Waterglades Marina, Aghamore Near, Carraroe
Wild West Sailing
We're both deeply interested in building our practical, day-to-day sailing skills together, and David effortlessly combined what we did want to work on with expert, distilled information from his many, many years of maritime experience. I've crewed on many sailboats and David was singularly the kindest, most patient explainer of technical sailing things. At one point I started to question many previous bad experiences over many years with … More more experienced sailors (read: I'm not dumb, sometimes people are jerks), and it was (strange as it may sound) sort of a healing experience. And that helped us to reach a new level of confidence in our boating in those 2 short days that went beyond docking strategy or marina maneuvering. Honestly, life changing.
We also got to explore an amazingly beautiful seaside area between Galway and the Aran Islands, docking overnight in the Aran Islands port. By the end, we felt like close friends with David as well, and genuinely felt like it was the standout experience of our entire trip.
Just book it!
An experience not to be missed :)
Paddy was a great instructor, giving us the time and opportunity to try things and make mistakes while then providing instructions on how to rectify and perform things the right way. A real confidence boosting experience. The boats we used were excellent, one was more performance based and the other more typical of a … More crusing yacht, so we got to see the differences between these two classes of boat and really learning the handling differences, a real eye opener too!
Thanks to Paddy!
I would recommend doing this course, I loved it.
Edit Have just completed my Yachtmaster prep course and exam having dome the YM theory perviously. WWS continue to exceed expectations and I cant speak highly enough of the whole team.
Dave, was fantastic in his delivery of the prep course and In encouraging and pushing us throughout the weeks and sending links and background theory in the run up to exam.
Highly recommend if aiming for your Yachtmaster coastal or offshore ticket⛵
If you're thinking about starting to 5 or improving your sailing skills, Wild West Sailing has everything you need ⛵️
He is a clear communicator, and is helpful and encouraging to his students.
The depth of his knowledge and passion for his subject, sailing, is impressive.
The YachtMaster theory course I took with Wild West Sailing was challenging, enlightening and rewarding.
I would highly recommend this course with Dave to fellow sailors.
Incredible instructors with an infectious passion and thirst (for knowledge and skills- not just the pints).
Dave and his crew have literally mastered the art of making the complex easy and accessible for all. They tailor sailing sessions and land lectures for all skills. You always come away having had a great laugh and learned something thoroughly, which you can then apply fully in the real world. Cannot … More recommend WWS highly enough.
Done my 2 Day Sailing Skills Course over the weekend and can't say enough praise about about the two days. Our instructor Sophie was brilliant, patient and knew her baoting stuff. Excellent instructor, definitely recommend the course. The weather was sunny, windy and some rain. It is west of Ireland so be prepared for all types weather in one day! The boat for training was a J24 which was ideal for the five students including instructor. Will be back for more courses, can't wait. Thanks to Wild West Sailing for a great weekend. Brendan
Also a great way to see the stunning west coast, the west really is best !
Couldn't recommend highly enough. Book now, you'll have a great time!
GOOGLE REVIEWSCian Flynn2024-01-22T17:51:26+00:00
we did a 2 week course as part of our TY program, and came in with no idea how to sail. in the 2 weeks i really enjoyed it, from the amazing teaching, to the great experience and views along the way. im currently now trying to get into sailing and can say absoulty anyone can enjoy sailing, thnak you to all the team at wild west sailing
We did a two-day sailing course with David as a couple in July 2024, and it was hands down one of the best experiences we've ever had together.
Just completed a two day Adult beginner course with WWS . I cant highlight enough how much you actually learn on this type of course . I had Fran as an instructor with two other partipants on a J24 yacht .. This was my first time onboard a sailing boat . All of the rigging ropes and pulleys were very well explained as to what they are and what they were used for .. we started out with one main sail , then moved on to adding a second (jib) and finally a third sail .. making the boat speed across the water just from the power of the wind .. amazing ! highly recommended if you are ever wondering … More what its like to sail a small to medium size sail boat .. I'm thinking now of pursuing my day skipper course ..
