We are a dedicated team, passionate to share what we have learned and proud to see our students set sail on their own.
"We are everyday moved by the passion for what we do. We want that whoever chooses to sail with us has the best possible experience, individual attentitio to their needs as well as boats with hight end quaity and equiment. We want above all to do better everytime we hoist our sails.Choosing West Coast is also to choose an operator who cares about your safety at sea and works beyond the minimum legal requirements for operating on the water.
A solid Team that, since 2006, knows how to stand by you both on the water and ashore."
- Vítor Dias
Our Skippers
Vítor Dias
Co-Owner / CEO
RYA Yachtmaster Instructor / RYA Training Centre Principal
Fernando Livro
Co-Owner
RYA Chief Instructor / Operations
Our Dedicated Team
André Chermont
Instructor / Comercial & Admin
João Barradas
Comercial & Admin
Catarina Ferlov
Comercial & Admin
João Gouveia
Instrutor
Filipe Vieira
Instructor
João Piteira
Instructor
Álvaro Santos
Instructor
Ana Trindade
Instructor
Hugo Guia
Instructor
We Want to Know Your Opinion
We value your opinion and advise !
Wether it is a suggestion to improve on our operations or something you would like to change in a course...
We want to listen and implement.
It is with this approach that we have been able to permanently improve in the last 12 years.
History
While we have always kept Training as our main focus (Sailing Courses and "Cartas de Navegador"), West Coast is present in several areas namely corporate nautical events (teambuilding and client entertainment), Skippered Yacht Charter, Yacht Deliveries and Chandlery with several support services and well known nautical brands on sale at our marina shop.
Some of our products and services, like the My Yacht, are absolute inovations in our market and reflect our permanent effort of leadership and improvement.
Our Member's Club is a fractional sailing system unique to Portugal. Lauchend in May 2010, it allows you to benefit from a sailing boat for the equivalent price of a mooring. We are also the first company to have created specific products for the "experience market". Sailing Baptisms, the famous "Romantic Cruise" (now also in its VIP version) Go Sailing and Learn to Sail. In 2010 we were also the first to lauch our own "Gift Boxes". In 2011 we launched our "Flexible Outings" a system that allows our student sto keep on sailing with total flexibility.
In 2012 we open new facilities with a new shop in our Base Marina, Oeiras. This has allowed us space to open a small chandlery providing services for passing and resident boats.
2013 starts with an important step . recognition from the RYA to teach in Lisbon the top sailing and powerboating training scheme - RYA Sail Cruising Scheme e RYA Powerboating Scheme. A recognition that puts Lisbon and West Coast in the map of the best worldwide training centres, both for sailing and powerboating.
In 2014 we added new courses to our offer that include "Patrão de Costa" and other RYA recognized shorebased courses : Essential Navigation and Seamanship (online), Dayskipper Shorebased, Costal Skipper / Yachtmaster Shorebased, VHF-SRC (both classroom and online courses) and Professional Practices and Responsibilities (online).
In 2015 we reached recognition to teach RYA First Aid, a new short course adequa and a compulsory pre-requisite for the Yachtmaster exams.
In 2016 we lauched Patrão de Alto Mar, thus completing all training certifications within the portuguese certification scheme.
In 2017 we continued our permanent effort to introduce new courses with the new RYA Radar short course.
In 2018 we started the renovation of our fleet with a fantastic new Dufour 382 Grand Large. SY "PEARL" offers the most modern platform for our RYA courses. We have also expanded our offer for the portuguese certified courses with a nw location in Lisbona at "Marina Parque das Nações".
Some of our products and services, like the My Yacht, are absolute inovations in our market and reflect our permanent effort of leadership and improvement.
Our Member's Club is a fractional sailing system unique to Portugal. Lauchend in May 2010, it allows you to benefit from a sailing boat for the equivalent price of a mooring. We are also the first company to have created specific products for the "experience market". Sailing Baptisms, the famous "Romantic Cruise" (now also in its VIP version) Go Sailing and Learn to Sail. In 2010 we were also the first to lauch our own "Gift Boxes". In 2011 we launched our "Flexible Outings" a system that allows our student sto keep on sailing with total flexibility.
