Set sail along Ireland’s rugged southwest coast with the Irish Sailing Coastal Skipper Training Course at West Cork Sailing Centre. Perfect for intermediate sailors, this course combines intensive navigation training with immersive seafaring experiences.
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
6 days
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical shape, able to handle physical tasks on deck and long hours at sea.
Wildlife
History
West Cork has a rich maritime history dating back to Vikings and early explorers, with many old lighthouses and shipwreck sites along the coast.
Conservation
The sailing center actively promotes sustainable practices—limiting waste, respecting marine habitats, and encouraging eco-friendly sailing.
West Cork Sailing Centre
Set sail along Ireland’s rugged southwest coast with the Irish Sailing Coastal Skipper Training Course at West Cork Sailing Centre. Perfect for intermediate sailors, this course combines intensive navigation training with immersive seafaring experiences.
West Cork Sailing Centre is a marine activity provider based in Drumlave, County Cork, offering formal sailing training and paddle-sport rentals on the sheltered waters of Adrigole Harbour and the surrounding West Cork coastline.
The centre delivers an Irish Sailing Yachtmaster Coastal (Sail) training course — a six-day Yachtmaster Coastal (Sail) programme that focuses on coastal passage planning, daytime and night navigation, watchkeeping, and practical seamanship while living aboard a yacht and visiting nearby ports. The course is structured to prepare sailors for the Yachtmaster Coastal standard through concentrated time at sea and dedicated training days.
In addition to the training course, West Cork Sailing Centre runs one-hour and two-hour kayak and canoe rentals in Adrigole Harbour. These rentals provide opportunities to paddle in clear harbour waters, explore hidden coves, and observe a local colony of seals and a variety of sea birds. Safety support is available nearby during paddle sessions.
Located in Drumlave, the operation provides direct access to sheltered harbour conditions well suited for instruction and recreational paddling. Trips are suitable for families seeking a short harbour paddle, paddlers interested in wildlife observation, and sailors preparing for advanced coastal qualifications.
Featured on The Adventure Collective, West Cork Sailing Centre combines formal sailing instruction with short-form paddle experiences. Prospective visitors are encouraged to review trip summaries and durations for the Irish Sailing Coastal Skipper Training Course and the one- and two-hour kayak and canoe rentals when planning visits to County Cork.
Location
Drumlave, County Cork
Base on West Cork's Adrigole Harbour
Course Length
6 days
Irish Sailing Yachtmaster Coastal
Rental Options
1 hr & 2 hr
One- and two-hour kayak/canoe rentals
Experiences
3 experiences
Training plus one- and two-hour rentals
Reserve a place on the 6-day Yachtmaster Coastal course or choose a one- or two-hour kayak/canoe rental in Adrigole Harbour today.
Check weather forecasts daily
Irish coastal waters are changeable; staying updated on weather is crucial for safety.
Practice night sailing in calm conditions
Before tackling overnight passages, ensure you're comfortable with night navigation under supervision.
Review local maritime charts beforehand
Familiarity with Irish navigation charts enhances confidence and safety onboard.
Communicate clearly with crew members
Effective communication is key during maneuvers and emergency situations.
Waterproof sailing jacket
Keeps you dry and comfortable during unpredictable Irish weather.
spring;summer;fall;winter
Non-slip deck shoes
Provides grip on wet surfaces, ensuring safety onboard.
Personal flotation device (PFD)
Vital for safety during all sailing activities.
Headlamp or torch
Necessary for night navigation and troubleshooting after dark.