Peter is a former British champion but from his earliest days as a competitor he started running specialist ‘Masterclass’ courses across the world and soon backed these up with a series of award-winning instructional DVDs, books and magazine articles – a combination which elevated him to the status of world technique ‘guru’.

It's a holiday NOT a classroom

A figure of over 70% repeat business tells you all you need to know about Peter’s clinics. Why such a high figure? People not only improve beyond their wildest dreams but also have an amazing time doing so. It’s an unbeatable formula and one that embraces ALL levels. Despite his star status, Peter is cuddly and very approachable. Those who shy away from his clinics for fear that it will all be too serious and way over their heads, have nothing to fear. “I cringe at the sight of a group being lectured to at 8 in the morning and then being led onto the water like a troupe of reluctant trekking ponies. Everyone learns in different ways. Some do like detailed, theoretical explanations, some just need to watch and imitate, some like to be pushed some prefer to be left alone. As a result my tuition is very much one to one. At the beginning of the week we make a personal ‘wish list’ and then get there through a mix of dry land rehearsal and then lots of on water practice and immediate feedback. Sometimes I sail with you, sometimes I observe and video. Sometimes you need to escape and sort a few things out away from the pressure of critical eyes … and then find me again when you a little re-directing.”

Individual Attention

And what about the worry of not being good enough? Well for your own safety and enjoyment, Peter suggests a minimum standard for each clinic (which can be as low as being able to use the harness). However, many of the venues are like golf courses in that they allow sailors of varying abilities to all play together. “At Mauritius, for example, we had a husband and wife team. He was desperate to loop and improve his downwind wave riding. She wanted to crack the waterstart and learn to stay upwind. No problem. Inside the reef you have a flat, shallow, safe practise area of unimaginable beauty; further out to sea, waves of Hawaiian-esque perfection, break over another reef. Everyone is happy. We just split the session.

Multiple Abilities

Taking these courses, I’m constantly reassured that committed windsurfers are great people. I don’t think we’ve ever had a bad egg. Despite a mix of abilities, there’s none of this sniffy “I’m better than you” lark. It’s probably not the smartest thing for the coach to say but I reckon they learn as much off each other as they do from me!”

Peter Hart's website