Welcome aboard and thank you for choosing Costa Blanca Sailing.
If you are attending a sailing course you will be allocated a cabin on arrival. We will never ask you to share a cabin with another student unknown to you but we do expect couples to share one cabin. You will be provided with bed linen appropriate for the time of year and a towel. Every cabin has a wardrobe, an electrical socket, a fan and reading lights.
We do not provide accommodation for motor cruising or powerboating courses (Accommodation for those attending motor cruising courses may be available on request.)
During our cruising courses breakfast, lunch, tea/coffee, snacks and drinking water are provided every day. If we have agreed that you can stay onboard either the evening prior to the course and / or the evening of the last day, you will be responsible for making your own arrangements.
Evening meals are taken ashore and are not included.
Please bring a water bottle with you so that you can keep hydrated whilst on board. Free fill up with mineral water provided.
By prior arrangement we are happy to welcome you onboard the evening prior to your course as from 18:00. If you are unable to make travel arrangements for your departure on the last day of your course, please let us know and we will try to arrange for you to stay on board that evening. We make no extra charge for these overnight stays but you will be responsible for your own meals.
Evening meals are taken ashore and are not included.
Remember your passport, even if you are already in Spain! If you are a Spanish resident, your residency card will suffice.
If you are attending any RYA practical training course other than Competent Crew please bring a passport sized photograph with you so that it can be affixed to your RYA licence. Don’t forget your RYA log book if you have one so that we can ensure that it is up to date, especially if you are taking a Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore Exam. You will also need to bring your VHF Operators licence and First Aid Certificate if you are taking either of the above examinations.
We will advise you of the expected weather conditions prior to your arrival but normally light clothing (t-shirts and shorts) is all that is required with perhaps a pair of jeans and a sweat top just in case. Don’t forget your swimming gear! Please ensure that you bring shoes that protect your toes whilst we are at sea, such as crocs or trainers, and a pair of fingerless gloves to protect your hands whilst handling lines.
Please pack everything into a soft holdall bag rather than a hard sided suitcase for ease of stowage. Costa Blanca Sailing will provide you with wet weather gear in the unlikely event that it is required!
If you attending a Powerboat course please wear clothing appropriate for the weather conditions on the day. Please note that we do not provide waterproofs for these courses
Please ensure that you advise us of any medical condition that you are currently suffering from when completing the booking form. If you are in any doubt as to whether or not you should take part in a sailing course please consult your Doctor prior to booking.
Remember to bring any prescribed medication with you, as well as your preferred brand of sea-sickness tablets. Please ensure that you inform your Instructor if you feel at all unwell at any time. If you are a UK citizen remember to bring your EHIC card so that you can receive emergency medical attention without charge.
Costa Blanca Sailing is based in the marina de Alicante (Puerto Deportivo) For further information see www.marinaalicante.com. It is easily reached by all forms of transport and is adjacent to the vibrant old town of Alicante situated underneath the 9th Century Santa Barbara Castle. Costa Blanca Sailing is on Berth G43 (see marina plan). The marina is protected by 24 hour security at the entrance, so be prepared to tell the guard which boat you are visiting!
By Air: El Altet International Airport provides connections to all major European destinations and further via Madrid or Barcelona. It is situated 9km south-west of the city, about 15 minutes by taxi in normal traffic conditions. For further information about the airport visit www.aena.es
By taxi: A taxi to or from the airport will cost approximately €25. Taxis can be found outside the arrivals hall of the airport and if you tell the taxi driver we are on berth G43, he will drop you at the boat. On the return, the security guard will call a taxi for you.
By bus: Bus C6 runs to and from the airport and stops just outside the marina entrance. The bus stop at the airport is situated on the 3rd floor departures level. The cost is 4€ and the bus runs half hourly taking about 30 minutes… Buses to other parts of Spain operate from the new Bus Station, which is a 15 minute walk (or 5 minutes by taxi) on the other side of the marina. For further information see www.alsa.es
By train: The Central Train Station (RENFE) is a 10 minute taxi ride away, providing connections to Madrid, Barcelona and beyond. For further information see www.renfe.es
By TRAM: Alicante has a comprehensive tram system connecting the town with Denia, Benidorm and all the coastal towns in between. For further information see www.tramalicante.es
By Car: Alicante is served by the E15/A7 Autovia del Mediterraneo motorway. Follow the signs for the beach (Playa) and you will find the marina at the base of the castle. Parking is available in the marina car park (subject to availability) with access via the lift up barrier to the rear of the marina. On arrival, press the buzzer and inform the guard that you are with Costa Blanca Sailing and you will be permitted access. The car park if 100 yds further on the left.