Skipper Training 2025: Impressions

Skipper Training 2025 Sailing Trip Report

This is report about [I want to try] Skipper training, so you can read and have picture for yourself, how it looks like to became better skipper and to pass the german sailing exam. And of course JOIN!

We recently completed a short sailing trip with the primary goal of conducting a "skipper training" program. The focus of this training was to gain hands-on experience in operating a sailing vessel, particularly in harbor maneuvers and essential seamanship skills.

A significant part of our training involved practicing all maneuvers with a **short-handed crew**—usually just a helmsman and one sailor. This setup reflects realistic cruising conditions where a full crew may not be available. We trained extensively on how to handle the yacht under these constraints, especially when entering or leaving harbors.

We practiced parking the vessel into a box mooring under various wind conditions, using **midship cleats** for controlled and secure maneuvers. Additionally, we refined our techniques for getting alongside using **ferry gliding**—ensuring smooth and precise landings even in confined spaces or when affected by crosswinds. These exercises significantly boosted our confidence in harbor operations and vessel handling.

Our route took us from Lemmer to Stavoren, then onward to Urk, before returning to Lemmer. One notable part of the journey was passing through the famous Prinses Margriet Sluizen (Princess Margaretha Locks) twice. This gave the entire crew valuable experience in navigating locks—a key skill for inland and coastal sailing.

Throughout the trip, we practiced critical operations such as docking and casting off, steering precise courses, and maintaining situational awareness under various conditions. These exercises were essential in preparing for the German SKS (Sportküstenschifferschein) examination and in strengthening our overall seamanship.

We also experimented with different man-overboard recovery strategies. In particular, we practiced **heaving to** and evaluated its effectiveness as a rescue maneuver. Our conclusion: in specific conditions—especially when heading high into the wind and on a yacht without an auto-jib system—it may serve as a viable emergency option. However, we found the standard **"Halfwind–Halfwind" maneuver** (commonly referred to as the *Q-Wende* in German sailing terminology) to be more universally applicable and controllable in most scenarios.

Overall, this training trip was an invaluable opportunity to refine our technical sailing skills, improve coordination with minimal crew, and gain confidence in both open waters and harbor settings. It also deepened our understanding of teamwork, communication, and decision-making—especially during high-pressure situations like man-overboard emergencies.

First things first - breefing.

On the first day of the course, we began with a thorough briefing. We reviewed the weather forecast, examined the navigation charts, and discussed the planned route for our trip. To provide a clear understanding of the upcoming maneuvers, I used a small model yacht to demonstrate key techniques. This included how to handle lines effectively and how to use the engine and rudder to keep the vessel steady and under control, especially when maneuvering in the wind.
Before getting of - discussion of all commands and steps

Before leaving the box, we discussed each crew member’s role, the sequence of commands, and how wind and lines affect the yacht during the maneuver. We focused on short-handed techniques—operating with just a helmsman and one sailor—which is a common situation for sailing couples. Special attention was given to the use of midship cleats, which allow the yacht to be temporarily secured and stabilized during docking or casting off. We also practiced precise coordination between helm and crew to ensure smooth, safe maneuvers when entering or leaving the box, even in challenging wind conditions.
No one is alone in the beginning - in the end every one can do it alone

At first, the skipper assisted closely with the docking maneuvers, guiding the process and offering support. But with each repetition, everyone gained confidence and began handling the yacht more independently. Each crew member had the opportunity to practice the maneuver until they felt comfortable and in control. Once we reached the desired level of confidence, we set off to continue our journey—the next step: passing through the lock.
Another skipper's skill - passing the lock

Next step: passing the lock.

We navigated through the Prinses Margriet Sluizen (Princess Margaretha Locks), an essential part of our route. Communication with the lock master is possible via VHF radio, but often it's enough to observe the traffic light signals—green means it's safe to enter. Naturally, larger commercial vessels have priority and enter first.

Once inside the lock, it's important to move efficiently: tie up quickly to avoid blocking others and keep the operation smooth. The same applies when exiting—depart promptly and in an orderly fashion to minimize congestion and ensure a safe, respectful passage for all vessels.
Beauties of IJsselmeer

The IJsselmeer is home to a stunning fleet of traditional sailing vessels known as Platbodenschiffe—flat-bottomed boats originally used for fishing. These classic ships, equipped with leeboards instead of a keel, are designed to sail efficiently in shallow waters and surprisingly well upwind. And they are fast!

Many of them belong to the historic "Bruine Vloot" (Brown Fleet), and as such, they are given priority on the IJsselmeer. But giving way to these graceful, old-world beauties is no hardship—it’s a pleasure. Watching them glide by with full sails is a highlight of any trip, offering a moment to pause and admire their timeless elegance.
Learning the Character of the Yacht

But we didn’t come just to admire the beautiful traditional ships—we came to train. One of our first exercises was to get hands-on with the basics of sail handling. We practiced hoisting the sails, taking in a reef, and trimming the sails to suit different wind conditions. These drills helped us understand how to shape the sails for optimal performance and efficiency.

We also explored how the yacht responds to various forces—especially the behavior of the vessel under wind pressure and how it reacts when shifting into reverse gear. These early sessions were all about getting to know the yacht intimately: its reactions, limitations, and handling characteristics in different situations. In other words, we began learning not just how to sail, but how to truly feel and understand the boat.
Intensive training

During the day, we focused heavily on controlling the yacht under power, steering precise courses both forward and in reverse. One of the key exercises was practicing the man-overboard maneuver using the engine—a crucial element of the German SKS sailing exam. We paid particular attention to how to position the yacht, maintain control, and—most importantly—how to give clear and effective commands to the crew. Leadership and communication are essential skills when skippering a vessel, and these drills helped sharpen both.