Ive done the Round IRL twice now with WWS and will do a third ;) A fantastic opportunity to get some proper offshore miles under your belt and visit the many great ports around the coast. "Lynx Clipper" is the perfect boat for going round in too. You wont get a better view of our coastline - the geology in Antrim and the Skelligs in Kerry plus many dolphins along the way.
I recently did the day skipper course with WWS and had Paddy as an instructor. It was a fantastic experience to get out sailing and learning on the West Coast of Ireland. We luckily had nice weather and even got to sail out and stay on Inis Mhor, which was a treat in an of itself.
Just completed the day skipper with Wild West Sailing. Such an amazing week, gained so much experience and learning constantly. Shona our instructor was fantastic, patient and extremely knowledgable, easy to learn as we went along. Great craic with the crew also, in a beautiful part of the west of Ireland.
Attended the competent crew course for 5 consecutive days in May 2024. We departed Rossaveel on Thursday and returned on the Monday. The course was professionally organised and run and our instructor Shona was excellent having sailed all over the world. The course is very hands on and everyone gets to experience every aspect of sailing. We are and slept on the boat which is an experience in itself and all participants loved it. We sailed to Inis Meain and Inis Mor. We got to experience night sailing and were accompanied by dolphins for part of the journey. I would highly recommend Wild West Sailing … More for anyone who wants to learn more, get more confidence on boats and generally having fun on the water. I am already thinking of my next course.
Highly recommend Wild West Sailing having done both Day skipper theory and practical courses with them this year. David and Nigel provided expert, friendly tuition and were super patient. Will be back for my Yachtmaster next year.
Recently took part in the Yachtmaster preparation week and then shortly after that WWS organised an examiner to come from Scotland to do our practical exam. We where able to do the exam on the boat we trained on which was brilliant.
Always a good time with Wild West Sailing! I was doing it as a refresher as it had been 20 years. Sam, our Instructor, had a very easy going & affable style that put everyone at ease and built confidence, while having a bit craic. He delivered the syllabus to a tee, but had no problem expanding loads on areas we were interested in. Highly recommend.
Cannot recommend Dave & the Wild West team enough. Their level of professionalism is second to none. They immediately put you at ease and gain your trust very quickly. The courses are run in a very engaging, hands-on way, with theory being demonstrated in a practical manner. The instructors are passionate about sailing and equally passionate about passing on their knowledge to you. Their level of enthusiasm is infectious. Having completed a few courses with Dave & the gang, each course has been filled with learning new skills & knowledge, lots of laughter, craic & an abundance … More of great memories at the end of it.
Dave O'Connor is a good teacher.
Through Wild West Sailing school, I’ve done the social sailing, Day skipper Theory and practical course and now Yachtmaster theory, and bought my first small boat all in the space of 18months!
Completed 2 day National Powerboat Course with Wild West Sailing. Lough Gill provided a beautiful setting, course was informative and thorough. Instructed by Sam who was excellent - knowledgeable and a very effective and engaging teacher. Excellent overall.
After getting my Day Skipper cert with Wild West Sailing it was great to meet up with Dave O'Connor for a Diesel Engine Maintenance Course in Jan 2024. The course was very practical and Dave imparted lots of key knowledge that will be invaluable. Altogether a great organisation.
I attended a Diesel Engine Maintenance training day last week and was impressed with how Dave conducted the course. He has an engaging style that holds your attention and makes learning easy. He went through the main aspects of marine engine servicing and supervised the class members performing the tasks. He gave us the benefit of his wide experience with some handy tips on making the job easy. Highly recommended!
This place is astounding staff snd equipment all top notch very professional trips with incredible staff who are brilliant at what they do . We had done customised training for our boat to us very reasonable.. fantastic business incredibly well run always a smile sbd a,laugh.
Round Ireland September 2023. Exceptional!! I will remember this experience for the rest of my days! Big seas, calm seas, lots of wind, no wind, amazing islands, pristine coastlines, basking shark, bioluminescence and dolphins swimming in it in the pitch dark, the Skelligs at night, starry skies, shooting stars under full sails, tidal gates, tuskar rock, the fastnet, we saw it all! Extremely knowledgeable and sound skipper (Paddy) and first mate (Jonathan), delivered as much friendly and informal learning as you can handle, whenever you want it, all on one beast of a sea-going vessel! I met and … More shared the adventure with a truly wonderful bunch of like-minded folks, that were like family by the end of the voyage. A true bucket-list experience!! If you haven't gone, book it and go! Epic adventure!!