In 2012 we open new facilities with a new shop in our Base Marina, Oeiras. This has allowed us space to open a small chandlery providing services for passing and resident boats.
2013 starts with an important step . recognition from the RYA to teach in Lisbon the top sailing and powerboating training scheme - RYA Sail Cruising Scheme e RYA Powerboating Scheme. A recognition that puts Lisbon and West Coast in the map of the best worldwide training centres, both for sailing and powerboating.
In 2014 we added new courses to our offer that include "Patrão de Costa" and other RYA recognized shorebased courses : Essential Navigation and Seamanship (online), Dayskipper Shorebased, Costal Skipper / Yachtmaster Shorebased, VHF-SRC (both classroom and online courses) and Professional Practices and Responsibilities (online).
In 2015 we reached recognition to teach RYA First Aid, a new short course adequa and a compulsory pre-requisite for the Yachtmaster exams.
In 2016 we lauched Patrão de Alto Mar, thus completing all training certifications within the portuguese certification scheme.
In 2017 we continued our permanent effort to introduce new courses with the new RYA Radar short course.
In 2018 we started the renovation of our fleet with a fantastic new Dufour 382 Grand Large. SY "PEARL" offers the most modern platform for our RYA courses. We have also expanded our offer for the portuguese certified courses with a nw location in Lisbona at "Marina Parque das Nações".
Team Profiles
An experienced and professional Team is what you will find when you sail with us. With a vast experience instructing in all types of sailing and powerboats and many miles, we know all the intincacies of sailing up and down the portuguese west coast. And it is with gret pleasure that we share our experience and knowledge.
All our skippers are adequately trained, have wide experience and take pride in the impecable condition of all our boats. Instructing ability and a taste to share the pleasures of being on the water are fundamental characteristics for our instructors and team members. With West Coast you will certainly find fun and safety for all your courses and events. Check below a bit more about each of our instructors and tem members !
All our skippers are adequately trained, have wide experience and take pride in the impecable condition of all our boats. Instructing ability and a taste to share the pleasures of being on the water are fundamental characteristics for our instructors and team members. With West Coast you will certainly find fun and safety for all your courses and events. Check below a bit more about each of our instructors and tem members !
Álvaro Santos
Álvaro's professional experience as Lifeguard and "Rescue Diver" as well as firefighting make him a valuable resource in what concerns safety training. West Coast was his first choice to learn how to sail and 2 years later the transition from "student" to "instructor" occured naturally. Today Álvaro is responsible for our firefightin and Firt Aid modules within the portuguese certification scheme. Besides being a certified PADI / EFR (Emergency First Response) trainer, Álvaro is also an RYA First Aid Instructor and is responsible for running our "RYA First Aid at Sea" courses. A valuable asset in our traiing offer in the fields of safety and First Aid on board. | |
 RYA First Aid Instructor (Mar2015); |  |
| RYA VHF-SRC (Mar2015); | |
| RYA Powerboat Level 2 (Dez2013); | |
| RYA First Aid (Nov2013); | |
| Patrão Local (Out2012); | |
| Divemaster PADI (Mar2003); | |
| Rescue Diver PADI (Dez2002); | |
| Nitrox Diver (Out2002); | |
| Instrutor Emergency First Response (Mar2003); | |
| Assistant Instructor PADI; | |
| Instrutor Emergency First Response - Care for Children; | |
| Trainers' Instructor Course (Pedagogy) | |
André Chermont
| André works full time and is involved in all daily tasks, is administration and shop but also maintenance. His large experience as a dinghy laser sailorand Optimist Coach are an important asset when supporting our students and clients, be it when advising the best training programe or on the best product choice in our shop. André is also an RYA powerboat isntructor an has been taking steps to become an RYA cruising instructor. When you call us or visit our shop andré might well be the voice on the phone and the ideal person to advise about the best trainig options, corporate event of cruising expereince. | |
