THE FULL-DAY HELMSMAN COURSE

The RYA has always made great play of the fact that it is self-regulating and wants training to remain recommended rather than mandatory as it is elsewhere in Europe. That way there are the least number of barriers stopping people taking up leisure boating. However, proper training is a great benefit and is essential for some insurance and continental boating

The majority of people get their first taste of boating by hiring a boat for a holiday or having a day out with friends. Self-taught boaters often end up living with faults and bad habits they are not aware of. This can often seriously dent their confidence and lead some to give up. We have noted that people who undertake training enjoy their boating far more that those who are self taught.

We strongly encourage all our owners to take the full-day helmsman course. To make this available to as many boaters as possible, we have linked with Norfolk based Royal Yachting Association instructor, Mick Reynolds.

Mick Reynolds has 40 years experience in sailing and powerboats and is a qualified Yacht Master Commercial Skipper. He has extensively cruised the East Coast, the Caribbean and Europe.

Mick says: "The emphasis of the whole day is about safety; safety of your boat, safety of its crew and safety of the environment and other water users".

The Helmsman Course will instruct both newcomers and more experienced boaters in the principles of better and safer boating.