Sailing & Cruising Coaching – Stephan Rauer
Welcome to my Sailing & Cruising Coaching page, where I guide new yacht owners and aspiring sailors through practical skills and onboard confidence.
Are you new to sailing, Bought a new yacht? Need a refresher
If you recently acquired a sailing yacht and started living aboard part-time or full-time, the learning curve can feel steep—but exciting.
My role as a sailing and cruising coach is to guide and coach you through every essential aspect of sailing and yacht ownership.
Sailing & Cruising Coaching includes:
Learn or improve your manoeuvering skills of your monohull or catamaran in a tight space with proven techniques.
Seamanship & navigation
Understand and set up your onboard electronics
Optimise your yacht for comfortable and safe cruising
Build a maintenance programme
Learn weather analysis, VHF use, AIS and safe passage preparation
Master foundational seamanship—from knots and terminology to docking, manoeuvring, sail trimming and route planning
Sailing and Cruising Coaching options
Onboard Sailing & Cruising Coaching
We begin with an email exchange followed by a phone or video call. Confidence and trust are essential in sailing, and my goal is to ensure you feel fully supported.
If we agree to proceed, I join you on your yacht for a definded period to coach you through real-life sailing scenarios—often during your maiden voyage from point A to point B. You will gain hands-on experience in living aboard, manoevering under engine, helming, navigation, cruising and safety.
Rates
250€ per day (24h)
1500€ per week (8 days, 7 nights)
Travel, food & accommodation covered by the customer
For point-to-point delivery cruises: 1000€ arrival bonus (safe, incident-free passage
PS: If you do not yet have a yacht but plan to acquire one soon, you can also plan with us a private sailing holidays with your family specially oriented for coaching.
This time can also be used to help you getting closer to your cruising dreams.
Yacht Acquisition Help
If you want to buy a monohull or catamaran for retirement or extended cruising, I can research, assess, and shortlist vessels that fit your needs—saving you time, money, and uncertainty.
Rates:
Upon agreement depending of the specifications
Consultation Calls for Sailing & Cruising Coaching
Need guidance on cruising, yacht systems, or lifestyle aboard?
We schedule a call to explore your goals. I use my extensive network in the cruising and live-aboard community to find the right solutions for you.
Rates:
First call + first 30 minutes: FREE
50€ / 30 minutes (phone or video)
Why choose me as your Sailing and Cruising Coach
Expert sailing coach with proven teaching excellence
Nearly 50 years of sailing experience with exceptional teaching skills
Over 30 years cruising + 15 years yacht racing. (6 M. International Class)
Owner of multiple yachts from 20ft to 50ft. Swiss Yachtmaster at the age of 21.
Currently living aboard Chronos, a 50ft Bavaria based in the Ionian Sea.
Graduaded (Bsc. Hon.) in Yacht & Boat Design (Southampton University, 1986).
Brought Professional background in civil architecture, media & internet.
Founder of Sail & Discover (since 2011), running 10 to 15 sailing cruises per year.
Sailed with over 800 guests. More than 100 cruises organised.
Fluent in French, German & English
Passionate about teaching, cruising and sharing the sailing lifestyle
FAQ — Sailing & Cruising Coaching
Do I need previous sailing experience to book sailing and cruising coaching?
No previous sailing experience is required. Coaching is adapted to your level, whether you are a complete beginner, a new yacht owner, or an experienced sailor looking to gain confidence and practical skills.
Can sailing and cruising coaching be booked on my own yacht?
Yes. Coaching is available on your own yacht and tailored to your boat, equipment, and sailing plans. This allows you to learn in real conditions and gain confidence on the yacht you actually use.
Can coaching be combined with a private sailing holiday?
Yes. Sailing and cruising coaching can be added as an optional service during a private sailing holiday. This allows you to learn while enjoying a relaxed and personalised cruising experience.
What topics are covered during sailing and cruising coaching?
Coaching focuses on practical seamanship, yacht handling, manoeuvring in harbours, sail trimming, navigation, safety procedures, and onboard decision-making. Sessions are adapted to your goals and priorities.
Is sailing and cruising coaching a certification course?
No. Coaching is not a certification or exam-based course. The focus is on practical skills, confidence, and real-life sailing situations rather than formal qualifications.