Customer Reviews
Competent crew
Shamrock Quay
Just back from the 5 day competent crew course. Really enjoyed it and i'll now be booking the day skipper course. Thanks to SBT for helping me change the dates when work got in the way and to Mark the skipper for making it such an enjoyable course.
08/04/2026
RYA Powerboat Level 2
Shamrock Quay
I completed a two-day RYA Powerboat Level 2 course with Bryan. It was an excellent experience, characterised by his clear guidance and explanations.
06/04/2026
Day Skipper Practical Sailing
Shamrock Quay
I had a really great experience with Solent Boat Training. I did a 2-day Mile Builder and the 5-day Day Skipper Practical Sailing course with Matt. Staff is friendly, the yacht was in great condition and the 4-to-1 student/instructor ratio is perfect for learning. I highly recommend this training centre!
06/04/2026
RYA First Aid at Sea
Jones
Yet another excellent course from SBT. Maybe one day I'll get a dud but not holding my breath!! Having done a previous SBT course where Sean was the instructor I knew what to expect - highly capable trainer, incredibly knowledgable, engaging, patient and very personable. What did surprise me was his obvious in-depth knowledge as a first responder as well as his long-time maritime experience. I'd commend to anyone.
01/04/2026
Intermediate Power Boat
Shamrock Quays
Had a great couple of days on Eagle with Sean building on our practical skills. Picked Solent Boat Training because of the access to the Solent, but left hugely impressed with the facilities, the quality and amount of equipment and the knowledge and friendliness of the instructors. Will definitely be back.
31/03/2026
Day Skipper practical (sailing)
Shamrock Quay SBT
Magnus was a terrific instructor who guided us through the Day Skipper Sailing practical course with skill, patience, and depth of knowledge. He explained everything clearly, built confidence in the group and created a relaxed enjoyable learning environment. His experience really showed in the way he handled each situation, making sure everyone understood both the practical skills and reasoning behind them. Magnus struck the perfect balance between being professional and approachable and nothing ever felt rushed or overwhelming. I'd highly recommend him and SBT to anyone looking to build their Sailing skills - a genuine top-class instructor and company.
31/03/2026
Coastal Skipper Practical - Sailing
Shamrock Quay
I highly recommend Doug Hassell. He provides practical training in expertise ranging from advanced route / passage planning, night navigation and sophisticated skipping in challenging coastal/sea environments, to professional or serious recreation, the qualities a skipper must possess and excellent career progression steps.
23/03/2026
PB2
Southampton
Bryan really delivered on the RYA PB2 course. He had good knowledge and great teaching skills. Also excellent facilities, reasonable prices and a very enjoyable experience. Highly recommended.
20/03/2026
Marina Skills Training
Southampton
After some time, I got back to SBT for more experience and knowledge how to handle the boat on tidal water marinas. The course was very good value for money. Thanks to instructor Matt Thomas I achieved my learning target. Calm, professional and experienced sailor. Very good methodology of teaching and patience.
17/03/2026
Power boat Level 2
Scotland/ Norfolk
Alex did a great job of taking myself and one other participant through the required agenda. On the first day the conditions were pretty intense, but using good judgement, good equipment, and by taking advantage of the great facilities in the adjoining marinas we safely completed the training. The location is excellent and the course was interesting and stimulating at all times. Would strongly recommend SBT to anyone looking to further their experience.
17/03/2026
VHF radio
Scotland/ Norfolk
Sean did a great job of educating us and preparing us for the VHF radio exam with good humour and great material. Would strongly recommend the course and facilities.
17/03/2026
SBT Yacht Sail Trim & Sailing Skills
Shamrock Quay
The Yacht Sailing Trim and Sailing Skills course with instructor Magnus was a truly rewarding day. I highly recommend Magnus who will teach you sailing techniques and demonstrate all points of sailing including tides, weather and trimming.
16/03/2026
SBT Yacht Marina Skills & Handling
Shamrock Quay
The one-day yacht marina skills and handling course with instructor Matt Thomas was a truly enjoyable day. I appreciate his teaching skills, patience and attitude in demonstrating Marina techniques clearly and consistently.
16/03/2026
RYA Powerboat Level 2
Solent
Bryan delivered the RYA PB2 course with great knowledge and good humour. Learned a lot, great facilities, reasonable prices and a very enjoyable experience. Highly recommended.
