Where to learn?

Little Blue · 09 February 2005, 21:06

Hi

My girlfriend wants to learn to drive my RIB. Rather than teach her myself I think its best to send her on a RYA level 2 course, so she does'nt get any bad habits.

Where do you suggest she goes?
South coast, not too expensive (cos I'm paying). A beautiful area and fun people would all be desirable.

Graham

ashbypower · 09 February 2005, 21:16

There are a number of school's about.

Try http://www.rya.org.uk/ for your area

Brian

Louise · 09 February 2005, 21:20

I did my training with Dave Robson at Aquapower Sea School, based at Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. He's a great instructor IMHO and, as a matter of interest and recommendation, he manages the safety side of things at the Southampton & London Boat Shows. His website is www.aquapower.co.uk . And no, I'm not on any commission!

keytouch · 09 February 2005, 21:41

I know Dave and he really is a top guy. Very professional and really knows his stuff. Definately worth getting in touch with.

Rogue Wave · 09 February 2005, 21:59

Dave is a good instructor but Paul Glatzel is a lot closer to you and he is hard to beat. If you want a cheap course I think Jono Gorton is opening a training centre in Shamrock Quay Southampton

Simon Hawkins · 09 February 2005, 22:26

Powerboat Training UK In Poole is a good place to learn not being buyist of course. Poole is a large harbour which is very secure and safe. However a list of training centres can be found on the RYA website.

Ian Jones · 10 February 2005, 00:06

Ask Jono G!!

He was thinking of opening up another school at Shamrock Quay as Rogue Wave said!!

I did some of my courses with him and I enjoyed them thoroughly!!

I have never enjoyed a power boat course as much as the ones I did with Jono G

You can get in touch with him on any of the following: -

01758 612 685
www.professional-powerboat-training.co.uk
info@professional-powerboat-training.co.uk

Nauti Buoy · 10 February 2005, 07:31

Hi,

I did my RYA Level 2 with http://www.powerboat-training-uk.co.uk and found them to be very well organised, professional and safe. They have got several very well set up Ribs and 2 Classrooms for the theory side of it. They also like to do as much of the course on the water which I feel is the best way to do it as it is totally hands on. I am also just about to do my Day Skipper, Advanced and hopefully Instructors with them within the next 2 months. Plus also Paul Glatzel who owns the school just wrote the latest RYA Powerboat Training Book, which is well worth a read.

Good luck

Jono · 10 February 2005, 07:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian Jones

Ask Jono G!!

He was thinking of opening up another school at Shamrock Quay as Rogue Wave said!!

I did some of my courses with him and I enjoyed them thoroughly!!

I have never enjoyed a power boat course as much as the ones I did with Jono G

You can get in touch with him on any of the following: -

01758 612 685
www.professional-powerboat-training.co.uk
info@professional-powerboat-training.co.uk

You sure you used enough exclamation marks, there dude?

Ian Jones · 10 February 2005, 08:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jono

You sure you used enough exclamation marks, there dude?

Cheeres mate!

I think it could do with a couple more really!

Ian J

Jono Garton · 10 February 2005, 08:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

Jono Gorton is opening a training centre in Shamrock Quay Southampton

We are opening at 9a Shamrock Quay on the 1st March. However Powerboat Training UK are allot closer to you and offer very good tuition.

Action Man · 10 February 2005, 08:36

Powerboat training is definatley the place to go.

The training is great I have done both my instructors and my Advanced there. i would hapily do many more courses there without a second thought.

how many other centres get there instructor to pick you up from your hotel when you don't have a car, so you don't have to walk.

cheers

Giles

Little Blue · 10 February 2005, 09:22

Thanks for all the replies, Powerboat training seems the place to go in Poole.

However we were thinking of going along the coast to Devon for a change of scenery. Does anyone have any views/info on powerboat schools there?

tim griffin · 10 February 2005, 09:40

www.powerboat-instruction.co.uk
Dave Hickman nice chap , posts on here .

Neal · 10 February 2005, 11:12

Graham,
I think you have the schools covered from the the above info (I went to Powerboat training and they were very good).I think your girl friend would do well to get a copy of the new RYA powerboat hand book and read that before going. It will give her a good background and IMHO mean she will get more from the course plus it a good referance book to have about for you and others.

Louise · 10 February 2005, 11:18

Lots of excellent advice here. If I can add one other thing - once your girlfriend has recovered from her PB2 training, she might find it interesting to do her VHF certificate (assuming you have a radio) so that if you are ever incapacitated she can use the radio with confidence. And you never know, she might love it so much that you are relegated to 'crew' or even just 'land crew', waving her off as she roars away!

Little Blue · 10 February 2005, 13:14

Louise

Radio course to follow, she has basics of sending Mayday already.

I fully expect her to take equal time at the helm, but hopefully she will take me along.