Midlands clubs invited to book ‘Ben in a Boat’ sessions
Clubs in the Midlands have been benefiting from informal upskilling sessions for their instructors and volunteers thanks to the region’s ‘Ben in a Boat’ initiative.
Launched in Spring 2023, the scheme enables clubs to host RYA Midlands Regional Manager Ben Hodgson for an on-water topic to support their activities.
The practical afternoon or evening sessions enable committee members, instructors and volunteers to get out with Ben to develop their knowledge or refresh their skills.
Clubs are invited to choose their theme – whether for powerboating, sailing, windsurfing or instructing – and ‘Ben in a Boat’ visits over the 2024 season have included:
- Leicestershire & Rutland Youth Sailing Association: Exploring how to deliver short and effective, high quality activity briefings
- Wanlip Sailing Club & Syston Sailing Club in Leicestershire: Powerboat/safety boat skills sessions at both for club volunteers
- Swarkestone Sailing Club in Derbyshire: Developing good practice for delivering briefings/demonstrations and spinnaker training
- Barnt Green Sailing Club, Worcestershire: Updates for instructors, powerboat and safety boat drivers
- Northampton Sailing Club: Youth and junior activities
- Manor Park Sailing Club in Staffordshire: upcoming session to help prepare three people for their RYA Senior Instructor course.
Jez Lewis, Commodore of Syston Sailing Club, where Ben led a powerboat session, said: "It gave a first taste on the tiller for some, and allowed others to brush up their skills. Ben's visit was most welcome, especially for some of our new members and instructors. They learnt a lot.”
At Wanlip Sailing Club, Ben did a talk on shore about powerboat/safety boat skills, then took a group of club members on the water. Commodore Richard Harris explained: “Ben had some top tips and helped to build confidence, enthusing six of the group to do an RYA Powerboat Level 2 course, so on race days we’ll have a bigger pool of safety helms and crew.
“Additionally, one of our members who used to be a Powerboat Level 2 instructor has asked to re-do this qualification, which will also help the club in the future. Ben’s three-hour evening session with us was really useful and I’d fully recommend it to other clubs.”
Instructor tips
At Swarkestone SC, Ben was asked to run a session offering instructor tips for sailing with asymmetric spinnakers. Stephen Molloy, Secretary and Training Principal, said: “Ben was very good at explaining instructing theory and methods and then we were off out on the water.
“We all agreed that Ben made us think. He showed us how he’d approach the challenge and then made us do the demos and analyse each other. The session was of great value to all of us and we were grateful to Ben for his time.”
Previous ‘Ben in a Boat’ visits in 2023 included sessions for Chelmarsh SC and Telford SC in Shropshire, Himley Hall SC in the Black Country, Hollowell SC in Northamptonshire.
Ben said: “It’s always a real pleasure to call in at clubs around the region to support volunteers and instructors, and it also brings together people from within clubs, who are then able to share their insights with each other.
“If your club would like to arrange a ‘Ben in a Boat’ visit, please do get in touch. It’s an opportunity for you to take me out on the water for a practical session at your venue, with a spotlight on whatever subject you would find useful for your team."
Moving into the shorter daylight hours of autumn and winter, although evening sessions might not be possible, ‘Ben in a Boat’ visits will still be available to clubs on weekdays.
Contact RYA Midlands Regional Manager Ben to arrange a date in the diary!