Testimonial

“This was the first time in a long time that I had stepped aboard a smaller boat after much big boat sailing, and found the weekend really helpful to re start the knowledge base. On top of this the sailing was great fun and relaxed. Now looking forward to doing the YM prep week.”
James Gordon

"As one of White Ocean's first Day Skipper Practical course graduates, I would wholeheartedly recommend the course as a thorough and comprehensive one. Apart from being a knowledgeable and patient tutor, Adam Tuffnell is one of the most humorous and inclusive people I have met so far within the sailing community. I started sailing less than two years ago and I am now building confidence in my ability thanks to the informative, structured and most of all enjoyable course!

Thank you very much Adam.”

Julie L - Clipper 11/12 Crew-member

“Many years ago when I began working with Adam, it became evident very quickly that he had a love for sailing and a sincere interest in and concern for the students. He always aimed to come up with creative lessons that proved to be interesting and educationally effective. Furthermore, he spent many hours with individuals working on the basics to ensure that no students ever felt left behind.

Adam has approached any and all aspects of the work involved in teaching sailing with eager anticipation. In fact, in all my years of sailing I have never experienced any other teacher who was better prepared and who worked harder than Adam. His lessons are always thought out and professional and he is always willing to adjust any parts of his lessons he thought could be improved.

Adam’s skippering style manages to combine excellent seamanship, effective people management and dedication to his students with an uncanny knack of getting the best out of his crew and an incredible and unique sense of humour.

Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Adam as your tutor at sea. I know with all confidence that he will do an outstanding job in teaching you what you need to know whilst giving you a sailing course that you will never forget.”
D Parker.
Capt. CDV Sabre II

“I had the pleasure to sail with Adam in the course of the Clipper training program. Adam provides a refreshing style, with the right mixture of professional and lighthearted approaches, is a great team motivator and a fountain of sailing knowledge. I have always been impressed by his ability to calmly but clearly impart his experience even immediately after things have hit the fan, which can of course happen when an inexperienced crew are handed the reins of a 60footer! “
Marc Groves-Raines

“I recently returned to yachting after a twenty year break, Adam prepared me for the Ym exam and brought me right up to date on all the technology that has come to the fore in the last 20 years. As a fully paid up member of the Dyslexic club I was a little apprehensive about learning and re learning all I have forgotten.

Adam was a star with his style in teaching, adapting and explaining according to needs, I have never met a better trainer, The whole experience was great fun, the best way to learn, I would like to recommend Adam to anyone, young or old, who finds learning a challenge, he is very good at explaining things in many different ways so that one can get a really understanding of what is required or needed.”
B Jackson.

“It has been my pleasure to have sailed with Adam Tuffnell on six voyages. All of these voyages have been successfully completed in a variety of sea states / wind forces up to force 9 (on three occasions), and have included the navigation of Plymouth Sound in thick fog, plus the 2009 Annual Round the Island Race ( Isle of Wight ) . During these voyages I have spent a total of 25 days at sea and covered over 900 miles, in 72 foot (ex BT Global Challenge) Bermudan Cutters.

I consider Adam to be a first class skipper, who is an inspiration to all who sail with him. He is an excellent communicator, with all age levels and abilities. Who successfully creates a structured training programme, actively encourages crew / team participation and leaving nothing to chance.

All of these voyages have been in association with a United Kingdom Sail Training Organisation, and have included a crew of up to sixteen, of mixed ability, with ages ranging from 16 to 69 years old.

I would have no reservations in whole heartedly recommending Adam’s services .He is a true professional for whom I have the greatest of respect. I look forward to the prospect of sailing with him again.”
Peter C.

“Twelve people on a Clipper yacht, level 1 tuition, some had sailed before others were beginners. After the initial safety brief on the boat, Adam made twelve people become a team before the end of the week, made it fun, always safe and made me a better sailer and part of a solid crew by the end of the week! Although I am a Yacht Master, Adam helped me identify further areas to work on, and nurtured everyone on the boat with a natural ease and ability that is second to none. That week of sailing is ingrained in my mind and I haven’t forgotten anything Adam taught me. I hope to sail with Adam again sometime in the near future.”
Mark Nye. (18 – 36 monther).

"I've just returned from an action packed week on the water prepping for my YM Offshore. Engine maintenance, MOB drills, "pontoon bashing", oh and some sailing along the way! It was hard work as we crammed so much in, very worthwhile and enjoyable and great for confidence building"
Elaine S.

“Adam (White-Ocean) provided a structured and cohesive learning environment in which students were able to grow and confirm their own competencies from day one. Each student being encouraged to learn by full participation in the training process. Adam (White-Ocean) was recommended to me and I have no reservations in recommending him (them) in the future.”
Mike N.

“As a complete novice to sailing, I found myself training under Adam's wing and can confirm it felt a very safe place to be! Adam has a tremendous ability to make you believe you are capable of more than you ever felt possible, whilst retaining the all important fun factor. When I stepped on to Adam's boat, I was certainly lacking in confidence, questioning what I could ever bring to a crew, but through the consistent and thorough training I received not only did I feel more confident, but more able to keep myself safe leaving me ready to take the helm whenever required! Very rarely do you encounter people which such integrity and positivity and I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to sail with Adam, and hope to again in the future.”
Kay S.

“Adam is a down to earth and lively leader. His management of large crews on board sailing boats instills confidence in any crew person under Adam's control. Adam is confident and practically minded. Adam doesn't need to look for solutions to problems because the solutions are already there before any problem may occur (which it generally doesn't). Sailing with Adam is exciting and the skills that I learned and developed whilst under his wing were and are second to none. Adam is highly rated and provides a safe and successful learning environment on board any sailing vessel.”
Leonie S.

To sail with White-Ocean was a fun and enjoyable time but also leaning a lot in a safe way at the same time: ‘the other clock wise!’
Karl S.

"Adam Tuffnell was my Skipper on my level 1 Clipper training. He delivered a brilliant introduction to sailing, and clearly explained all the techniques required to become a competent crew member. For me personally he inspired great confidence, and truly led by example"
Gary H.

“Adam is a fantastic sailor and there is not much about boats that he does not know and what he doesn't know is not worth knowing. He is a great instructor and is able to get a group working together within a short space of time. His cool, calm and charismatic character helps make him fantastic skipper. One I would love to sail with again.”
Lindsey C.