What a skipper does
The skipper is the person in command of the boat. They hold an official qualification proving they know how to do it. They are the one who decides the course, the speed and the manoeuvres. And, above all, they are the one responsible for the safety of everyone on board.
Their job is to read the sea. They watch the wind, the waves and the state of the water to choose where to go and when to stop. Many of their decisions go unnoticed: they are constant adjustments so the day turns out calm and safe.
Who you find on our outings
On every Picarus outing the skipper does not sail alone. A specialist guide also comes along. They are two different roles that complement each other. The skipper takes care of steering the sailboat. The guide accompanies the group, explains the surroundings and helps you look at just the right moment.
That pairing makes the difference. With small groups of up to nine passengers, both can keep an eye on the people. The skipper chooses where to anchor safely. The guide looks after respect for the wildlife and for the Teno-Rasca Marine Strip, the protected area we sail through.
The sea is not a stage. We do not sell an excursion, we share an experience. Having on board someone who knows these waters makes you feel looked after and free to enjoy yourself.
A detail to remember
When there are cetaceans nearby, the skipper reduces the speed to less than four knots, as Spanish rules require. It is not a decision of the moment: it is a way of sailing with respect that we always apply.
That is why the skipper is much more than the one at the helm. They are the one who balances safety, calm and care for the surroundings. Their experience is what lets the day flow without upsets, slowly and at peace with the sea of south-west Tenerife.
