[thomsonjd]

November is getting very late in the season so be prepared for some very cold and inclement weather! I suggest that you look at the Royal Yachting Association''s website (www.rya.org). Click on "Training and Courses", then "Sail and Motor Cruising" and finaly "s"West". You will then find a list of RYA approved companies/individuals who run the various RYA recognised courses. With luck (and the speed of email) you should be able to find one that will give you private instruction if your dates do not corespond to their course dates.

Another approach is to get your hands on a copy of the UK yacht magazine "Yachting Monthly" and browse the ads for tuition.

Good luck. South West of England is a wonderful cruising ground - but be prepared for some big Atlantic seas!