16/03/2026
Mile Builder
Solent
Brilliant weekend, took a huge amount from it.
09/03/2026
Outboard Maintenance
Shamrock Quay
This is a must-do course for Outboard-powered powerboaters (and should definitely be a RYA course - wake-up guys!) Sean, who instructed on the day, is an excellent instructor - blending a deep knowledge of the subject matter with a relaxed, but focussed training style. The course is surprisingly comprehensive for the time - you'll be dropping outboard legs and inspecting gearboxes and impellers by early afternoon. Would strongly recommend.
02/03/2026
Powerboat Advanced
Shamrock Quay
Excellent course as always from SBT with the excellent Bryan instructing (so good I specifically asked for another one of his courses). No downsides, would heartily recommend.
25/02/2026
Diesal Engine Training
Hampshire
Great tuition, learnt so much and it all made sense when we looked at real engines in the second half. Would recommend this course to anyone, I knew practically nothing at the beginning!
25/02/2026
Motor boat day skipper
Solent boat training
This four day course was exactly what I was looking for. Paul our instructor was excellent and calmly took us through manoeuvres in the marina, engine checks, passage making (we did about 100 miles in the four days) and pilotage all with patience and practical knowledge sharing. I am now much more comfortable chartering motor boats in the future having had plenty of hands on practice on the Rodman 1040 with its twin inboard shaft drive diesel engines. The weather which was wet cold and relatively windy provided excellent opportunity to practice handling the yacht in tricky conditions. Paul is an excellent instructor and is great at sharing his extensive experience and with good humour and patience. Definitely recommend this course if you want to charter a yacht over 10 metres.
24/02/2026
powerboat 2
shamrock quay
I had a great experience over the last two days completing my Powerboat Level 2 course with Solent Boat Training in Southampton. My instructor, Sean, was professional, patient, and extremely knowledgeable. They explained everything clearly, made sure I felt confident handling the boat, and created a relaxed but focused learning environment. Their guidance during close-quarters manoeuvres and safety drills really helped build my confidence on the water. Thanks to their supportive teaching style, I was able to pass my Power Boat Level 2 certificate feeling capable and well prepared. I'd highly recommend them to anyone looking to complete the course.
16/02/2026
Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased
Weymouth
A very testing, at the same time a very enjoyable six day course. SBT do run a very professional training center. Our instructor Deb's delivered the course in an inspiring way. It has certainly made me want to do my chart work the right way. I am looking forward to getting back on the water and putting it to practice. If i am honest, i could of helped myself by doing more prep! Thanks SBT.
09/02/2026
OUTBOARD MAINTENCANCE
SOUTHAMPTON
Recently attended the outboard maintenance 1 day course. Found it be very useful and learnt a lot along the way. Was great to get on the spanners in the afternoon for some practical application. Sean was very patient with all the questions I asked. Highly recommend this course to help you service or troubleshoot your own vessel.
02/02/2026
Dayskipper Practical
London
I did my dayskipper with Al on Gemini (Bavaria 37). It was a great course and a great experience. Al was super calm and very patient and great company in the evenings as well as very knowledgeable/experienced.. Steve
02/02/2026
Day Skipper Theory
Weymouth
I’ve just completed a Monday to Friday Day skipper theory course, with Tim as instructor. I can’t praise the instructor or the facilities highly enough. Tim created a real ‘crew’ mindset within the classroom environment, with a great balance of focus and humour that made me look forward to joining the session every morning. And it’s been a while since I’ve been in a classroom! Tim’s experience on the water and obvious enthusiasm, benefited all of us on the course. I took the opportunity to take my VHF SRC exam during the week and whilst I had previous radio experience, the facilities for those with no prior knowledge were tremendous. I met several other members of the staff during my time there and without exception they were all very friendly and helpful. I shall return for another learning experience in the future. Thanks
01/02/2026
Power Boat Level 3
Newbury
I had a great experience on the PB3 course, especially considering the weather and rough sea state. I would definitely encourage training in more adverse conditions, as I learned a lot more. My instructor was brilliant, let me learn at my pace, and was really patient when I kept making the same simple mistakes - but now its engrained in me the throttle has "two clicks to get to neutral" (he must have reminded me 100 times)! This course was a great way to build practical experience after the Day Skipper Theory I did the week before.
26/01/2026
