RYA Level 1 for girlfriend

[Erin]

I'm going to be travelling along the South coast in about a months time (by car not boat sadly ) and I'd like my girlfriend to have some tuition in driving the boat if she should ever need to. I'm also hoping it will give her some confidence to take the helm occasionally when we're out and about.

Can anyone recommend a good sea school to use, and give some advice about what course would suit. I'm assuming level 1 would be most appropriate, although she does have some experience from having been on board for the last 1,000 miles or so, and is competent at grabbing the mooring/pontoon and tying bowlines etc.

Cheers

Keith

[Hightower]

If she has some experience a Level II would be better I think, there are lots of good instructors on this site and will be forming an orderly que for your custom.

[Sarah G]

Originally Posted by Erin

I'm going to be travelling along the South coast in about a months time (by car not boat sadly ) and I'd like my girlfriend to have some tuition in driving the boat if she should ever need to. I'm also hoping it will give her some confidence to take the helm occasionally when we're out and about.

Can anyone recommend a good sea school to use, and give some advice about what course would suit. I'm assuming level 1 would be most appropriate, although she does have some experience from having been on board for the last 1,000 miles or so, and is competent at grabbing the mooring/pontoon and tying bowlines etc.

Cheers

Keith

Hi Keith

Freshly completed my Powerboat level 2 (I didn't do Level 1 as this is all covered in level 2).

To be honest, I wouldn't bother with Level 1. In our Class you were limited to a maximum of 3 students to one tutor, and we had a mixture of ages from 14 to middle 60's. One lady on the course who was particularly nervous not only about boats but the water and the weather, loved the course and thought it was fabulous and was completely hooked.

I loved it and feel that it was just a starting block on the route to learning about how to handle a rib but I feel better prepared. Also this certificate provides you with the ability to apply for an International Certificate of Competence - which really is a laugh as you have only had two days experience!

I did my course with Cobnor Activities in Chichester harbour which gave a great scope for the harbour and outer harbour activities.

The only problem you may have is finding a school that will be doing the courses next month. I've booked my man onto the next one at Cobnor but that isn't until September. If you have a few hours to spend, you could look at the RYA website to find a suitable location.

Reallly good idea though. Mind you, you might find that you spend all your time arguing over who is driving the RIB!!!

Sarah

[Erin]

Originally Posted by Hightower

If she has some experience a Level II would be better I think, there are lots of good instructors on this site and will be forming an orderly que for your custom.

Yep, and there's no need for any offers of 'personal' tuition from lecherous old ribsters

[springtide66]

Originally Posted by Erin

Yep, and there's no need for any offers of 'personal' tuition from lecherous old ribsters

Bugger!!!

I would echo what Sarah says about going straight to level 2
I used Calshot Activities Ctr (some years back) who were very good.

[Hightower]

Originally Posted by Erin

Yep, and there's no need for any offers of 'personal' tuition from lecherous old ribsters

There are some young ones too!

[laser]

Originally Posted by Hightower

There are some young ones too!

give Jimbo a PM on here, hes a young one, (well nearly). He does very good courses, and would deffo give him a shout.

Rich

[The Jackeens]

Originally Posted by Erin

Can anyone recommend a good sea school to use, and give some advice about what course would suit. I'm assuming level 1 would be most appropriate, although she does have some experience from having been on board for the last 1,000 miles or so,

Aquapower Yarmouth (Dave Robson; positive, encouraging and CALM!!!

Dave Manning on here is also highly recommended (Southampton)

Tim Griffin in Cowes is very experienced. Jimbo has already been mentioned.

PB 1 & 2 are worth doing at the very least.

is competent at grabbing the mooring/pontoon and tying bowlines etc.

Kathleen & Paul

[Tim M]

I second Jimbo's course; I did my level 2 with him and it was very good.

[Chris]

I would try giving Dave Manning or Stuart a call from www.1stwaveribs.co.uk they are really good and do courses out of Drivers Wharf in Southampton

Stuart did our course and I really rate his training style.

Chris