Atlantic Dinghy 2026

1-Year Training Programme for Solo Dinghy 14-Day Scotland to Iceland Atlantic Voyage

This comprehensive training programme, starting 26 August 2025, prepares you for an epic solo 14-day Atlantic voyage from Scotland to Iceland on a Wayfarer Weekender dinghy. It equips you to handle the boat’s unique features, including a 60kg ballasted centreboard, slab-reefing mainsail, furling genoa, and centre cockpit controls, in extreme ocean conditions.

Overview

The programme focuses on daily sailing on Loch Venachar in all weather conditions to simulate open-ocean challenges. It includes physical fitness, technical skills, navigation, safety drills, and mental preparation. Structured into four 3-month phases, to ensure readiness for the voyage’s demands.

Components

Daily Loch Venachar Sailing: Sail 2–4 hours daily, practising single-handed boat handling, reefing, and centreboard management in all conditions.

Physical Fitness: Build strength, endurance, and flexibility for prolonged sailing and emergencies.

Technical Skills: Develop expertise in rigging, repairs, and maintenance, focusing on self-reliant solutions for the Weekender’s lightweight hull and centreboard.

Navigation and Communication: Master GPS, chartplotting, VHF radio, and weather forecasting for solo open-ocean navigation.

Safety Drills: Practise capsize recovery, self-rescue, and storm management, leveraging the Weekender’s stability.

Mental Preparation: Build resilience and confidence through stress management and scenario planning.

Phases

Phase 1: Foundation (Months 1–3): Build basic sailing skills, physical fitness, and familiarity with the Wayfarer Weekender.

Phase 2: Skill Development (Months 4–6): Enhance technical sailing, navigation, and safety skills in varied conditions.

Phase 3: Advanced Training (Months 7–9): Simulate ocean conditions, refine emergency procedures, and build endurance.

Phase 4: Pre-Voyage Preparation (Months 10–12): Conduct full voyage simulations, finalise modifications, and prepare mentally.

Schedule

Training Start Date: 26 August 2025

Training Location: Loch Venachar

Programme Overview

The 1-year training is designed to ensure you can handle the Wayfarer Weekender in the North Atlantic’s challenging conditions. Daily sailing, combined with fitness, technical, navigation, safety, and mental training, builds the skills needed for a solo voyage.

Weekly Schedule

Monday: Loch Venachar sailing (2–4 hours, focus on reefing), cardio (45 minutes), navigation study.

Tuesday: Loch Venachar sailing (2–4 hours, heavy weather), strength training (45 minutes), self-rescue drill.

Wednesday: Loch Venachar sailing (2–4 hours, long sail), endurance (rowing/swimming), technical skills (repairs).

Thursday: Loch Venachar sailing (2–4 hours, night sailing monthly), cardio (45 minutes), communication practice.

Friday: Loch Venachar sailing (2–4 hours, storm simulation), strength training (45 minutes), mental preparation.

Saturday: Long sail (6–12 hours, fortnightly coastal trip), combined fitness, review progress.

Sunday: Rest or light sailing (1–2 hours), flexibility (yoga), reflect on goals.

Yachtmaster Skills

The programme integrates RYA Yachtmaster skills critical for the solo Atlantic voyage:

Navigation: Master chartwork, tidal calculations, position fixing, course plotting, dead reckoning, estimated position, and electronic navigation aids (GPS, chart plotters).

Pilotage: Navigate restricted waters using visual references, buoyage, and pilotage plans for harbor entry/exit.

Boat Handling: Perform sailing and powerboat maneuvers, including tacking, gybing, reefing, anchoring, mooring, docking, and man-overboard recovery.

Knots and Ropework: Learn essential knots (bowline, clove hitch, round turn and two half hitches, reef knot) and rope handling for mooring, anchoring, and rigging.

Safety Procedures: Understand safety equipment (life jackets, flares, fire extinguishers), emergency procedures, distress signals, and crew briefings.

Meteorology: Interpret weather patterns and forecasts to make informed decisions.

Collision Regulations (IRPCS): Know the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, including lights, shapes, and right-of-way rules.

Passage Planning: Plan coastal or offshore passages, considering tides, weather, crew capabilities, and contingencies.

Crew Management: Develop leadership to manage and motivate a crew, delegate tasks, and ensure welfare and safety (LOL)

Vessel Maintenance: Perform engine checks, rigging inspections, and general yacht maintenance for seaworthiness.

First Aid: Gain basic first aid knowledge to handle medical emergencies at sea.

Radio Communication: Operate VHF radio for distress, urgency, and routine calls, and understand GMDSS principles.

Support This Epic Voyage

Join an historic solo dinghy crossing from Scotland to Iceland in 2026. Your sponsorship will fund critical equipment (~£30,000) and showcase your brand globally.

Act now—financial or equipment contributions welcome. Sponsors’ logos will shine on the boat, with exclusive voyage photos for your use.

ATLANTIC DINGHY PROJECT

Jason Allardyce

Brig o' Turk
Callander
FK17 8HT

Telephone: 01877 381466

Mobile: 07788 316688