At Palma Sea School, we believe the quality of your training is defined by the people delivering it. That is why we have assembled one of the most experienced and qualified training teams in the Mediterranean.
Expertise at the Helm: Meet Your Instructors
From active RYA Examiners who set the industry standards to seasoned engineers and lifelong sailors, our instructors bring decades of real-world experience to the classroom and the cockpit. We don’t just teach the syllabus; we share the practical insight, “insider” knowledge, and seamanship skills that build true confidence at sea. Whether you are taking your first steps on deck or aiming for your Yachtmaster Ocean, you are learning from the very best in the business.
John O’Hara
School Principal, Chief Sail Instructor & RYA Sail Examiner
As School Principal and Chief Sail Instructor, John brings over 20 years of instructional experience to the helm.
An active RYA Yachtmaster Sail Examiner and SRC Assessor, he has successfully trained thousands of students right here in Palma.
John is renowned for his ability to simplify complex theory, helping students build the essential confidence and competence required for life at sea.
Steve Ginger
Chief Motor Instructor & RYA Motor Examiner
As Chief Motor Instructor and an active RYA Motor Examiner, Steve delivers Day Skipper and Yachtmaster training for both Motor and Sail.
He combines clear instruction with a supportive approach, using his examiner’s unique perspective to demystify assessment requirements.
Steve is appreciated for his patient guidance, successfully building student confidence both at the helm and in the classroom.
Pippa Turton
Instructor
Pippa specializes in delivering Competent Crew and Day Skipper Sail courses, playing a vital role in preparing students for their progression toward Yachtmaster.
Renowned for her friendly and supportive approach, she excels at creating a positive learning environment where every student feels comfortable and capable on board, regardless of their experience level.
Jon Lewis
Engineering Instructor
Jon specializes in delivering our AEC1 and AEC2 courses, bringing a wealth of practical knowledge and hands-on experience to the engineering classroom.
His teaching style is defined by clear communication and a steady, confidence-building approach, ensuring students master complex technical skills effectively.
Balazs “Bali” Doczy
Instructor
Bali instructs across the full RYA spectrum, teaching everything from Competent Crew to Yachtmaster Sail, covering both theory and practical modules.
A qualified SRC Assessor, he is renowned for his calm, structured teaching style.
Bali excels at mentoring students through every stage of their development, expertly guiding them from novice sailors to advanced Yachtmaster candidates.
Joanne Boycott
Operations Manager
Having been with Palma Sea School for many years, Jo is central to the smooth running of our daily operations.
She is dedicated to ensuring that every student’s experience is seamless, organized, and positive.
Jo manages the essential logistics to guarantee a high-quality journey for every student from start to finish.
Phil Rowlands
Engineering Instructor
Phil instructs on our AEC1 and AEC2 courses, dedicated to helping students build a solid foundation in small-vessel engineering.
He combines clear, accessible explanations with hands-on learning to ensure practical mastery.
His extensive industry experience and straightforward teaching style make him a key asset to our technical training team.
Simon Bradshaw
Yachtmaster Ocean Instructor & Examiner
Simon is a specialist in advanced navigation, teaching our Yachtmaster Ocean Theory and other shorebased courses.
An RYA Examiner since 2013, he brings decades of experience -from racing dinghies in Cowes to skippering his own 30-ton schooner.
Students love his ability to turn complex subjects like celestial navigation and meteorology into simple, understandable concepts. His deep passion for the ocean and “examiner’s eye” ensure you are perfectly prepared for the highest levels of RYA certification.
The Examiner Advantage: Learn from the Standard-Setters
At Palma Sea School, we are in a unique position within the training industry. We are extremely proud to have three specialist instructors on our team who are also active RYA Examiners.
Why does this matter to you?
Taking a Yachtmaster exam can be a daunting prospect. Often, the biggest hurdle is the “fear of the unknown.” By training with instructors who are also examiners, we remove that mystery.
Our team brings over 60 years of combined experience in delivering RYA Yachtmaster courses. Because they actively conduct exams for the RYA, they possess an intricate understanding of the syllabus and the specific criteria required to pass. They know the difference between a “good” skipper and a “qualified” skipper, and they structure their teaching to ensure you reach that standard before exam day arrives.
They don’t just teach you how to sail or motor; they teach you how to think like a captain.
Meet the Experts
We are proud to have these dedicated professionals delivering our courses every month:
- Simon Bradshaw: RYA Examiner (Yachtmaster Sail and Ocean)
- John O’Hara: RYA Examiner (Yachtmaster Sail)
- Steve Ginger: RYA Examiner (Yachtmaster Motor)
Whether you are aiming for your Yachtmaster Offshore under sail or your Coastal Skipper under power, you can be confident that your training at Palma Sea School is being delivered by the very best in the business.