less busy than the south coast, after 6 years of not sailing Sam got us back up to speed whilst sharing plenty of useful tips and also sharing his local knowledge of the area. Sam has also been great in sharing some contacts for a forthcoming sailing trip we are doing this summer.
Our family of 4 and our friends family of 3 thorougly enjoyed our sailing trip with Sam. We all learned lots as he was very informative. Looking forward to continuing learning to sail on the East End Endevour! Thanks for looking after us so well. p.s. lunch was great! :D
My husband and I asked for a 3 day refresher since we hadn't been sailing for over a year and are going on flotilla in May, and hopefully sailing my brothers boat over the summer. Sam was really friendly and very good at interpreting our level of experience. I struggle with some activities but it wasn't a problem for Sam who just rearranged the jobs so I was still taking part. I got an overview of engine maintenance, radar operation and brushed up on navigation! Our confidence has been boosted and we're looking forward to sailing with rival again. Thanks Sam and Jenny. ��
If you haven't done so already, I would thoroughly recommend a few days training with Rival Sailing, first time ever on a sailing boat for me and although apprehensive at first, soon got into the swing of things, great instruction from Sam the Skipper, fantastic company and vista's, really got a feel for how the boat handles, I was even let loose in the galley, thank-you so much for the opportunity, and for sharing your extensive knowledge, will definitely be doing this again!!!!
Having several decades of sailing experience already, I still found the five day sailing with Rival Sailing beneficial and fun, providing me with up to date qualifications.
Whether you're new to sailing or an old sea dog like me, I can recommend Sam and Jenny from Rival Sailing to provide expert tuition and a very hospitable time aboard Eastend Endeavour.
Amazing organisation who not only taught me to sail to day skipper level, but helped me all the way with purchasing and delivery of my wee yacht. Definitely would recommend for the personal touch and un-RIVALled knowledge of the clyde, west coast and beyond
Adventurous, fun, learning all in one!
I wanted a real sailing adventure and I certainly got it while up skilling on sailing and having a great fun time with all the folk aboard. I went on my own for a costal skipper course having done a day skipper in Croatia and tidal conversion in Portsmouth. Sam was awesome giving energy and getting me involved from the start. East End Endeavour is a great boat full of character and absolutely great to gain experience on. I got to go up the mast twice!
What made it 5 stars:
- Sam always taked us through his thought process and weighing the alternatives
- Sam was always pushing and testing everyone within safe limits
- going to Ireland!
- He created a great crew atmosphere and whole sailing experience including the essential boat maintenance
- getting everyone's arse in gear!
- taking care of less confident crew
Using my daughters account to give a review as last weekends informal refresher course deserved one.
A weekends' sailing with Sam ticked all the boxes, a beautiful area to sail and much less busy than the south coast, after 6 years of not sailing Sam got us back up to speed whilst sharing plenty of useful tips and also sharing his local knowledge of the area. Sam has also been great in sharing some contacts for a forthcoming sailing trip we are doing this summer.
Our family of 4 and our friends family of 3 thorougly enjoyed our sailing trip with Sam. We all learned lots as he was very informative. Looking forward to continuing learning to sail on the East End Endevour! Thanks for looking after us so well. p.s. lunch was great! :D
My husband and I asked for a 3 day refresher since we hadn't been sailing for over a year and are going on flotilla in May, and hopefully sailing my brothers boat over the summer. Sam was really friendly and very good at interpreting our level of experience. I struggle with some activities but it wasn't a problem for Sam who just rearranged the jobs so I was still taking part. I got an overview of engine maintenance, radar operation and brushed up on navigation! Our confidence has been boosted and we're looking forward to sailing with rival again. Thanks Sam and Jenny. ��
If you haven't done so already, I would thoroughly recommend a few days training with Rival Sailing, first time ever on a sailing boat for me and although apprehensive at first, soon got into the swing of things, great instruction from Sam the Skipper, fantastic company and vista's, really got a feel for how the boat handles, I was even let loose in the galley, thank-you so much for the opportunity, and for sharing your extensive knowledge, will definitely be doing this again!!!!