Had an extremely enjoyable taster sailing trip today with Wild West Sailing, organised through our Social Club in Sligo Co Co. Paddy was our skipper, great craic & a very patient teacher. A great day out for any group & definitely one for the Social Club suggestion box. We'll be booking again for sure.
We had the most amazing 2 days with Sophie our instructor. If you're thinking of getting into sailing or would just like to have 2 very enjoyable days on Lough Gill, book this up.. You will not regret it. Sophie is an excellent instructor, very easy to understand and great to make sure that you learned a lot on the course. I'd highly recommend it. Thanks also to Dave who was a pleasure to deal with when booking. Very easy website and Dave messages back very quickly!
A1 experience, highly recommend, definitely something you have to do once. Paddy was our skipper. Top class all round.
Really enjoyed the power boat course, Sam was a great teacher and had plenty of patience. Got a lot more comfortable with the boat. Will be back again
Completed the Dayskipper course at Wild West Sailing over the past few weeks. We had a ball sailing around from Ros a Mhil around the Aran Islands. Sophie was a great instructor and lots of fun was had. Would 10/10 recommend!
Just completed the WWS Dayskipper course. It was a great learning experience but better also fantastic fun and a lot of laughs. Sophie is an excellent instructor.
Hi David and Co,
Had an amazing day with Dave today. Learned so much while having fun. Genuinely nice guy, fantastic communicator and crazy knowledgeable. Couldn’t recommend more highly.
A brilliant weekend of practical learning. Experienced and knowledgeable instructors, different boats to work with. I had no prior powerboating experience but feel much more confident now. Very worthwhile!
Hi WWS team,it was a fantastic trip around Ireland. Great boat and always happy with your recommendations and services.Ich freue mich schon auf den nächsten Törn mit euch.:)
Did the Day Skipper course and fully recommend it to anyone. Had a great 5 days with just the right mix of teaching and fun. A shout out to our teacher Nigel who helped us as a group and as individuals .
David runs an excellent course. I could not be happier with all that I learnt and had an fantastic time to boot. Highly recommended.
I enjoyed a fantastic week on the water with Wild West Sailing: I felt incredibly lucky to be lead by an extremely competent Skipper and First Mate with wonderful people completing the crew. I couldn't recommend the experience enough to those looking for an adventure holiday. Kieran C.
I completed the Day skipper course with Wildwest sailing and it was FANTASTIC. Dave is a great teacher he made all the theory simple and enjoyable. The practical was great fun too - 5 days at sea with a great bunch of people in the most beautiful places in the world Sligo and Donegal along the Wild Atlantic Way. I have been sailing most my life and I learned loads from Dave on this course I highly recommend it for experienced and for novice sailors.
Professionally prepared and executed training. Order of magnitude better than three sailing coursers that I did in three different sailing schools before the course with WWS. Dave is amazing instructor: he is really experienced sailor, talented, systematic, passionate teacher and nice enthusiastic person. He explains everything in way that it is easy to grasp, verify than everybody got in and provides good feedback and explanation of mistakes. He keeps calm when a student does something "not so clever" (like I did). And what is the most important: Dave loves sailing and helping people … More to be better sailors.
I attended the Day Skipper theory course on Nov/ Dec 2018 with Dave O'Connor. He delivered the course in a very professional yet fun manner. He managed the class so effectively despite class members with very different levels of experience & skill. Everyone was confortable asking questions & made to feel that our questions were valid when with hindsight & later knowledge one realised they were not the most informed questions!! Through Dave's encouragement we worked together outside class before our exams & all got through them. Looking forward to to learning more from … More Dave at the Day Skipper Practical Course in June 2019.
I completed the day skipper theory course with Dave in Nov/Dec 2018. He delivered the classes in a way that was both fun and extremely informative. I also did a weekend sailing course which was really helpful and made me feel much more confident in helming a boat. I would highly recommend him as an instructor and would definitely do another course with him in the future
Spent a fantastic evening last Saturday with Dave O Connor and his sailing crews, when we sailed to Church Island for a magical musical performance by twilight. Couldn’t ask for a nicer guide and instructor, particularly as myself and husband were complete novices. Would definitely recommend Dave and Wild West sailing.
