Reviews &
Testimonials
We welcome feedback
We love to hear about your experience with us. These are genuine comments from some of our clients. There are more in our Facebook group. We think it speaks volumes about what we offer.
If you've been on a trip with us, please feel free to send us your feedback!
Yoga and Sail Retreat
Corfu - Oct 2024
I had a wonderful time on the Yoga and Sail Retreat. I had already completed the Competent Crew course but really lacked confidence and Blair’s teaching has helped enormously! He is extremely calm and patient and explains things very clearly. On top of an amazing sailing trip, exploring beautiful marinas and numerous swim stops along the way, we started each day practicing yoga to the sunrise looking out to sea, with a range of different types of relaxation and meditation techniques throughout the trip.
It truly was a memorable experience and I could not have found better people to share it with, I believe I have made friends for life and hope to continue both my yoga and sailing journeys incorporating everything I have learned from the trip!
Tori, Calne - Nov 2024
Skipper Masterclass
July 2024
Our Masterclass touched on elements of skippering that are not generally covered during official RYA training courses, so these sailors gave us their views after having had a chance to reflect on what the training meant to them.
Explore Norway
July 2024
There were simply too many highlights (and photo/video formats) to put into one single video so there are a couple of summary videos for you to enjoy as part of of our review of the Explore Norway trip.
I had the immense pleasure of sailing with Blair and XP at Sea Sailing in Norway in July 2024. It was fabulous! Although I am a certified sailing instructor, I found Blair’s coaching approach, boat choice, and route planning to be exceptional. He himself was unfamiliar with the sailing route and related implications. Despite that he chose an exceptional route - extraordinarily scenic and with a perfect balance of nature and social interactions. It takes great intuition and character to assemble a crew of people for a multi-day sail. He did a great job of that. It’s not an easy thing to do and might be one of the most difficult aspects of sailing. I recommend Blair to fellow sailors with full endorsement. Rock on, Blair! Job well done!
Linda, Alberta - July 2024
Summary 1
Landscapes and scenery and happy faces!
Summary 2
Pics and vids of everyone in the moment.
Video feedback
Shaun and Graham give us their verdicts at the end of the trip.
Whisky Sailing Tour
Fèis Ìle - May 2024
After an epic week of sailing and Scottish culture, Shaun took some time to give us some feedback of the trip.
Day Skipper
Development
May 2024
Building on the Day Skipper qualification meant Caroline felt more confident with the tasks a skipper needs to undertake. Especially that pesky parking!
Athens to Corfu
April 2024
Graham here tells us that in addition to training in Scotland with us, his experience building trips in Greece helped build his confidence. Listen to what he has to say!
Great feedback from Jackie from a novice point of view.
Steven explaining how his training in Scotland settled his nerves further afield.
Corfu to Athens
Nov 2023
A brilliant couple of weeks looking forward to next October already! Thanks for the awesome experience and perfectly tailored coaching.
Archie, Weymouth - Nov 23
Every time I get on a boat with you, I get off a better sailor! I cannot recommend you high enough or often enough. I look forward to improving under your guidance and tuition in 2024.
Shaun, South Shields - Nov 23
Yoga Sailing Retreat
Oct 2023
This yoga & sailing retreat is exactly what it says it is!
To be honest I was expecting the yoga to be just the exercise part but was pleasantly surprised to be immersed in a holistic yoga experience which I thoroughly enjoyed and which has stayed with me since.
I already had some sailing experience but Blair is an amazing hands-off (hands-on for us!) instructor and I learned more from him in one week than ever before. I would definitely go back for a repeat! Both Ingrid and Blair are lovely people who (I hope) have become lifelong friends.
Maria, Cyprus - Oct 2023
I had a great time on this trip in Greece! As a novice sailor and not very experienced yogi, it was a great learning experience and great to see how what I learned from yoga can be applied to sailing and vice versa.
Blair was a great teacher who explained the basics of sailing to me throughout the trip and encouraged me to apply the newly learned skills during our daily sailing sessions.
Ingrid really immersed us in the world of yoga. She started the journey with some lighter and meditative exercises, developed them further and increased the level of difficulty day by day. I enjoyed learning to be present and fully embrace the experience. Having a group from all over the world made this trip very special and I hope that the friendships made on board will live on. All in all, I can only recommend the sailing-yoga retreat! You will have an unforgettable experience!
