A Fastrack Bareboat Skipper course with Algarve Cruising Center, combines practical on-the-water training with theoretical knowledge.

You will be doing the following intensive course in a row:

- International Crew

- VHF

- Bareboat Skipper

‍Assessments: You'll typically have both written exams for the theory components and practical assessments throughout the course to demonstrate your competency.
 

Duration: 12 days
Location: Training will likely take place in the Algarve region of Portugal, known for its beautiful coastline and favorable sailing conditions. Base Marina - Olhão.
Yacht Type: Nautor Swan 411 - yes, you will learn on a Swan :)

Included: Accommodation onboard, breakfast and lunch

Here's a general outline of what you can expect, though specific details might vary:

Course Overview:

The Fastrack program is designed to take you from a relative beginner to a competent bareboat skipper, capable of safely handling a yacht and crew in familiar waters. It typically combines the Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster theory courses with practical sailing experience. This condensed format saves time and is ideal for those with some prior sailing experience or who learn quickly.

Key Components:

IYT International Crew: This covers the essential knowledge for being an active and competent crew ember, including:
 

Basic Seamanship: Understanding the parts of a boat, nautical terms, and basic boat handling.
Sail Handling: Learning how to hoist, reef, and lower sails. Understanding the principles of sail trim.‍
Ropework: Essential knots and rope handling skills.
Helmsmanship: Steering the boat under power and sail.
Safety Procedures: Basic safety on board, including man overboard drills, use of safety equipment, and emergency procedures.
Navigation: Basic navigation skills, including understanding charts, plotting courses, and using basic navigational instruments.
Personal Responsibilities: Understanding roles and responsibilities on board, including watch-keeping and teamwork.
IYT Barboat Skipper
Responsibilities of a bareboat skipper
Crew safety checks
Hull and rig checks
Machinery and systems checks
Fuel and water capacity and range
Menus and quantities
Float plan
Sources of meteorological information
Weather patterns
Sea and land breezes
Cloud types and formations
Pilotage and passage planning
Considerations when planning a passage
Routine for navigating a coastal passage
Passage strategy
Port regulations, customs, immigration
Pilotage plans
Vessel handling in confined quarters
Mooring, anchoring, coming alongside
Ropes, knots, care and use of lines
General deck work
Tides and currents theory
Tidal heights, springs and neaps
Rule of “twelfths”
Position fixing, running fixes
Plotting the effect of tides and currents
Collision regulations
Lights, shapes and sounds
Application of the regulations
Advanced dingy handling
Practical Sailing: This is the core of the Fastrack program and involves hands-on experience aboard a training yacht. You'll learn and practice:
Boat Handling under sail and power (including close-quarters maneuvering)
Navigation and Pilotage (using charts, electronic aids, and visual references)
Man Overboard (MOB) procedures
Anchoring and Mooring
Sail Trim and Optimization
Night Sailing (if the course duration allows)
Passage Planning and Execution
Dealing with Emergencies
Crew Management and Leadership

Day 1-5 International Crew  (can combine with Sailing Expedition)

Day 6 VHF course

Day 7 - day off

Day 8-12 Bareboat Skipper and exams

In this organization, the course outline serves only as a guideline. The plan may change due to weather conditions, tides, or the instructor’s teaching methods, which are tailor-made to suit each student’s learning needs.