Highly recommend doing a course here with Wild West Sailing. Dave imparts a wealth of knowledge to his pupils in a focused but relaxed environment. Whatever your level of experience on the water you will have a learning experience tailored to your needs. The classes take place with the stunning backdrop of the north west coastline, it cant get much better than that!
Really valuable two weekends of day skipper training. As well as good fun in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, our instructor Dave was patient, supportive and encouraging all the way, : came away feeling full of confidence and knowledge. Would highly recommend this course , in particular to woman who want to feel more confident on the water.
To “recommend” Fairwinds is not enough.This experience, offered by enthusiastic knowledgeable instructors, led by Dave, is without doubt the best introduction to sailing that anybody could wish to have. A vast array of information, shared with eternal good humour, and a knack of including everybody and making them feel an integral part of the crew is the method employed by these instructors to ensure the experience is unforgettable.Having been lucky enough to see two courses of about 30 teenagers go through a sail training programme with Fairwinds, and being there to hear the delight of their achievement … More was fantastic. These young adults have without exception been bitten by the sailing bug, and most of that is down to the fun element of the learning experience that they had with Dave and all at Fairwinds.Watching these guys instruct is a lesson in the sheer masterclass of teaching people, without them actually realising that they are learning. Knot work, and safety on the water may be some of the things that are vitally important, but often taken for granted. After listening to some real world situations from Dave, without lecturing, safety becomes second nature, and you somehow grasp the concept of the importance of using the right knot for the right occasion... IT GETS INSIDE YOUR HEAD!Sailing is a truly wonderful hobby, but even more than that, it’s much more than a hobby... it’s a way of life. As I said at the outset, to Recommend Fairwinds is not enough. It should be something everyone has the pleasure of experiencing, and to be involved with something like this on beautiful Lough Gill is truly wonderful.Thanks a million to everyone at Fairwinds for giving my young man the best introduction to keelboat sailing that anyone could hope for, and instilling an insatiable thirst for even more.Please share this experience far and wide, they deserve all the support that can be blown their direction!
Wild West Sailing is a wonderfully organised and talented bunch of sailors. They were wonderful with my 13yr old and I couldn't get over the amount he learned about sailing from these guys. An all round fantastic, fun and educational experience. Well done to all involved.
Recently on the water with Wild West Sailing completing a course. Lovely location on Lough Gill, and Dave and Sean were super friendly and knowledgeable. Cheers guys!
Did the RYA Yachtmaster theory course with Dave. Great course, great coaching, would recommend to anyone interested in getting their yachtmasters!
I found the instructor to be excellent.The quality of seamanship, knowledge, coupled with their fairness in interacting with all crew was something that stood out for me.I also enjoyed listening to the instructor practice his traditional Irish music repertoire on his guitar in the evenings.Overall great school, and I'd highly recommend it.
Can't recommend Dave at Wild West Sailing enough. The quality of the Courses, Yachts & Instruction are 2nd to none. Already booked in for my next trip and working towards a Yachtmaster in the next year or so. If you want to gain the competence and confidence to skipper a Yacht, Wild West Sailing will make it happen.
From the start it was a huge plus, organising my courses with wildwestsailing, because we all have busy lifestyle's and making it suit to fit my free time was no problem. Dave was just a phone call away.From the moment we hooked up going threw everything was made so clear, if someone didn't understand something there was a fun way of learning everything and for everyone.Weather you were more advanced or less he fulfilled all.From a saying or to something that you would never forget (not just someone telling you and move on).Dave has such a huge knowledge when it comes to sailing/boats … More and the water it was an absolute pleasure to on board and be in his company while we all learned so much. I can't wait for our next course this month.
I can not recommend Wild West Sailing highly enough. Dave has and incredible wealth of knowledge and makes all learning interesting and fun and has a way simplifying the most complicated tasks. He very much teaches 'with' you and is always available to help if you have difficulty getting to grips with any challenge. To top everything off, there is nowhere better in the world (I believe) to sail and further your knowledge and skills in sailing than the north west cost of Ireland. Often challenging seas but always great fun and always in safe hands with Dave on hand.