Joëlle, Switzerland - Jan 2024
I had a great time on the Yoga and Sail Retreat jointly run by XP at Sea and Petals and Aum. I didn’t really know what to expect when I arrived, but it was a great week. Yoga was woven in throughout the day which was an incredible experience but could also be intense. I learnt a ton which I try to practice in daily life particularly when struggling mentally. Blair helped me build on my sailing skills and confidence whilst skippering. Another great trip!
Amanda, Watford - Oct 2023
Kefalonia to Athens
Oct 2023
Positive, appropriate coaching based on the crews experience (3 aspiring coastal skippers with 1 Yacht Master).
We all took turns to be skipper for the day Blair only inputting if necessary but providing encouraging feedback at start and end of the day. We learned from each others mistakes and successes.
In particular our learning highlights were the 120 miles overnighter (night sailing and identification other shipping) which included passage planning and watch system, the 30 tacks in 30 minutes practice and reversing docking practice!
Brendan and Charlotte, Preston - Oct 23
Own boat tuition
Port Edgar, Edinburgh
We were lucky to have Blair as our instructor for two days and he managed to answer all our questions we couldn't answer ourselves and at the same time to make us very confident just in one day.
We practised motor manoeuvres and parking. He explained everything in an understandable way. We focussed one day of manoeuvres and a day of sailing, both days were fun and Blair was sure to teach us everything until we were sure we knew how to do it without help from him. He helped us with communication between the crew and made us a true team.
We are looking forward to seeing him again.
Todor. Paisley - June 23
Day Skipper Development
June 2023
Excellent coaching. Going into the reasons why manoeuvres are done in a certain way rather than just the teaching the mechanics. The course is an excellent idea and allows time to build skills that you don’t have a chance to develop in other courses. The method of teaching is calm and inspires confidence.
This was an excellent trip and I feel my confidence has grown a lot. On top of that it was just great sailing on the beautiful west coast of Scotland. I look forward to doing more trips in the future.
Lucy, Winchester - June 23
Always delivered in a calm relaxed manner.
Sound principles and advice that you cannot fail to buy into.
Always fostering confidence.
Impressive level of knowledge and experience.
I've done 2 trips with Blair and always felt I learned loads and had a good laugh along the way!
Shaun. South Shields - June 23
Corfu - North Ionian
May 2023
I came on board as a complete beginner. Blair's coaching was easy to understand, with demonstrations and easy to follow instructions. I really felt out of my comfort zone, but Blair made the week long experience super fun.
The social part was also a lot of fun with a flotilla of 10 other boats, anchoring up for the evening, then going for a meal together. Great to meet others who have a passion for sailing.
Would thoroughly recommend this trip to all levels as Blair can easily adapt his coaching with ease.
Sonia, Prestwick, May 23
Brilliant coaching for me. Feel confident to go ahead with a day skipper course soon. Had a great time, thanks Blair.
Chris, Twynholm - May 23
Gulf of Corinth
April 2023
First class! I am best described as a reluctant sailor. Blair coached me without making it feel like a chore. Never felt overwhelmed with things to learn. I told him what I wanted from the trip and he delivered in spade fulls!
Was apprehensive joining this adventure with my husband! Needn’t have worried! I LOVED it! It was a fun filled 2 weeks, except for the first few days of storms. That being said I was SO confident with Blair, my husband Graham and Steven on board I didn’t stress at all. It really was a pleasure and I most definitely would sail again…
Jackie, Glasgow - Apr 23
Through the coaching of Blair, in terms of both style and substance, progress is made without it being stressful but rather enjoyable which is the reason we all want to sail in the first place. Will be having some more in the near future.
Graham, Glasgow - Apr 23
Athens to Kefalonia
April 2023
This was our second trip with Blair. Athens to Kefalonia is a long and purposeful journey, quite a step up for us. Parking used to be a dark art to us, but with so many ports, and with Blair's explanations, occasional crisp one liners, and hands-off approach, by the end we were arriving and leaving happily and with understanding. A highlight was leaving a busy quay on sail alone, Blair in charge, but great to be part of, and ... we feel maybe we could do that ourselves some day! On the entire trip, Blair's focus was always on us managing the boat, Blair guiding and explaining, but wherever possible leaving us to it. A great experience, learnt a lot, sometimes a wee bit scary, but always a lot of fun.
