Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to some of the most common questions about sailing with Poseidon Atlantic Sailing School.
About PASSGC
Where are you based?
Poseidon Atlantic Sailing School is based aboard SY Poseidon in Puerto de Mogán, Gran Canaria.
Where do your courses take place?
Most courses start and finish in Puerto de Mogán. The actual sailing area and itinerary will depend on the course, weather, sea conditions and the skipper's assessment.
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How many people do you take?
Poseidon carries a maximum of four students/clients on our practical courses and sailing activities.
Is PASSGC an RYA Recognised Training Centre?
PASSGC will soon be an RYA Recognised Training Centre for the RYA courses we offer. RYA certification is only issued for courses delivered in accordance with the applicable RYA requirements.
Booking & Arrivals
How do I book?
Contact us through the website, email or WhatsApp. We'll discuss your requirements, check availability and confirm the appropriate course or sailing experience for you.
Do I need sailing experience?
Not necessarily. We offer experiences and courses suitable for complete beginners as well as sailors looking to develop their existing skills. Each course has its own recommended pre-course experience, which is detailed on the relevant course page.
What time should I arrive?
Your joining instructions will confirm the exact arrival time for your course. Please contact us in advance if you expect to arrive late.
How do I get to Puerto de Mogán from the airport?
The No. 91 bus is the only direct bus service from Gran Canaria Airport to Puerto de Mogán. Taxis are also available.
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Do you provide airport transfers?
No. Clients are responsible for making their own way to and from Puerto de Mogán.
What Should I Bring?
Can I bring a suitcase?
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Please don't. Storage aboard Poseidon is limited, so bring a soft holdall or sailing bag.
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What clothes should I bring?
Bring comfortable sailing clothing suitable for both warm daytime conditions and cooler periods at sea, including:
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Soft-soled shoes or deck shoes
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T-shirts
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Shorts
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Long trousers
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Long-sleeved top for sun protection
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Warm layer / fleece
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Waterproof jacket and trousers
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Sun hat or cap
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Warm hat or beanie for cooler periods and overnight sailing
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Sailing or working gloves
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Sunglasses
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High-factor sun cream (no oils)
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Swimwear
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Headtorch with a red-light capability, particularly for courses or sailing involving overnight passages
Even in Gran Canaria's warm climate, it can become considerably cooler at night and when sailing offshore, so bring layers suitable for changing conditions.
Do I need to bring a passport?
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Yes. You should carry your valid passport and any other travel documentation required for your stay in Spain.
Identity and document checks by the Spanish authorities, including the Guardia Civil, can occur while vessels are operating on the water.
Do I need a passport photograph?
A passport-sized photograph is required for RYA Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper certificates.
Life Aboard Poseidon
Will I have my own cabin?
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Poseidon has three double cabins and we normally accommodate a maximum of four students. Individual accommodation is provided where specified as part of your booking.
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Are bedding and towels provided?
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Yes, where accommodation is included, bedding and towels are provided.
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Are meals included?
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This depends on the course or experience you have booked. Your joining information will clearly explain what catering is included.
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What if I have a food allergy or dietary requirement?
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Please tell us during the booking process. We will discuss your requirements and make reasonable arrangements where catering is provided.
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Will I have to help with cooking and cleaning?
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Yes. When you are staying aboard Poseidon, everyone is expected to contribute to reasonable onboard duties such as cooking, washing up and keeping communal areas tidy.
Health & Safety
Do I have to wear a lifejacket?
Yes. Lifejackets are compulsory whenever Poseidon is sailing.
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Your instructor or skipper will explain how to use your lifejacket and other safety equipment during the safety briefing.
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What happens if I have a medical condition?
You will be asked to complete a Medical & Fitness Declaration. Relevant medical information is reviewed for the duration of your course so that appropriate safety measures or reasonable adjustments can be considered.
If you are unsure whether you are fit to participate, you should seek medical advice before attending.
What if I become ill during the course?
Your safety is our priority. The skipper will assess the situation and determine the appropriate action, which may include returning to port or seeking medical assistance.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety always comes first. The skipper may alter the itinerary, delay departure, return to port or cancel sailing where conditions are considered unsuitable.
On-Board Rules
Can I drink alcohol?
Alcohol must not be consumed while Poseidon is underway or being operated.
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Alcohol may only be consumed when the yacht is safely secured in a marina or other appropriate location and when permitted by the skipper.
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Can I use recreational drugs aboard Poseidon?
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No. The possession, use or distribution of recreational drugs is not permitted on board Poseidon or during any sailing activity.
Any person believed to be under the influence of drugs may be refused participation or asked to leave the yacht. The skipper's decision in matters affecting the safety of the vessel and those on board is final.
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Can I smoke or vape aboard Poseidon?
No. Smoking and vaping are not permitted on board.
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Do I have to follow the skipper's instructions?
Yes. The skipper has ultimate authority regarding the safety of the vessel and everyone aboard.
Under 18s
Can someone under 18 attend a course?
Some PASSGC courses and activities may be suitable for clients under 18.
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Where an under-18 participates, they must be accompanied by a responsible adult who is also a paying client and is participating in the activity.
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Please contact us before booking if you are considering a course for anyone under 18.
RYA Courses
Are all courses taught in English?
Yes. PASSGC's RYA courses are taught in English.
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Do I need to complete a theory course before doing a practical RYA course?
This depends on the course and your previous experience. The relevant course page provides the recommended pre-course knowledge and experience.
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Can I take an RYA course if I have never sailed before?
Yes. If you have never sailed before, RYA Start Yachting is a great introduction to sailing over two days.
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If you want to undertake a full five-day practical course, RYA Competent Crew is designed for people with little or no previous sailing experience and will give you a more comprehensive introduction to sailing.
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Will I automatically receive an RYA certificate?
Where you successfully complete an RYA certificated course and meet the applicable RYA requirements, the appropriate certificate will be issued.
Bookings & Cancellations
How much do I pay when I book?
Our booking terms explain the payment schedule and cancellation arrangements. A deposit is required to secure your booking.
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What happens if I need to cancel?
Please contact us as soon as possible and refer to our Terms & Conditions, which explain the applicable cancellation arrangements.
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What happens if PASSGC has to cancel?
If we have to cancel because of circumstances beyond our control, we will deal with the situation in accordance with our Terms & Conditions.
During Your Course
What happens on the first day?
Your course begins with a full yacht familiarisation and safety briefing. Once everyone is familiar with the yacht and safety procedures, we'll get underway when conditions permit.
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Will we sail every day?
We aim to maximise your time sailing and learning, but the programme is always subject to weather, sea conditions, safety and the skipper's assessment.
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What happens if I get seasick?
Seasickness is common, particularly for people new to sailing. If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend discussing suitable medication with your doctor or pharmacist before your course.
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Tell your instructor if you begin to feel unwell. There are several things we can do to help.
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Can I bring medication?
Yes. Bring any medication you normally require and ensure your instructor is aware of anything relevant to your safety.
After Your Course
Will I receive feedback during my course?
Yes. Your instructor will provide feedback throughout the course and discuss your progress with you.
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Can I give you feedback?
Absolutely. We encourage all clients to complete our Client Feedback Form after their course or sailing experience.
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What if I have a complaint?
Please tell us. We would much rather have the opportunity to resolve a problem than have you leave dissatisfied.
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Our Complaints Procedure explains how formal complaints are handled.
Still Have A Question?
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please get in touch.
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Poseidon Atlantic Sailing School
Puerto de Mogán, Gran Canaria
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Email: learntosail@passgc.com
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We're happy to help.