ISSA Offshore Skipper Norway 2026
Description
Advance your offshore skills in one of the world’s most demanding and rewarding sailing grounds. From 5 to 12 June 2026 Sail in Mexico will run an intensive ISSA Offshore Skipper course in Northern Norway, using the Lofoten and Harstad area to deliver real‑world offshore training: tidal straits, narrow fjord entries, exposed headlands and glacier‑framed bays provide ideal practice for leadership, navigation and heavy‑weather seamanship.
Course purpose & prerequisites
The Offshore Skipper course is aimed at sailors preparing to take command of cruising yachts on offshore passages. Candidates must hold an ISSA Inshore Skipper, RYA Day Skipper or ASA equivalent and have at least 28 days at sea as skipper or watch leader across two voyages and two sea areas. The syllabus expects solid prior knowledge of collision regulations, chartwork (DR, EP, fixes), tides and currents.
What you’ll learn (highlights)
- Offshore command & watchkeeping: leadership, fatigue management and bridge resource skills.
- Passage planning & navigation: route choice, tidal streams, weather windows, contingency planning, electronic and paper navigation, night navigation and coastal pilotage.
- Advanced sail trim & heavy‑weather handling: reefing, sail changes underway, heaving‑to.
- Safety & emergency procedures: MOB drills, firefighting, flooding control, liferaft and EPIRB use, emergency leadership.
- Systems & troubleshooting: engine checks, electrical basics and practical repairs.
- Anchoring & close‑quarters pilotage: stern‑to, kedge techniques and anchoring in mixed seabeds.
- Practical leadership assessment: present and execute a full offshore passage plan as part of your assessment.
Vessel & life aboard
Training takes place aboard a Delphia 47 — a robust offshore cruiser chosen for seakeeping, deck layout and liveaboard comfort. The yacht is fitted with modern navigation electronics (chartplotter, AIS, radar), VHF, reliable diesel auxiliary, liferaft, EPIRB, offshore lifejackets and jacklines. Accommodation in comfortable berths with a navigation station/saloon used for classroom briefings and chartwork.
Typical itinerary & training grounds
Operating from Harstad, the course uses nearby waterways and the Lofoten archipelago: Tjelsund tidal channels, Stormolla and Litlmolla for tide and exposure practice, Kabelvåg for provisioning and briefings, and Trollfjorden for tight‑pilotage exercises. Weather and tides determine the final itinerary; training emphasizes decision‑making and weather strategy in real conditions.
Group size, instructors & assessment
Course limited to four students to ensure intensive coaching. Led by ISSA‑accredited instructors with extensive experience, the program includes continuous practical assessment and a formal evaluation against ISSA Offshore Skipper standards. Successful students receive ISSA Offshore Skipper certification.
Logistics, inclusions & pricing
Dates: 5–12 June 2026. Price: US$5,800 per person (double cabin) | US$10,000 two sharing | Course limited to four students. Included: liveaboard training, sailing instructor, ISSA Offshore Skipper handbook and certificates, drinking water, bed linen, towels, fuel and VAT. Not included: flights, land transfers, meals aboard or ashore, foul weather gear and personal sailing kit. Booking requires 50% deposit; balance due 30 days before embarkation.
Safety & suitability
This is an advanced offshore course with demanding conditions; students must be fit for duty, ready for night watches and capable of offshore decision‑making. Safety equipment and procedures are comprehensive; the engine is retained as a backup and instructors will modify plans if conditions exceed safe limits.
What to bring & preparation
Bring foul‑weather gear, thermal layers, non‑marking deck shoes, gloves, polarised sunglasses, sun and cold‑weather protection, personal medications and soft luggage. Review prerequisite materials and logbooks; arrive rested and ready to learn.
How to book & contact
Spaces are limited. To reserve your place, request the full syllabus, student pre‑read pack and booking terms via info@sailinmexico.com or call +52 55 4030 9955. A 50% deposit secures your booking.
Master offshore command in the Lofoten this June — book now to join a focused cohort and earn your ISSA Offshore Skipper certification in spectacular, real‑world conditions.