Louie and Maria, Arnside - Apr 23
Challenge 33s
Athens to Corfu
March 2023
Blair has a very approachable and calm style of coaching. His style ensures that enough time is given for mistakes to be made before calmly ensuring we know not only why we made a mistake but what the issue was and what would have been a better solution. This ensures that the lesson is far more memorable than stepping in too soon or taking over - something he never does.
He is on hand at all times to answer questions and discuss openly how to sail better. He also listens and is open to suggestions to ensure his clients enjoy the experience more. For example we left the other 3 boats for a night and anchored up independently and did 30 tacks in 30 minutes which was very enlightening.
Brendan and Charlotte, Preston - Mar 23
YM Skills Development
March 2023
After passing the RYA Yacht Master Offshore
Hi Blair,
Thank you for all your time, support and confidence building!
It has been great working with you under your excellent instruction - tutoring and practical. I did let the others on the course/exam know who I learned from to get to this level, and I will definitely recommend you at all times.
I have also passed my thanks onto our mutual friend for recommending you in the first place.
It still hasn't sunk in! Especially after a couple of difficult trips last year. I really appreciated your motivation and guidance.
Simon, Devon - Mar 23
Winter Sailing XP
Jan 2023
Tremendous week of tidal gates, wind, snow, waves, night sailing, passage planning, great restaurants and good company all wrapped up as a learning experience. Doesn’t get much better! Will be repeating next year, no question.
Graham, Glasgow - Jan 23
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Just returned from the Winter Sailing Adventure on the West Coast of Scotland. An amazing week of sailing in a variety of weather conditions. I'll definitely be back for more in the future. Blair pitched his coaching style perfectly and safe to say we all benefitted from his knowledge and expertise. Looking forward to the next one!
Martin, South Shields - Jan 23
This was an amazing trip a week around Scotland's west coast, a bit of everything in terms of weather, lots of wind and sails always out, 1st class sailing and challenging at times. Perfect for developing YM skills, big shout out to Blair for his next level coaching.
Fantastic group of fellow sailors, thank you guys for a truly memorable experience.
Dave, Leeds - Jan 23
This was my first sail after completing Competent Crew back in July. It was a bit of a step up in terms of weather, tides, currents but WOW and I mean WOW. A night sail around the Mull of Kintyre, seeing the Milky Way was a true highlight. What a glorious trip!
Shaun, South Shields - Jan 23
Kefalonia - Athens
Oct 2022
I recently took part in one of Blair's trips in Greece. Part of the course is simply sailing the yacht from Kefalonia to Athens. The other, much more interesting part, is to be given the chance to develop my skills in skippering a yacht under Blair's expert guidance.
As he said a number of times, there is much more to skippering than simply being able to sail. Blair's invaluable insights, extensive knowledge, and calm encouragement creates the perfect environment for learning and developing the skills needed to comfortably handle both vessel and crew wherever you happen to be.
I cannot recommend Blair and XP at Sea highly enough, and I cannot wait to do another trip with him.
Thanks again for an awesome trip!
Euan, Fort William - Oct 22
A fabulous, fun trip!
Just so many things working well. A great sailing experience, with a mix of wind and calm, a lot of great coaching from Blair with many chances to really try myself in a number of manoeuvres and skippering, as well as a chance to learn from others on board. All combined with an amazing crew, fabulous weather, beautiful Greek scenery, good food and wine and a great boat to live on for 2 weeks. Pace was perfect, it felt like a relaxing holiday as well as significant learning developments.
Blair is not only deeply experienced and a fabulous sailor, he knows how to let people try things as the best way to learn. He gives a calm confidence to things that could be stressful in many other circumstances and provides not only the practical learning opportunity but also the deeper explanation and reasoning behind the good and bad parts of an exercise and how to take the next step. All this on an individual basis that adapts to where you are at and where you want to go.
The boat Aloha is the best boat I have lived on. The space and layout below decks, combined with sailing performance made it a really chill and fun 2 weeks.
I will be back.
Steven, Falkirk - Oct 22
Lucky to have sailed with a few really good skippers. Cruising the Inner Hebrides with Blair added ‘one of the best’ to the list! Fabulous sailing conditions, ideal crew, all topped off with a skipper who can turn a weeks’ fun into a meaningful learning experience, with no pain involved. Looking forward to arranging further trips with Blair to continue my education. Many thanks Blair. Much appreciated.
