RYA CEO experiences the Midlands Inland Waterways 

As she embarks on her RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman course...

RYA CEO Sarah Treseder was welcomed by Canalboat Training & Willow Wren Training Schools to the Midlands canal network on Friday 1 July to try her hand at inland boating.  

Greeted by a beautiful sunny day, it was a great introduction to the UK’s unique inland waterways.  

During her day on the water Sarah completed the full RYA inland syllabus, experiencing and learning new boating skills to compliment her already extensive knowledge.

Throughout the day she covered safety, helmsmanship, locks and tunnels, collision avoidance and an introduction to engine maintenance.  

Sarah commented, of her day: “I now have a much better understanding of the inland waterways and how the RYA fits into the inland scheme. Being able to see and hear first-hand from RYA principals how we can better support students and inland training centres was invaluable.”

With friendly and calm instruction Sarah built a huge amount of confidence throughout the day course, the main difference being to use the tiller fully, compared to the small movements of a yacht tiller and continuing her interest of caring for the environment, as general practice in all boating activities.  

Sam Clarke & Steve Vaughan, RYA Principals & Inland Instructor Trainers were pleased to hear Sarah would do it all again. Sam, who is the principal at Canalboat Training, delivered the instruction and Steve, principal of Willow Wren Training hosted the course on his new school boat ‘Peggy’. In fact this special day with Sarah was Peggy’s first course.  

Gareth Brookes, RYA Regional Development Officer, Midlands added: “It has been a fantastic day, great to get a better understanding of training centres, their challenges and what support the RYA could provide, as well as having good fun along the way.”  

To find out more about the RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman course check at the training pages of the website.

Click here for more information on starting boating in Narrowboats and information on the Canal & River Trust