In gale force winds, sea state 'rough to very rough' and driving hail Sarah Shepherd and three of her Flying Fish yachtmaster traineeship classmates undertook their final practical exam. After 17 weeks of training had Sarah been transformed from wet-behind-the-ears novice to salty self-assured skipper? Two days later the verdict was delivered. But was it a pass or a fail?

In the January issue of Yachting World, on sale 9th December, we reveal all. Did Sarah and her fellow students pass or fail their exam? Will they be returning to the Flying Fish classroom, or cockpit, for further instruction. And read Editor Andrew Bray's impressions after a day's sailing with Sarah and a classmate.

Yachting World, 1 December 2004