Scotland's Boat Show 2019
Kip Marina hosted Scotland’s Boat Show from the 11th-13th of October with visitors curious about getting afloat or finding the best options across the marine trade for their boating needs.
RYA Scotland partnered with RYA Training provider You & Sea to provided FREE powerboat training on their 40’ motorboat ‘Millbrook’ and their RIB ‘Mustang’. Longer training sessions focused on building skills using RYA Training methods including berthing and manoeuvring in confined areas which proved very popular with every session at capacity.
One happy participant, Stuart Norris from Paisley commented:
“That was really interesting in a confined space and kind of scary when you have so many expensive boats around, but the manoeuvrability of the boat was well explained. I have a single engine powerboat of around 17 foot and did the RYA level 2 course a few years ago and it really helped me with my boat. So I came along to see what I need to do for the next level. The instructor was first class and knowing what to do and getting good guidance really helps you control the boat easily.”
The Mcainsh family came to the show looking at what boat may suit them and went on Millbrook to experience berthing a 40 foot motor-cruiser using twin engines. William Mcainsh enthused.
“Great fun! For me it was experience of a bigger boat, which I have never driven one this big before, so it gives you a bit of confidence if you get a chance to get one like this on a holiday. Really good taken a lot out of it on berthing even though it was a relatively short session”
With RYA courses running across 167 recognised training centres in Scotland, providing training for motor boating, sailing, windsurfing , canal boating and power boating there is plenty opportunity to find a course for you. Find your nearest here.
The RYA Scotland Pavilion hosted our own stand with staff and volunteers engaged in conversations on how to make the most of visitors boating including information on training, safety, sustainability and highlighting the numerous benefits of RYA membership which can reduce the cost of your boating.
British Marine’s James Scott-Anderson provided insightful updates from The Green Blue on sustainable boating to marine trade and also on the Cruising Association Stage. A refreshed site contains useful resources, practical actions and advice for marine business, clubs, training centres and water users to reduce their impact on the coastal and inland waterways.
A Virtual Reality headset provided an immersive experience of the response from HM Coastguard in an emergency at sea. The film illustrates the RYA Safetrx app which is available to all recreational boat users, particularly dinghy cruisers, PWC users, RIB users, canoers, kayakers, wind and kite surfers and smaller boat users with an easily accessible and simple to use means that can inform HM Coastguard of their voyage plans and dynamic location in the event of distress.
Across the marina the Chartroom Restaurant hosted the Members Lounge where members could relax and meet some of the volunteers and staff of RYA Scotland and gain more insights about the work of RYA Scotland. The Gold Members brunch on the Saturday was well attended and was followed by an EGM which set out to expand a board of directors to be more representative of the boating community in Scotland. Find out more about the opportunities to shape the future of RYA Scotland here.
Plans were also unveiled for the 2020 RYA Scotland Cruising Conference and an ambitious project Route’n’Aboot Scotland 2020, to illustrate the extent of recreational boating over the Year of Coasts and Waters. To register your interest in either event visit here.
The autumnal weather did not stop thousands of visitors experiencing what is offer across boating in Scotland and the show did not disappoint. Thank you.