Ao Yon based company Sail in Asia has recently announced its International Yacht Training (IYT) accredition.

This professional training scheme is an internationally accepted sail and power boat training scheme for both recreational sailors and professional crew, who work on commercial vessels, much like what PADI has come to mean for diving.

Sail in Asia's chief instructor Mike Downard says he has chosen this system because it suits Asian countries more than any other system, as it is a modular system with well designed 'stepping stones' that encourage students to do more training and become more proficient and be safer sailors.

Mike's experience of running London's biggest and busiest water sports centre prior to coming to Phuket is such that IYT have asked him to train instructors in Phuket.

With 25 years in the 'sail training industry' Mike has amassed significant expertise and qualifications from canoeing to International Yacht Racing.

“The benefit of training local sailors was evident as soon as I came here” says Mike. “If I can get both Thai instructors and Farang Instructors trained, we can really move sailing and power boating forward in Phuket”.

Sail in Asia has a simple philosophy that underpins the company - “Only work with the best!” This is reflected in the quality of the instructors Mike has been training.

“I want two things of an instructor - one is a personality that can emphathise and communicate with people who people like being around, the other is a person who is skilled at a level that is exemplary. The latest course run just last week was typical of the people we have chosen to train- David Izatts, 3 times World Champion - Int. Moth; Roger Kingdon - Phuket Race week Firefly champion; Jaray Tipsuk - Thai Rep at Olympics - Dinghy/ Sports Boat Champion”

“IYT Phuket's philosophy is simple. Get the best sailors in the world and train them to be the worlds best instructors. To date Sail in Asia has trained 14 Basic Instructors.

For more information contact Sail in Asia Co., Ltd 081 970 2580 or email: info@sailinasia.com
www.sailinasiatraining.com