I did my ICC with Dave (Wild West Sailing) and could not speak highly enough of either the course or of Dave as an instructor. Dave provided a comfortable boat which was easy to handle, ideal for training and teaching. As an instructor Dave was first class, he has a friendly informal approach to keep everyone relaxed and has excellent communication and teaching skills. I did my ICC in a group and Dave spent as much time with each individual as was required. Not only did Dave cover the curriculum he also gave plenty of additional handy hints to make boating easier. Dave’s years of experience are … More clear to see and he will throw in a few very entertaining stories at no additional charge for good measure. Really enjoyed the course and learned loads, I would highly recommend Dave as an instructor.Brendan Brogan, Sligo.
Having completed a truly amazing round Ireland trip with Dave in April i have recently finished my coastal skipper course on board Soilse. I cannot recommend dave highly enough, his calm exterior exudes confidence and instilled endless trust in the crew around Ireland and his competence and desire to share his vast knowledge of sailing proved invaluable in gaining my papers from the RYC. I am delighted to have met Dave and look forward to many more memorable sailing trips with him in whatever form they may take.
Recently completed the Day Skipper Theory Course in Sligo Yacht Club with David. This was a great course and catered for many different levels of sailors. It was fun and David was generous with his time and wealth of knowledge. Would highly recommend it! Therese
A big thank you from Declan, Oisin and Muireann for a fantastic experience during our Day Skipper training. Wild West Sailing combines the adventure of sailing in the open sea with the safety and reassurance that Dave's vast experience as both a sailor and instructor provides.I couldn't imagine anyone with an interest in sailing or the sea that would not find a few days on a boat with Dave a profoundly enriching experience. As an experienced secondary school teacher myself, I was hugely impressed by Dave's ability to impart the essence of complex ideas in remarkably simple terms, … More to demonstrate patience and perseverance whilst still challenging you to explore your boundaries but above all, through his positivity and enthusiasm, convince you that sailing is something that is accessible to all.The food was really good-part of a very comprehensive package. He even managed to keep grinning through five days of our rather lame jokes. He is a very easy young man to be around with a ready willingness to share his rich past in sailing and beyond.I am very interested in the potential for sailing as a powerful developmental tool for young people who because of social background or educational disadvantage have not had the opportunities others take for granted. Dave shares this interest and I look forward to working with him in the future.This is something we should be really supporting in the North West.
Had a fantastic day sail with Dave as part of our holiday on the west coast. We sailed out of Mullaghmore and down the coast line, taking in the views as Dave told stories (some folklore, some personal, and some probably made up) about the landmarks as we passed. We stopped for lunch on Inishmurray and had a guided tour of the monastic ruins before packing up and heading back to port.Couldn’t have asked for a more accommodating captain (who happens to double as a great tour guide) or a better way to spend the day. I would highly, highly recommend!
I enjoyed an excellent session of powerboat training with Dave - he delivered the course in a way that recognised and appreciated the different starting skill levels involved on the day and brought everyone up to the required level in a competent and effective manner. Good craic had at the the same time!
Had a great day doing the ICC with David, great instructor, learnt a lot, thinking about my next course, hope he has the same patience!
Amazing experience. Patient tutor. Additional help for the less quick amongst us. Generous with his knowledge. Wouldn't consider anyone else ! Just do it !
Nothing is too much trouble. No question is stupid. The patience of a saint. Superb teaching style. Book it now .it's incredible.
Great experience and awesome instructor with many years of sailing experience! Thanks Dave for the perfect week sailing on the west coast of Ireland. We will come back for sure and do the day skipper course with you. I highly recommend this experience for everyone who is serious about sailing.
Lovely boat, great instructor and an incredible place to sail off Ireland's beautifully rugged west coast. A day trip to Sligo's Innismurray island in summer with Wild West Sailing is unforgettable, and sailing there as part of a crew was a great experience. Dave has a wealth of knowledge, yet is patient in training others. He knows how to put people at ease, while also pushing them to achieve more.