To reinforce these skills under sail, we practiced specific patterns—my favorites are "circles" and "figure-eights." These were done under sail, requiring the crew to steer through all points of sail while maintaining course and sail trim. Each figure included at least one tack and one gybe, making them ideal for testing both handling and coordination. They’re not only great for improving sail control and situational awareness, but also serve as an excellent benchmark for the skipper’s ability to give timely, clear commands. In fact, you can often tell how well the maneuver is going just by listening to the tone and clarity of the communication on board.
Evening in Stavoren

After a full day of intensive training on the water, we reached Stavoren—a charming historic town on the eastern shore of the IJsselmeer. The crew confidently maneuvered and moored the yacht, applying everything we had practiced throughout the day. It was a rewarding moment to see our teamwork and boat-handling skills come together.

In the evening, after all the learning and effort, we relaxed with a well-deserved bottle of wine and took a quiet walk through Stavoren’s old town. With its canals, historic harbor, and peaceful charm, it was the perfect place to reflect on a productive and fulfilling day at sea.
April in Holland is magical

In the morning, before breakfast and setting off for another day of training, we took a stroll and marveled at the beauty of Holland in April. The crisp, frosty air and the mist rising from the canals created a scene straight out of a fairy tale—quiet, magical, and full of charm.
As badly visible as a real person

The next day, we continued our training with a focus on man-overboard procedures. To simulate a person in the water, we constructed a simple but effective dummy. Its dark color made it difficult to spot—just like a real person’s head in the waves—and its size, around 20 cm, closely mimicked the visible profile of someone in the water. We added a bucket to give it weight and prevent it from drifting too quickly with the wind, replicating the realistic behavior of a person in distress.

We practiced a variety of recovery maneuvers, approaching the dummy from different angles and under different sail or engine conditions. Each crew member had the opportunity to take the helm and coordinate the pickup, reinforcing both the technical skills and clear communication needed in a real emergency situation.
Good fed sailor - happy sailor

A safe and successful sailing passage isn’t just about charts and maneuvers—it’s just as much about the well-being and morale of the crew. As the saying goes, a happy crew makes a steady course. When the crew is comfortable, well-fed, and in good spirits, the yacht sails smoother, decisions are sharper, and even the wind seems more cooperative. A cheerful mood on board, steady rhythm, and good music go a long way in creating that atmosphere.

That’s why good food is an essential part of skipper training. Fortunately, we had some talented cooks among us. One highlight was a traditional Polish żurek—a hearty sour rye soup with sausages—served warm for lunch, lifting both body and soul. And that was just one day! Each meal on board became a celebration of taste, adding to the overall joy and camaraderie of the journey.
Coming alongside with stern line

We also dedicated significant time to practicing docking alongside, an essential skill—especially for short-handed crews. Since our yacht was equipped with twin rudders, the commonly used maneuver “Eindampfen auf die Vorspring” (pivoting in forward gear against the spring line) was not effective. Instead, we focused on a more practical and efficient technique for our setup: docking using the stern line.

In this method, the yacht approaches the dock in reverse, aiming the stern corner of the vessel toward the target cleat or bollard on shore. When the distance to the dock is approximately 30 cm, the crew throws the stern line over the cleat and secures it onboard.

With the stern line fixed, the helm is set slightly away from the dock and full forward thrust is applied. This causes the yacht to pivot inward, bringing it parallel to the dock, much like a ferry maneuver. The engine’s thrust presses the vessel gently against the dock, keeping it stable and secure.

While the yacht is held in place by the engine, there is plenty of time to calmly deploy the remaining mooring lines, completing the docking maneuver with control and minimal stress.

The only notable limitation of this technique is the short lever arm between the propeller and the stern mooring point—typically just 2 to 3 meters. In strong crosswinds, it can sometimes be difficult to bring the bow fully alongside. However, this situation is relatively rare.

In such cases, many yachts are equipped with a bow thruster, which can assist in pulling the bow in. Alternatively, one can step ashore from the stern and use a bow line manually to gently bring the bow to the dock, supporting the engine’s effort.
One wants moooore!

On our final day, we focused on perfecting the man-overboard rescue maneuvers—a critical skill for any confident skipper. We also took the opportunity to experiment once more with "heaving to", evaluating its effectiveness both as a recovery tactic and, as tradition has it, a peaceful way to make coffee at sea. It turned out to be useful for both—offering a surprisingly stable and calm position even in moderate wind.

Later that day, we made our return passage through the Princess Margarete Sluice. But unlike on our way out, this time we approached the lock as a well-practiced crew. Lines were ready, commands were clear, and the yacht was maneuvered with precision—proof of how far everyone had come in just a few days.

Such an intense yet enjoyable training trip does more than just improve skills—it builds confidence, fosters teamwork, and ignites a deeper passion for sailing. Every maneuver practiced, every line tied, and every decision made at sea adds to the crew’s competence and readiness for future challenges.

We return from this journey not just as sailors, but as a stronger, more capable crew—eager for the next adventure. We look forward to future training voyages with more complex scenarios, trickier harbor approaches, heavier winds, and even broader horizons.

Because once you feel the wind in your sails and the teamwork clicking into place, one thing is certain: you always want more.