| RYA Yachtmaster Ocean (Fev2020) | |
| RYA Cruising Instructor (Jan2020) | |
| Atlantic Crossing Madeira - St. Lucia (20 days)(Nov19) | |
| General operator's Certificate VHF-MF-HF (Jul2018) |  |
| RYA Powerboat Instructor (Fev2018) | |
| Trainers' Instructor Course (Pedagogy) (Abr2017); | |
| RYA PPR (Nov.2016); | |
| RYA First Aid at Sea (Jan.2016); | |
| Patrão de Costa (Nov.2014); | |
| RYA Day Skipper (Set2014); | |
| RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased (Abr2014); | |
| RYA Powerboat Level 2 (Dez2013); | |
| Patrão Local (Jul2013); | |
| Graduation in Marketing; | |
| Sports Coach Licence (Level I); | |
| Optimist Coach in Sport Algés e Dafundo e Clube Náutico de Almada; | |
| Carta de Marinheiro. | |
Fernando Livro
| Fernando is our most experienced instructor with with more miles sailed. He is also reasponsible for the maintenance of our boats and the coordination of all our activities afloat. On top of his experience afloat, both sailing and powerboating, Fernando has added a stron world class professional training including "Patrão de Alto Mar", Portuguese Sailing Federation level 1 instructor , RYA Yachtmaster Offshore with Commercial Endorsment, RYA YAchtmaster Instructor, RYA Sea Survival, RYA Powerboat Instructor and VHF assessor. | |
| RYA Yachtmaster Instructor (Apr2017); |  |
| RYA First Aid at Sea (Jan2016); | |
| RYA PPR (Mar2016); | |
| RYA VHF-SRC Assessor (Mar2014); | |
| RYA VHF-SRC (Nov2013); | |
| Operador Geral Radiotelefonista VHF-MF-HF (Nov2013); | |
| RYA Powerboat Instructor (Dec2012); | |
| RYA First Aid (Dec2012); | |
| Trainers' Instructor Course (Pedagogy) (Dec2012); | |
| RYA Cruising Instructor (Aug2011); | |
| RYA Sea Survival (Jun2011); | |
| Open Water Diver (PADI) (Nov2010); | |
| RYA Yachtmaster Offshore (Feb2010); | |
| RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Course (Fev2010); | |
| Curso de Primeiros Socorros Suporte Básico de Vida Emergency First Response (Jan2010); | |
| Carta de Patrão de Alto Mar (Dez2008); | |
| Curso Treinador Fed. Port. Vela com Cédula de Treinador de Desporto (Nov2003). | |
Filipe Vieira
| Currently responsible for our metereology modules, a fundamental subject for boating but very often forgotten, Filipe was able to bring new life and interest to our meteorology training. But Filipe's experience goes way farther than just metereology. Graduated in NAval Military Science (Escola Naval, Portuguese NAvy) and top quality trianing en electronic and comunications and navigation, teaching experience at Escola Naval (radar and navigation) Filipe is a team with whom there is plenty to learn with and win an experience hard to match. | |
| Officer in Comand NRP Polar (Sep2019); | |
| RYA Day Skipper (Jun2016); |  |
| RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased (Abr2016); | |
| RYA Powerboat Level 2 (Jan2014); | |
| Licenciado em Meteorologia, Oceanografia e Geofisica na FCUL; | |
| Carta de Navegador de Recreio de Patrão de Alto Mar; | |
| Certificado Geral de Operador Radiotelefonista; | |
| Certificado de Competências Pedagógicas de Formador (2012); | |
| Formador na área de navegação, meteorologia e de salvamento maritimo; | |
| Curso de operador de ECDIS; | |
| Curso de "Briefing Officer" para Aconselhamento Naval da navegação mercante (2008); | |
| Curso de planeamento e operações de salvamento Maritimo (2008); | |
| Treino na área de navegação em Inglaterra (Operational Sea Training - Plymouth); | |
| Especializado em Navegação (2008); | |
| Curso de Operador geral de GMDSS (2006); | |
| Licenciatura em Ciências Militares Navais com mais de 5000 horas de experiência como Oficial de Quarto e Chefe de Serviço de Navegação com diversos planeamentos de viagem nacionais e internacionais; | |
| Curso de Aperfeiçoamento avançado de Limitação de Avarias para imediatos e chefes de departamento (2004). | |
Vitor Dias
| With previous experience in dinghy sailing and a study background in management, Vitor is "RYA Yachtmaster Instructor", "RYA Powerboat Instructor", RYA VHF-SRC Assessor as well as RYA Radar instructor. Vitor is our Training Centre Principal and thus is responsible for all the operation ashore and afloat. | ||
| RYA Radar Instructor (Mar2017); |  | |
