This mile builder is a hybrid of our longer Passage Making Masterclass and a usual mile builder. It is structured as a continuous training passage led by Rubicon 3 expedition skippers, rather than a fixed route with predetermined stops. Every leg is shaped by weather, sea state, and tides, with decisions explained and discussed as the passage unfolds. Throughout the trip, instruction is woven into daily sailing, giving you direct insight into how experienced skippers think, plan, and adapt at sea.

Coastal and open water passage making

The route blends coastal sailing with longer open water legs across the Irish Sea. You will experience the differences between sailing close to land and committing to open water, including route selection, sail planning, and managing changing conditions as the coastline drops away. This reflects the reality of many UK and near continental passages.

Heavy weather preparation and boat handling

While always sailing within safe limits, the English Channel and Irish Sea frequently provides opportunities to practise sailing in stronger winds and unsettled conditions. Under close supervision, you will develop confidence in reefing, sail changes, boat trim, and maintaining control as conditions build, learning how experienced skippers anticipate weather changes and adjust plans accordingly.

Downwind sailing and spinnaker handling

Where conditions allow, there will be opportunities to practise downwind sailing techniques, including spinnaker work. You will take part in hoists, gybes, and drops on a larger yacht, learning how to manage sails efficiently and safely as part of a coordinated watch.

Commercial traffic and collision avoidance

This area is busy with commercial shipping, providing valuable experience of collision avoidance, radar use, AIS interpretation, and operating around traffic separation schemes. Instruction focuses on assessing risk early, making clear decisions, and understanding how professional skippers manage traffic in confined waters.

Passage planning, pilotage and port entries

You will be closely involved in passage planning throughout the trip, from initial chartwork and tidal calculations to selecting routes, timings, and contingency options. Planning does not stop once underway, and you will see how plans are reviewed and adjusted as conditions change. This feeds directly into pilotage and port entries, where approaches are planned around tides, weather, and traffic, and executed with clear roles, effective lookout management, and disciplined teamwork.

Night sailing and watch systems

This passage includes significant night sailing, giving you proper experience of standing watch, helming, navigating, and managing fatigue in darkness. You will work within a rotating watch system, learning how effective watches operate on longer passages and how clear communication and discipline keep the boat running safely through the night.