I recently completed my RYA Competent Crew course with Brighton Boating with skipper/instructor Ash Pilki, and I would thoroughly recommend training with the centre. The course was organised very well, excellent co-ordination of arrangements and communication with centre manager Aneira, making for great overall experience. I would also like to add these words of appreciation regarding Ash as our instructor. Ash is an excellent teacher in the modern sense - rather than simply instructing, he consistently encouraged reflection, problem-solving, and understanding. He created constant learning opportunities throughout the week and had a real skill for knowing when to step in and when to let us work things out for ourselves, which really helped build confidence on board. Ash created a very positive learning environment where everyone felt supported and able to learn at their own pace. He was patient, calm, and reassuring when things were new or challenging, and he explained things clearly and in different ways depending on the person and the situation. The whole week felt very well run, professional, and safe, while still being relaxed and enjoyable. Ash was also great company to spend a week on a boat with - supportive, good-humoured, and clearly very experienced and knowledgeable, but always focused on helping us learn rather than showing what he knew. In summary, Ash is a highly skilled sailor and a very capable instructor who clearly enjoys teaching and helping people progress. I would strongly recommend anyone considering RYA training to do a course with him.