Joining Instructions
Jolly Parrot Sailing
The Tower
Queensway Quay Marina
Queensway
Gibraltar
Thank you for choosing to sail with Jolly Parrot. We look forward to welcoming you onboard in Gibraltar. To help you make the most of your course, please take a moment to read through the following information.
Contacting Jolly Parrot
Jolly Parrot: +44 7925 784407
Jolly Parrot Office: +350 200 77609
Email: info@jollyparrot.co.uk
Adventure Joining Instructions:
Gibraltar to Lisbon Adventure
Lisbon to Gibraltar Adventure
Gibraltar to Seville Adventure
Seville to Gibraltar Adventure
Course joining times:
- RYA Start Yachting : Starts Saturday 09:30 (if needing accommodation on board Friday night 18:00 onwards)
- Competent Crew / Day Skipper / Simply Sailing : Monday to Friday courses / adventures, arrive Sunday 18:00 onwards – Ends 16:30 Friday
- Competent Crew / Day Skipper / Simply Sailing : Wednesday to Sunday courses arrive Tuesday 18:00 onwards – Ends 16:30 Sunday
- Day Skipper Fastrack : Starts Saturday 09:30 (if needing accommodation on board the night before 18:00 onwards) – Ends 16:30 Sunday
- Coastal Skipper Practical : arrive 18:00 onwards - Ends 16:30 Friday
- Coastal Skipper Combined : Starts 09:30 (if needing accommodation on board the night before 18:00 onwards) - Ends 16:30 Friday
- Extended YM Prep : arrive 18:00 onwards
- Passage Making : arrive 18:00 onwards
When you arrive at Queensway Quay Marina, make your way to the meeting point - Pontoon B, outside The Lounge Restuarant from 18:00hrs. The Jolly Parrot Duty Skipper will be nearby to welcome you and will be wearing a Jolly Parrot shirt, so should be easy to spot!
If you arrive early, bags can be left in the Jolly Parrot storeroom next to the facilities block at the marina. Pop upstairs to our office to let us know you're here. If you can't find us, just give us a call when you arrive.
If your arrival is delayed, please call or whatsapp us on +44 7925 784407
Flight information
Many airlines fly to Gibraltar airport which is a 5-10 minute taxi ride from Queensway Quay Marina. You can also fly to Malaga airport and book a reliable minicab transfer (approx €100) or a pre bookable shuttle bus (approx €35)
What to bring
Your training yacht will be comfortable and equipped with all necessary safety equipment, waterproofs, bedding and towels. For your comfort please bring sensible comfortable clothing. Hard suitcases cannot be stored on board so please pack your clothes in a soft holdall.
You should also bring a water bottle. This can be refilled from the tap water on the boat. As part of our ongoing commitment to reduce single use plastics, we do not provide bottled water onboard.
Please note: A passport size photo (with your name on the back) is required for the Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper Certificates. Certificates cannot be issued without this.
In addition to your usual clothing we recommend packing:
- Face mask
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Passport (must have 6 months validity before expiry date)
- Quick dry trousers for sailing (not jeans)
- Sun cream
- Deck shoes or soft soled trainers
- Sun hat / cap
- Euros / Sterling
- Personal medicines
- Toiletries
- Clothing for trips ashore
- Long sleeve top (sun protection)
- Mosquito repellent / Bite relief
Please note that in the winter and at times in the summer months it can still get cold when at sea so ensure some warm clothes are packed.
Theory Courses
Novice to Day Skipper, Fastrack Day Skipper and Coastal Combined all include theory instruction in the classroom. You will need to bring a notepad, a 2B pencil, a rubber and a pen with you.
RYA Logbook & recommended reading
All students should have an RYA Sail Cruising Logbook (G158). These are available to buy on arrival at Jolly Parrot for £10.
We also recommend the RYA Competent Crew / Day Skipper practical course notes book. These are available to buy from
Jolly Parrot on arrival for £15.
Additional Expenses
Flights, transfers and travel insurance are not included in your course costs. Most students prefer to eat ashore in the evenings, so you will also need to purchase some meals.
What currency does Gibraltar use?
The official currency is the Gibraltar Pound (GIP), however UK notes and coins are also accepted and have the same value. Please note that Gibraltar Pounds are not accepted in the UK. You will be spending some of your time in Spain or Morocco so please take Euro’s with you. Cash machines are available in most ports during your course.
Where will we sail to?
Our sailing courses start and finish in Gibraltar and visit some beautiful and historic towns and ports along the coast. Overnight stops will be in neighbouring ports in Spain and Morocco.
Will I sleep on board overnight?
Yes you will. Sleeping bags, pillows and towels are included. There is also a hair dryer onboard. Sleeping on board is all part of the adventure of yachting. However, not all of our RYA courses and Adventures are residential. You may prefer to find yourself some accommodation ashore each night, however you need to be mindful that we cannot guarantee the boat will return to the same place for the duration of your course. If you choose to stay ashore, this would be at your own cost and there would be no reduction in the course fee.
Are there toilet & showering facilities on board?
Our training yachts are equipped with a shower and toilet. Every evening involves an overnight stop at a marina which provides these facilities ashore.
Can I smoke on board?
No. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on our boats. We have a strict non smoking policy.
Do I need travel insurance?
We recommend that you take out a Travel Insurance policy that covers sailing. These companies offer policies that include sailing:
Topsail Insurance: 01273 573 727
Bishop Skinner: 0800 783 8057
If you require any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We can't wait to meet you!