Having several decades of sailing experience already, I still found the five day sailing with Rival Sailing beneficial and fun, providing me with up to date qualifications.
Whether you're new to sailing or an old sea dog like me, I can recommend Sam and Jenny from Rival Sailing to provide expert tuition and a very hospitable time aboard Eastend Endeavour.
Amazing organisation who not only taught me to sail to day skipper level, but helped me all the way with purchasing and delivery of my wee yacht. Definitely would recommend for the personal touch and un-RIVALled knowledge of the clyde, west coast and beyond
Adventurous, fun, learning all in one!
I wanted a real sailing adventure and I certainly got it while up skilling on sailing and having a great fun time with all the folk aboard. I went on my own for a costal skipper course having done a day skipper in Croatia and tidal conversion in Portsmouth. Sam was awesome giving energy and getting me involved from the start. East End Endeavour is a great boat full of character and absolutely great to gain experience on. I got to go up the mast twice!
What made it 5 stars:
- Sam always taked us through his thought process and weighing the alternatives
- Sam was always pushing and testing everyone within safe limits
- going to Ireland!
- He created a great crew atmosphere and whole sailing experience including the essential boat maintenance
- getting everyone's arse in gear!
- taking care of less confident crew
Using my daughters account to give a review as last weekends informal refresher course deserved one.
A weekends' sailing with Sam ticked all the boxes, a beautiful area to sail and much less busy than the south coast, after 6 years of not sailing Sam got us back up to speed whilst sharing plenty of useful tips and also sharing his local knowledge of the area. Sam has also been great in sharing some contacts for a forthcoming sailing trip we are doing this summer.
Our family of 4 and our friends family of 3 thorougly enjoyed our sailing trip with Sam. We all learned lots as he was very informative. Looking forward to continuing learning to sail on the East End Endevour! Thanks for looking after us so well. p.s. lunch was great! :D
My husband and I asked for a 3 day refresher since we hadn't been sailing for over a year and are going on flotilla in May, and hopefully sailing my brothers boat over the summer. Sam was really friendly and very good at interpreting our level of experience. I struggle with some activities but it wasn't a problem for Sam who just rearranged the jobs so I was still taking part. I got an overview of engine maintenance, radar operation and brushed up on navigation! Our confidence has been boosted and we're looking forward to sailing with rival again. Thanks Sam and Jenny. ��
If you haven't done so already, I would thoroughly recommend a few days training with Rival Sailing, first time ever on a sailing boat for me and although apprehensive at first, soon got into the swing of things, great instruction from Sam the Skipper, fantastic company and vista's, really got a feel for how the boat handles, I was even let loose in the galley, thank-you so much for the opportunity, and for sharing your extensive knowledge, will definitely be doing this again!!!!
Having several decades of sailing experience already, I still found the five day sailing with Rival Sailing beneficial and fun, providing me with up to date qualifications.
Whether you're new to sailing or an old sea dog like me, I can recommend Sam and Jenny from Rival Sailing to provide expert tuition and a very hospitable time aboard Eastend Endeavour.
Amazing organisation who not only taught me to sail to day skipper level, but helped me all the way with purchasing and delivery of my wee yacht. Definitely would recommend for the personal touch and un-RIVALled knowledge of the clyde, west coast and beyond
Adventurous, fun, learning all in one!
I wanted a real sailing adventure and I certainly got it while up skilling on sailing and having a great fun time with all the folk aboard. I went on my own for a costal skipper course having done a day skipper in Croatia and tidal conversion in Portsmouth. Sam was awesome giving energy and getting me involved from the start. East End Endeavour is a great boat full of character and absolutely great to gain experience on. I got to go up the mast twice!
What made it 5 stars:
- Sam always taked us through his thought process and weighing the alternatives
- Sam was always pushing and testing everyone within safe limits
- going to Ireland!
- He created a great crew atmosphere and whole sailing experience including the essential boat maintenance
- getting everyone's arse in gear!
- taking care of less confident crew