RYA Training, Skipper Coaching and Milebuilding

Join Yachtmaster Instructor and life-long sailor Richard van der Veen for RYA certified courses, tailored skipper training, offshore coaching and milebuilder passages. You can expect:

personal, individual student based approach
empowerment
a clear, structured learning method based on process management
strong emphasis on offshore sailing safety and safety management
a wealth of extra "tips and tricks"
passion, patience and respect

Out of office:
From April 18 till appr. April 30 I will be out on the water, sailing my new boat from Ireland to Lanzarote.

More About Richard

Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Lanzarote is one of the best sunshine training areas in the world. Our homeport, Arrecife, brings all the big ship action and real-world pilotage challenges you’ll learn to handle with confidence.

The marina is ideal for practicing a wide range of berthing and unberthing scenarios. Just a few hours’ sail away are two other top-class marinas, with sheltered anchorages in between—perfect for training in the island’s consistently strong northeasterly winds.

TRAINING PROGRAMMES

RYA COURSES

We offer the world’s leading sail training programme through RYA courses — a well-structured, step-by-step pathway to becoming a confident and competent sailor and skipper.

Competent Crew is ideal for those new to yachting, covering all the basics with a strong focus on safety.
Day Skipper introduces the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to take charge as a skipper.
Coastal Skipper builds on this foundation, preparing you to plan and undertake longer coastal passages with confidence.

The Yachtmaster training program is a high intensity week for experienced skippers working towards the YM exam standards.

This advanced course aims at sharpening boat handling, crew management and navigation skills. The program is based on the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore syllabus, but offers plenty of room for individual training needs and objectives.

The program culminates in the opportunity to undertake the prestigious Yachtmaster exam.
Next availability: April 4 - 18

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OCEAN MILEBUILDERS

Designed for sailors needing qualifying miles, offshore passages as skipper, or simply seeking an unforgettable ocean sailing adventure.

Join me for an unforgettable 6 day passage along the Canary Islands or to Madeira and back. Sailing day and night we aim to cover 500+ Nautical Miles. Disconnected from land, fully immersed in nature, you can act as skipper, enhancing your passage planning and skipper competences.

SKIPPER TRAINING

Designed for already qualified skippers, this week focuses on improving practical skills while building confidence.

The programme is tailored to the individual needs and goals of each participant, often with a strong focus on harbour manoeuvres and man overboard drills. Training is delivered at a moderate pace, allowing time for clear explanations, demonstrations, and hands-on practice.

Yachtmaster instructor Richard van der Veen driving Class 40 racing yacht

My experience

As a professional sailor I feel very fortunate with the wide experience. I have gained over my 50 years sailing-career.

Owner and chief instructor of RYA Training Center AtlanticSailing since 2017
Clipperaroundtheworld training skipper
15 years as freelance Yachtmaster Instructor
Skipper/coach on large private sailing yachts
Highly successful Yachtmaster exam instructor (94% pass rate)
Inshore and offshore racing
Serial yacht ownership

With the feedback, reviews and testimonials I have received it seems that my work and approach are well respected and appreciated.

My approach is based on:

Experience and expertise
Passion
Structure and proces management
Empowerment and inclusiveness
And according to my clients, a lot of patience

Feedback and testimonials

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Google Reviews

What others say:

"2 amazing weeks with Richard.........."
"all my expectations were fully met...."
"big kudos to Richard, safety was 100%.."
"an unforgettable milebuilder experience.."
"incredible adventure........."
"Richard's excellent coaching style....."
"shares his knowledge with real passion"
"enjoyed his style of instruction"
"lead with empathy"
"because of his patience and excellent teaching"