IYT-accredited sailing school in Phuket offering Yachtmaster Offshore programmes, VHF/SRC radio licences, RYA shorebased theory and superyacht introduction packages for crew at every level.
Book direct →Island Spirit / Sailing School Thailand, operating under the Sail in Asia banner, is an IYT-accredited sailing school based in Phuket. The school specialises in professional maritime qualifications designed for crew looking to progress their careers, from complete beginners through to commercially endorsed skippers.
The flagship programme is the eleven-day IYT Yachtmaster Offshore course, which blends six classroom days with offshore practical passages and an independent examiner assessment — qualifying holders to command vessels up to 24 metres, up to 150 nautical miles offshore. Alongside this, the school offers VHF/SRC radio licence training (8,000 THB), RYA shorebased theory covering Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster theory, and deckhand and superyacht introduction packages for those new to the industry.
Phuket's year-round sailing conditions and proximity to the Andaman Sea make it an outstanding location for offshore passages and practical assessments. All courses are run under IYT standards, ensuring internationally recognised qualifications.
Eleven-day IYT Yachtmaster Offshore programme combining six classroom days with offshore practical training and an independent examiner assessment. Qualifies holders to command vessels up to 24 m, up to 150 nautical miles from the coast.
Book on Sailing School Thailand →VHF/SRC Radio Operators Licence course offered alongside the sailing programmes. Required or recommended before progressing to Yachtmaster-level qualifications.
Book on Sailing School Thailand →RYA shorebased theory courses covering navigation, meteorology and seamanship at Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster levels — ideal preparation for practical assessments.
Book on Sailing School Thailand →Introductory deckhand and superyacht packages for those entering the professional crewing industry, covering practical seamanship skills and industry orientation.
Book on Sailing School Thailand →Prices and dates are indicative — confirm directly with Island Spirit / Sailing School Thailand before booking.
A 5-star boutique resort on Karon Beach with 159 spacious rooms, three restaurants, two outdoor pools and a spa, designed with inspiration from the island's tin-mining heritage.
View options →A small, affordable guesthouse in the heart of Old Phuket Town with 8 air-conditioned rooms overlooking the surrounding hills, offering a quiet, locally-rooted stay.
View options →A 271-room marina resort set within Phuket Boat Lagoon, offering modern rooms and suites — some with full kitchen and living area — convenient for sailing visitors arriving by water or road.
View options →Phuket International Airport (HKT) is approximately 32 km north of Phuket Town. Taxi or private transfer to Phuket Town costs around 600–800 THB (approx. £13–£18) and takes 40–60 minutes depending on traffic. The Phuket Smart Bus runs along the west-coast beaches for a flat fare of 100 THB. Grab (ride-hailing) has an official pickup zone near Terminal 2 Exit 8.
Airport transfer info →Phuket has no train station. The nearest railhead is Surat Thani Railway Station, approximately 200 km to the north-east, served by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). From Surat Thani, take one of roughly 14 daily coaches to Phuket Bus Terminal — the journey takes approximately 5–6 hours. Total Bangkok-to-Phuket rail-plus-bus journey is around 17–18 hours.
Ferries depart from Rassada Pier, Phuket Town, operated by Andaman Wave Master, Ko Phi Phi Cruiser and other local operators. Phuket to Koh Phi Phi Don takes 2 hours (350–500 THB, 4–6 departures daily in peak season); onward connections to Krabi, Koh Lanta and Koh Lipe available. Note: the south-west monsoon (June–September) causes frequent cancellations.
Ferry timetables →Phuket is connected to the Thai mainland via the Sarasin Bridge (Highway 402) in the north of the island. From Bangkok, the drive is approximately 860 km (around 10–11 hours) via Highway 4 south through Chumphon and Surat Thani. Parking is generally available at hotels and resorts; Phuket Town has public car parks. Traffic in tourist areas such as Patong can be congested during peak season (November–April).
Open in Maps →Phuket has no railway station. The island is connected primarily by air and road. Ferry services operate to nearby islands. Prices quoted in THB are approximate and subject to change.