About usMustang Sailing - an introduction and background from Paul Stringer the Principal: Mustang Sailing was initially started to provide top quality RYA theory courses to sailors in the South East to save students having to travel all the way to the Solent just to sit in a class room. Later, insistent 'student pressure' led to the running of RYA practical courses. In the early days we chartered yachts in, now we run a matched pair of Bavaria's out of Universal Marina on the Hamble. Two events from the past have dictated the philosophy behind the development of the school and leading to the mission I believe in : Mustang Sailing is to provide the best available training and support to ALL people at ALL levels who wish to enjoy sailing whilst keeping themselves and those with them safe. One was the death of a relative on a delivery trip in the Mediterranean, the other was the poor standard of instruction I received on a Day Skipper practical course many years ago. These have led to a school in Mustang that offers effective training in a nice atmosphere created by the surroundings , excellent instructors and full accessibility to correct and practical information and accessible. A Boot camp it should not be. As the school principle, when I have the opportunity, I still run some navigation theory classes and diesel engine courses. Having been around these subjects forever, we lived on a Thames Barge when I was a child, I think I soaked it up by osmosis and teaching is still most enjoyable for me. At Mustang Sailing we always keep classes to a small number of students to enabling plenty of time and individual attention which leads to effective study. Mustang Sailing’s greatest asset is the instructors and we 'cherry pick' specialists to deliver both the theory and the practical courses. Our instructors are at the top of their game, both as teachers and as sociable people who can facilitate learning and enjoyment for the groups of people on courses who often have never met before. With years of experience and fully competent in what they do, all are people I , as the schools principle, enjoy spending time with, on or off the water. Shorebased theory is taught at our permanent training centre at Ringmer Nr. Lewes in Sussex. Based on a farm it does feel a little incongruous to be studying sailing here but the relaxed nature of the place and the peace and quiet make training and studying easier. The good road and rail links for national or international students don't hurt either. On the water courses take part on the Solent. Rightly famed as the birthplace of yachting it is one huge, rich and diverse training aid. From a navigation and seamanship perspective everything is here, except exposure to the English Channel. We all hope for perfect weather however, as we offer courses in all seasons, this is not ,unfortunately, always the case. In the Solent irrespective of conditions we can always find somewhere to hide out of the worst of the weather, do something useful as well as visit great places such as Cowes, Yarmouth, Lymington etc. At Mustang Sailing we understand that deciding to take part in a course , let alone which school, is a big decision. Not everyone is comfortable in a class room, especially if it has been a while, also that joining a boat full of strangers for a weeks sailing is daunting. Questions such as where do I sleep, how do the heads work, etc ? all seem scary stuff at first! We are very conscious of that, we've all been there and that’s why the instructors and I make every effort to support you in a way that is second to none. They, and I, want you to achieve your aims ,enjoy your course, to recommend us then to come back again, and again. We have a fantastic record that speaks for itself when it comes to word of mouth recommendation and repeat bookings. Please take time to look through the website. If you would like to know more use the contact form, or best of all call us. We want to talk to you, find out where you are and where you want to get to. Advice is free and impartial.. Enjoy your sailing and keep safe Paul Stringer
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