An Ocean of Opportunities to Take to the Water ; (1) Whether You Want to Brave the High Seas Crewing a Multi-Million- Dollar Yacht or Just Mess About On a Motor Boat On a River, Theres an Army of People Waiting to Show You How(2) Sail, Power & Watersports Show

Evening Standard - London › November 20, 2008

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Summary

Take on an ocean By Julie George

IF you yearn for adventure, but lack any offshore experience, why not tackle an Atlantic crossing on a fast racing yacht? A sea school based in Portsmouth can offer you the chance to achieve the ultimate challenge of most hobby sailors, a trip across the pond to Barbados.

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An Ocean of Opportunities to Take to the Water ; (1) Whether You Want to Brave the High Seas Crewing a Multi-Million- Dollar Yacht or Just Mess About On a Motor Boat On a River, Theres an Army of People Waiting to Show You How(2) Sail, Power & Watersports Show

The 3,500 mile trip is in three legs, starting from Portugal and stopping at the Cape Verde islands on route. It is organised by the OnDeck sea school, which once a year delivers four Farr 65 racing yachts to the Caribbean to take part in the Antigua race week. With so many people wanting to do a transatlantic trip, part of the crew is made up of novices.

Full training is given during the first two legs. If you cant spare the full six weeks, just do one of the legs, and another one the following year.

If crossing swathes of oceans doesnt appeal, OnDeck makes as many aspects of the sport available as possible. It offers the chance to learn how to drive a motorboat, either a fast and furious RIB, or a more sedate but still remarkably powerful motorcruiser. You will learn everything from engine checks ...

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