Clubs and volunteers invited to sign up for RYA North East powerboat courses

Powerboat courses across the RYA North East region are providing opportunities for club volunteers and instructors to develop safety boat and instructor skills.

More than half a dozen powerboat courses are being made available over the first half of 2022. The first one - a Powerboat & Safety Boat Handling Skills Development Day - took place at North Yorkshire Water Park in February, and attracted 12 participants from Ripon SC, Sunderland YC, Thornton Steward SC and Catterick Garrison SC.

The course costs just £30 and aims to update participants on current good practice, improve boat handling and provide essential insights for supporting sailing and windsurfing activities. Aimed at Powerboat Level 2 holders aged 16+, it is ideal for RYA Training Centre instructors who use powerboats as well as those carrying out safety cover duties at clubs, centres and Sailability venues.

Commenting on the day, Paul Adams, RYA North East Sailing Development Officer, said: “Participants were able to improve their personal boat handling and we looked at both Powerboat Level 2 and Safety Boat skills. It was a good day of learning all round with lots of positive feedback from those who took part, who were able to develop their own skills and experience model sessions, then take away that knowledge to share and provide training for members at their own centres.

“More courses from across the RYA powerboat training scheme are now scheduled, including another skills development day plus a two-day RYA Safety Boat course. There are also courses for would-be powerboat instructors to further develop training opportunities in the region. I would urge all our clubs and centres to take a look at what’s on offer for their instructors and volunteers.”

Boosting skills

Jamie Kerslake, Commodore of Ripon SC, was among eight participants from the club who signed up for the Powerboat & Safety Boat Handling Skills Development Day in February to get ready for a busy new season.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to bring together a wide cross section of the club's members and gain a refresher on basic handling principles in different types of craft as well as learn from each others’ experiences,” says Jamie. “As a group, we gained a better understanding of skills and practical techniques that can be transferred to our own club. I would highly recommend this course to everyone that uses powerboats in their setting and I would encourage clubs to have an away day and use it as some team time alongside the obvious skills refresher.” 

The next Powerboat & Safety Boat Handling Skills Development Day will take place at Tees & Hartlepool Yacht Club on Saturday 19 March. A Powerboat Instructor course at Tynemouth SC this month is already fully booked but places are still available and bookable for the following:

• Powerboat & Safety Boat Handling Skills Development Day: Tees & Hartlepool YC, Saturday 19 March, £30 - an opportunity to update on current good practise & improve your personal boat handling.
• Powerboat Instructor: Scarborough Sea Cadets, 9 April pre-assessment followed by three-day courses 6-8 May, £250 - become a RYA Powerboat Instructor to be able to teach Level 1, Level 2 and potentially the Safety Boat course as part of a RYA Training Centre.
• Safety Boat Course at Tees & Hartlepool YC, 30 April-1 May, £80 - gain the skills for acting as an escort craft, safety boat or coach boat for dinghies, windsurfers or canoes, including rescue techniques and elements of race management and mark laying.
• Discover Instructing Day: North Yorkshire Water Park, 21 May, £30 a one-day programme for those interested in the idea of becoming a powerboat instructor who would like to know more before making a commitment to gaining an instructor qualification.
• Powerboat Instructor Skills Development: Welton Water Adventure Centre, 22 July, £25 - an opportunity for Powerboat Instructors to update on current good practice and develop their skills. 

Further information and booking for all RYA North East courses, including dinghy, windsurfing and powerboat, can be found here. If you are looking for a course which is not currently available please get in touch.

Grant support for training

Clubs, classes and individuals within the region who would like to access training with the aim of increasing participation or membership, may be eligible for a bursary from the RYA North East Regional Volunteer Development and Martin Boatman Legacy Fund.

Grants of up to £250 are available to support volunteer development across all aspects of boating and - via the Martin Boatman Legacy Fund managed by RYA Coaching Development - for young people aged under 30 who want to become race coaches or further develop their skills.

Find out more about the fund or apply here.