"Never having sailed or set foot on a yacht before, I signed up for seven days aboard the Melbourne Star hoping to achieve the status of competent crew so that I could one day soon sail into the sunset with my sailing smitten boyfriend.

Would I survive a week cooped up on a 35 ft yacht with a handful of sailing strangers, eating maggoty ship's biscuits and dodging container ships as we crossed the English Channel - at night? Could I cope with high winds, low moods, a bossy skipper and a bilious belly?

I survived, I coped and I revelled in it. My shipmates were wonderful, politely turning a blind eye to a mercifully brief bout of sea-sickness and nursing me back to health with Rich Tea biscuits. They taught me how to reef sails and sail around reefs. I learned how to helm in a high wind and mastered some knots that will be very handy around the home. I became adept at using a stove in a rolling sea and can make a caf? latt? at any latitude. I helped hitch up to mooring buoys in handy harbours and dropped anchor in cosy coves. I wobbled a bit clambering from yacht to bobbing dinghy but I think I impressed with my ability to row the crew ashore for a barbecue or a drink or two in a Channel Island pub.

It was a great week. I learned a lot about the wind and tides and I have developed an abiding respect for sailors, fishermen and skippers at sea. I miss my shipmates, the swaying of the boat, the bustle, activity and moments of great excitement contrasted with times of tired tranquillity and stillness. Above all I miss the sheer beauty of the sea and sky by day and night.

Oh, and the ship's biscuits weren't maggoty. In fact the food was fabulous. Taking it in turns we managed to delight each other with regular freshly cooked feasts such as French Onion Soup, Penne & Pesto and Mozarella & Basil salad. Sometimes the simplest food came at just the right time - egg and bacon sandwiches at dawn after an all night Channel Crossing with the Isle of Wight in sight.

Other memories include: listening to the latest Iggy Pop CD in a bar in Cherbourg run by a very impressive Madame, falling asleep in a sunny field on Sark after a restless night at anchor and docking at St Peter Port Marina, Guernsey, for a shower and a sheltered night's sleep.

To sum up - if you are thinking of doing it but are a bit afraid like I was - go for it - it is wonderful and Jim is a great teacher." - Sarah (RYA Competent Crew)

"Jim, thank you so much for the theory course you got me through and the additional lessons you helped with when I struggled in some topics. I honestly feel that after trying another Sea School prior , you are certainly in a different league. The weekend I have also just had with you and fellow crew was excellent, you were always calm and approachable for help when you were instructing but also during the day when we were given free rein to manage the boat ourselves. At all times I was safe, learning and mainly having fun, thank you and I look forward to sailing and taking my next theory course with you" - Emma Paton (DS Theory)

"Very clear and patient tutorage. Active and engaging. Although quite challenging at times, never felt talked at or bombarded with info" - Mike Mulkerrin (DS Practical)

"Excellent instruction and opportunity to practice skills, well planned but flexible itinery. Not too rushed - Mike Low (YM Prep/Milebuilder)

"Very relaxed. Excellent rapport with class and clear explanations" - Philip Wilson (DS Theory)

"Very Interesting. Jim kept us engaged. Great to meet new people and get my brain working again" - Emma Burrows (DS Theory)

"Personable instructor who gives confidence. Small group size and advantage. Pleasure to be involved!" - Steve Wolley (DS Theory)

"The course was taught well - great extra support, I thoroughly enjoyed it!" - Mel Clarke (YM Theory)

"Hands on approach, experienced & knowledgeable instructor, friendly atmosphere" - Denis Chesnokov (YM Theory)

"Good learning materials, good pace, depth, delivery, Close to work" - Michael Whitby (YM Theory)