The Simple Questions That Reveal Everything
This cuts straight to whether they maintain real standards or just push everyone through. Good schools will say something like "we certify them to the level they are ready to succeed in." Schools focused on volume might dodge this or claim it never happens.
Listen for specific practices, not vague promises. Strong answers include structured activities like "highs and lows" sharing circles, team challenges, preparing shared meals, or vulnerability exercises. Weak answers are "we all go to dinner" or "the boat brings people together naturally."
This reveals their philosophy instantly. Progressive schools actively create peer teaching moments because they know teaching reinforces learning. Traditional schools will say "only certified instructors teach" or express concern about "bad habits."
Great schools have names for their alumni (like "Ex-Virgins"), active WhatsApp groups, reunion sails, or structured pathways for continued learning. Weak schools have nothing beyond "follow us on Facebook."
This separates professional educators from "good sailors who teach." Even sailing instruction qualifications on their own are insufficient. Listen for specific methodologies, communication training, or teaching frameworks. Many schools will stumble here because they only focus on sailing credentials.
The best schools keep it short and focused (like the "Three Worst Things" in 3 minutes). Overwhelming schools deliver 20-minute lectures about every possible danger. This question reveals whether they empower or frighten students. And whether your course will be a boring book-based course or something that is practical and enlightening.
Schools creating transformation will have specific stories about confidence breakthroughs, career changes, or life impacts. Transactional schools will struggle with this or only mention sailing skills. Have a look at reviews on TripAdvisor to get a better picture on this one.
This forces honesty about actual competence developed. Strong schools confidently say yes or no and explain why. Weak schools hedge with "depends on conditions" or "we recommend more courses first", or even worse, they may try to shoehorn several courses into an impossibly short period of time.
Simple yes/no question that reveals commitment to excellence. Follow up by asking when the last one was and what it covered. Many schools never invest in instructor development after initial certification.
This reveals both teaching philosophy and emotional intelligence. Listen for patience, breaking down skills, celebrating small wins, and maintaining student dignity. Red flags include blaming students, "some people just can't sail," or no specific examples.
Ask them conversationally, not like an interrogation. You might only ask 3-4 that matter most to you.
Listen for specifics, not generalities. "We build community" means nothing. "We do vulnerability circles where everyone shares their high and low each day" means something.
Follow up when they're vague. If they say "we adapt to different learners," ask "can you give me an example from last week?"
Trust your gut. If they seem annoyed by questions about teaching philosophy or student experience, that tells you everything.
Schools that see you as a capable adult, not a student to be managed.
Specific practices, not philosophical platitudes.
Investment in instructor development, not just sailing credentials.
Community building, not just skill transfer.
Real competence, not just certification.
Transformation, not just transaction.
The right school will welcome these questions. The wrong school will wonder why you're asking.