| RYA Radar (Mar2017); | ||
| RYA Advanced Powerboat (Mar2017); | ||
| RYA First Aid at Sea (Oct2019); | ||
| RYA VHF-SRC Assessor (Mar2014); | ||
| RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities (Fev2014); | ||
| RYA VHF-SRC (Nov2013); | ||
| Operador Geral Radiotelefonista (VHF-MF-HF) (Jul2013); | ||
| RYA Powerboat Instructor (Dez2012); | ||
| RYA First Aid (Dez2012); | ||
| RYA Powerboat Level2 (Dez2012); | ||
| RYA Yachtmaster Instructor (Apr2012); | ||
| RYA Cruising Instructor (Jul2011); | ||
| RYA Sea Suvival (Jun2011); | ||
| RYA Yachtmaster Offshore (Fev2011); | ||
| RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Course (Fev2011); | ||
| RYA Yachtmaster Coastal (Fev2010); | ||
| Curso de Primeiros Socorros Suporte Básico de Vida Emergency First Response (Jan2012); | ||
| Curso de Treinador Fed. Port. Vela com Cédula de Treinador de Desporto (Fev2003). | ||
João Barradas
| João learnt how to sail at West Coast and following this he became a skipper for a scuba-diving school in Azores. He graduated from university in tourism. Currently a master student in digital marketing, João plays a key role in organising our front and back office.. | |
| Graduation in Tourism (2017) |  |
| RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased (Jan 2016) | |
| RYA First Aid (Mar 2016) | |
| RYA Day Skipper (Jul2014) | |
| Patrão Local (Fev2015) | |
| RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Mai2014 | |
João Gouveia
João learnt sail how to sail at West Coast and since is started he never stopped. | |
| RYA First Aid (Aug2019) |  |
| RYA Yachtmaster Instructor (Nov2018) | |
| RYA SRC Assessor (Nov2016) | |
| Patrão de Alto Mar (Nov2015) | |
| RYA Powerboat Level 2 (Nov2013) | |
| Curso de Primeiros Socorros - EFR-Emergency First Response (Dez2013) | |
| Curso de Formaçao de Formadores (Fev2012) | |
| RYA Yachmaster Shorebased Course (Set2011) | |
Catarina Ferlov
| Catarina is the help in the other side of the phone, ready to advise what is the best course for you | |
| Local Skipper (Mar2017) | |
| Portuguese Dinghy Instructor (2020) | |
| 1st Aid Course (2016) | |
| RYA Day Skipper shorebased ) (in Course) (Jan 2021) | |
Hugo Guia
| Hugo is one of our instructors for the Portuguese license sylabus. Since a very young age he dedicated himself to sport fishing on board and also to underwater fishing, a sport in which he currently competing. It has more than 3,970 days on board and 8,959 hours of navigation. He arrived in the West Coast in 2018 and is responsible for teaching topics such as Navigation, Colision regulations and Communications | |
| Improvement Course in Health and Safety at Work (2019) |  |
| Improvement Course in Fire Extinguisher Handling Techniques (2019) | |
| Basic First Aid Course (2018) | |
| Basic Life Support Course (2018) | |
| Human Resources Management Improvement Course (2017) | |
| First Mate Creoula Sea Training Vessel (2017-2019) | |
| Officer in Comand of the Patrol Ship Zaire (2015-2016) | |
| Improvement Course in Maritime Search and Rescue Operations (2015) | |
| Internship for Commanders and Immediate Officers (2013) | |
| General Radio Operator Certificate (2009) | |
| Portuguese License Ocean Skipper (2008) | |
| First Mate of the Cuanza Patrol Ship (2006-2007) | |
| Portuguese Coastal Skipper license (2004) | |
| Degree in Naval Military Sciences (2000-2005) | |
| Advanced Breakdown Improvement Course (2004) | |
| Internship in Naval Tactics for Officer from Quarter to Bridge (2004) | |
| Basic Improvement Course on Limitation of Damages (2001) | |
| Portuguese license Local Skipper (2000) | |
Ana Trindade
| Ana is our trainer for the Portuguese license sylabus, responsible for teaching topics such as communications or safety. With knowledge of regatta and hundreds of miles navigated, it will surely be an excellent aid to the training of all our students. | |
| Portuguese Ocean Skipper certificate | |
| GMDSS Operator | |
| Serch and Rescue Navy Course | |
| Sailing Course in CNOCA | |
João Piteira
| Since he was young he dedicated himself to the practice of dinghy sailing, starting with the Optimist class and then moving on to the Laser class. With a master's degree in Naval Sciences, from the Naval School, Military University Institute, with specific training in electronics and communications, navigation and meteorology. He arrived on the West Coast in 2020, and is currently one of our trainers on topics such as lighths and Communications. | |