Graham, Glasgow - Sept 22
What an experience! Blair is so obviously a master of his craft, calm and quick, versatile and perceptive. We learned a lot in the week, clever sailing skills, lots of how boats and skippering work in practice. We look forward to sailing with Blair again.
Maria and Louie, Arnside - Sept 22
Thank you for creating a good atmosphere on the boat, where I could learn relaxed. I was nervous when I arrived on board, but you immediately gave me the feeling, it will be fine. And it was fine! Very happy with the group and very happy with what I learned. Thank you!
Hannes, Austria - July 22
"I was fortunate to have Blair as my instructor during a recent RYA Day Skipper practical course. He is a very knowledgeable and personable skipper, with a relaxed and effective teaching style. A great communicator - well suited for improving sailors at all levels!"
Robin, Stirling - July 22
"Quite frankly Blair made the week! He is the perfect blend of a diligent by the rules coach as well as being a pragmatist to get the most out of sailing and achieving a qualification while remaining safe and having fun. Always encouraging, happy to point out success as well as areas to improve in a supportive way. He brought the group together on the boat and set us up to help and trust each other. My only complaint was the week went too fast! Thanks Blair, hope to sail again with you soon!"
Peter, Dollar - July 22
“Had an amazing experience on my competent crew course with Blair as my instructor. I had never been on a boat of that type before and Blair made me feel comfortable, and taught me skills that allowed me to be confident to take the helm and navigate the sea and boat safely. Couldn’t recommend a better teacher - would love to go again”
Rowan, Glasgow - May 22
“Blair is a great coach! I went sailing with XP at Sea last year and the trip was educational, explorative, challenging, and mostly a lot of fun. Blair's experience and coaching will leave you in safe hands whilst improving skills, gaining experience, and enjoying a brilliant sailing trip. You will get the results you asked for and a lot more. I cannot recommend XP at Sea enough!”
Ingrid, Fife - Jun 22
“I’ve been on two trips with Blair, one on the West Coast of Scotland and the other in the Mediterranean. On both trips he took every opportunity to teach me as much as he could. He’s uniquely able to teach in a way that makes sense to you and sometimes you won’t even notice him teaching! Blair will meet you at your level, whatever it is, and raise it. Whether from basic knots to the dark arts of sail trim! Competent Crew, to Yachtmaster - and whatever you want to achieve in between. I would definitely go on a trip with Blair again. He also makes quite good tea! 😄”
Amanda, Hertfordshire - Sept 21
“Thanks Blair! Had a blast. Looking forward to a future Day Skipper. Will recommend you to all our friends back down south!”
Michael, London - May 22
“Blair, a big thank you for this week - it was amazing! We learned a lot and had a great time onboard. Thank you for keeping us safe, for sharing the knowledge, letting us learn and make mistakes, and of course for your patience. We hope to see you in the future for another floating adventure.”
Yana, London - May 22
“Fantastic experience and thoroughly enjoyed it. Blair is indeed the man. Brilliant in every way - top instructor. Definitely going sailing again.”
Calum, Glasgow - May 22
“Blair, many thanks! It was amazing. You made the atmosphere so relaxed, and everybody had a great time with you. ”
Mates, Czech Republic - May 22
Whilst delivering Global Surveyor from Brazil to the Azores, with Go West Sailing based in Largs, Scotland.
"Let me open with a few words about the East Crossing we completed in May. For me the Atlantic crossing has always been on the top of my bucket list and a dream of a lifetime that came true. Global Surveyor is a beautiful yacht and I hope I will have the opportunity to sail her again soon.
However, the overall experience always comes down to people. I would like to point out that the skipper Roman and the 1st Mate Blair did a fantastic job! They are not only excellent sailors, skilled mechanics/technicians who were able to solve technical issues on the go, but they are also nice, kind and easy going people to sail with - so important whilst being at sea for over three weeks. They have worked to the highest standard day and night and always with a smile, good humour and a positive attitude, making sure our experience as crew was a great one. This is combination rare to find and you should congratulate yourself for having such people in your team,"
Klara, Czech Republic - May 22 (Writing to Go West Sailing)
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