Kiel Training Centre (KTC)

KTC exists solely to give Servicemen the opportunity to experience high quality AT. The equipment is all modern and very well maintained. The yachts are provided by the British Kiel Yacht Club (BKYC) which was formed after the Second World War.

Funded by the sale of windfall yachts, the club exists to provide sailing for Servicemen. Over the years the fleet has been upgraded and the current policy is to change yachts every three years. This allows us to buy the best available and ensure that we always have excellent, seaworthy yachts in first class condition for use. All the sailing courses are free. As the yachts are non-publicly funded they attract a charter fee for Level 3 AT expeditions and for private use. However, these are comparable with other Service establishments and significantly cheaper than civilian charter companies. Diving and power boating courses are all free, but there is a small charge for certification.

For all our activities we provide the complete range of personal equipment for students on courses and charters alike. The equipment is all modern and complies with both military and civilian safety standards. The only thing you will need to bring is yourself and your enthusiasm to give it a go.

Our instructors are full time, and while some have had military experience, they are all now civilian. Courses are run in a relaxed but highly professional manner ensuring that Servicemen get the best possible AT experience.

• Offshore Sailing. Sailing is our core activity and we conduct a number of 5 day courses each year aimed at introducing Service personnel to sailing with most gaining Competent Crew certificates. We also run several twelve Day and Coastal Skipper assessments each of 6 days duration and two Yachtmaster assessments annually. Tidal work is conducted in the North Sea.
  
• Fleet. Our fleet comprises 10 new Hallberg Rassy 342 yachts, one Comfortina 42 (Osprey), two Folkboats and our flagship Flamingo, a 56 foot wooden sloop, the last remaining 'windfall' yacht from the Second World War. The HR 342s are used primarily for our courses but are also available for charter for private use and Type 3 expeditions when available. The two larger yachts are used for more demanding passage making exercises in the Baltic under the umbrella of Ex BALTIC QUEST (Osprey) and Ex BALTIC CHALENGE (Flamingo). These exercises are planned by KTC staff and available for booking by either formed units or individuals. The cruising grounds include Denmark, Sweden and the eastern Baltic states. The Baltic is an unparalleled cruising area with fantastic sailing conditions and superb areas to visit. The two Folkboats are used for low level expeditions within sheltered waters, and for RYA Keel Boat courses.
  
• Shorebased Courses. We run a number of shore based courses including; RYA Short Range Radio Certificate and Examination (VHF), RYA Sea Survival (SSC), RYA Diesel Engine (DES), RYA Day Skipper Shorebased (DSS), RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased (CSY) and First Aid courses.

• Diving. With its range of sheltered and clear waters, and abundance of wrecks, KTC is ideally placed for diving. With two fulltime Sub Aqua Diving Supervisors (SADS) we conduct a range of diving courses. Starting with the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) Ocean Diver (ODC) course, service personnel can learn and develop their skills in a fantastic area. We also sponsor military diving clubs who use our facilities for their own expeditions and continuation training. We have 5 RIB's which are well equipped and maintained.

• Power Boating. Power boating originally began with the requirement to train operators to drive boats for diving and other water based activities. We offer RYA Level 2, Safety Boat, Intermediate and Advanced courses.

• Accommodation. We can accommodate and feed all course personnel. The accommodation is basic, but is dry, clean and functional. We do have a few rooms which are to a higher standard. The food is excellent.
  
• Access. There is good access within Germany and although we are a long way north the motorway system is quick and easy. We are within easy reach of the low cost airlines to either Lubeck or Hamburg Airports each being about 1 hour away. Ryanair goes to Lubeck and German Wings to Hamburg.

KTC /BKYC offer a fantastic opportunity. The courses are set out in JSP 419. If you need any help or advice please call us directly.

Booking

• Courses. Course listings can be found on the Courses and Dates link (under Related Pages) and bookings are done through the Online Booking System which can be found on the ATG(A) Website (under External Links).
• Expeditions and Private Charter. Unit expeditions and all charters including Sail Training Weeks are booked directly through BKYC.