| Portuguese Ocean Skipper Certificate |  |
| Basic first aid course (2016) | |
| Basic Life Support Course (2016) | |
| Master in Naval Military Sciences | |
| ECDIS Operator Course (2017) | |
| GMDSS General Operator Course (2017) | |
| Course on Maritime Rescue Planning and Operations (2018) | |
| RYA GMDSS Short Range | |
| Curso de Aperfeiçoamento em Técnicas de Manuseamento de Extintores (2018) | |
| Advanced Limitation Improvement Course (2018) | |
| Naval Tactic Internship for Bridge Officer | |
Our Locations
Oeiras Yachting Harbor offers access to an outstanding water plan. It offers modern infrastructure with restaurants, shops, showers, parking and boatyard all in a stunning location between Lisbon and Cascais.Around the marina, you will find several high quality beaches, and ocean swimming-pool and a cycle path by the water.
Its strategic location at the mouth of the river Tagus allows you to experience the Atlantic or otherwise look for the more protected and tidal waters of the river.
It's proximity to Cascais and Lisbon (about 6nm each) as well as the quick exit towards the south for destinations like Sesimbra are also a solid advantage.
| {mosmap kml='http://www.westcoast.pt/images/Porto_Recreio_Oeiras.kml'} Coordenadas GPS: N38º40.580 W009º19.109 |
Our Promess
We always thought that "Satisfaction Guaranteed" is not a very inspiring sentence. We want you to be satisfied of course, but we prefer that you are absolutey delighted with your experience and training.We are proud of the job we do so we are not happy if you are not happy. If, for any reason, you are unhappy with the activity or experience you have chosen you can repeat it at no additional cost.
In what training is concerned we cannot guarantee that you will always pass and get your certificate. But we can assure you that we will do our best so that you can reach your objectives.
Therefore we are the only traiing centre to offer you a "Learning Agreement" and second chance, assuring that you can repeat your course or activity (or parts of it) at no additional cost. Our objective is to improve your skill and assure you a memorable experience so we are commited with the result and pretty confident that West Coast will stand up to your expectations.
Why West Coast
Choosing West Coast for your sailing our powerboat courses means choosing a high quality service and customized service.When you choose us we promess you will find:
The first school in the Lisbon area to recah the prestigious Royal Yachting Association recognition, allowing us to deliver the best and most internationally recognized sail and powerboat training schem; Company registered with "Turismo de Portugal" (Marítimo-Turístico operator as required by portuguese law) and Entidade Formadora para a Náutica de Recreio (certifies by DGRM as required by law) ; We offer training both for sailing and powerboating with internationally recognized certification (Royal Yachting Association). Offer of recreational courses as well as courses leading to professional qualifications; Insurance coverage above the minimum required by law; A truly professional team: Instrutores and Skippers with trainng courses from the Portuguese Sailing Federation as well as certified courses by the RYA (Royal Yachting Association), with continuous professional development and massive experience in dinghy, cruising, powerboat and class teaching; New boats, modern and sportive, thoroughly maintaned and adequate to the trainig objectives whether it's a sailing course, a powerboat course or simply a charter or an experience; A maximum student to instructor ratio of 5:1 (4 alunos para 1 instrutor) in each sailing course and a maximum of 3:1 in the powerboat courses. Several level and schuling options adpated to individual needs with courses on weekdays and weekends; Our leanring contract and warranty (we offer the possibility of repeating your course withou cost if you do not pass). We are the only training centre to offer a learning contract to benefit it's students; E-learning platform for our online courses and to support our theory class courses, which offer additional learning resources and ways to interact with the instructors.
