rya powerboat courses

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course 307

This RYA Accredited 2 day classroom theory and hands on practical training program is perfect for individuals interested in improving their hands-on powerboat and tender operating skills. This course is great for beginners or seasoned tender operators! The practical portion of the course utilizes MPT’s powerboat and tender fleet up to 8 meters.

Preparing for RYA Powerboat Level 2

Course video.

Course Description

2 day class in fort lauderdale, required materials.

PASSPORT for Photo ID, Paper, Pencil, Pen, Highlighter, Bathing Suit/Shorts, sunscreen, hat, boat attire, towel, boat shoes, weather attire (optional), one passport (40mm x 40mm) photograph for certificate (available here in ships store)

Course Photos

Testimonials

The class is very practical--wish it were longer! Rachelle, Saturday May 2022 RYA Powerboat Level 2

Great class. Nice boat and very informative instructor. Pedro, Friday February 2022 RYA Powerboat Level 2

Keep up all the good work. It’s much appreciated. Zoe, Friday August 2021 RYA Powerboat Level 2

Great Instructor! Very professional and knowledgeable, thank you. David, Friday January 2021 RYA Powerboat Level 2

Very well done !!!! Very happy to be here with you !!!! Tnks!!! Cruz, Wednesday January 2014 RYA Powerboat Level 2

This was an amazing course. Would recommend it to anybody Eric, Friday May 2013 RYA Powerboat Level 2

PBLII was a good course. Jeff was very patient during the on-water-training, and overall good instructor. Jennifer, Wednesday April 2013 RYA Powerboat Level 2

you guys are great! Zachary, Thursday July 2012 RYA Powerboat Level 2

1915 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, +1-954-525-1014 | +1-888-839-5025 (Toll Free)

Site map | privacy notice | cookie policy | accessibility notice, 1915 south andrews avenue, fort lauderdale, fl 33316 +1-954-525-1014 +1-888-839-5025 (toll free).

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course

Rya powerboat level 2.

Improve your powerboat driving and handling techniques. If you’re new to powerboating, this practical course will prepare you with the safe driving and handling skills you need to complete short day trips in your powerboat.

About the rya powerboat level 2 course

Covering the theory and practical skills needed to become a competent powerboat driver, the course focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, driving at planning speed and collision regulations.

All food and accommodation is included.

Other rya powerboat training courses you may also be interested in

• RYA Powerboat Instructor course
• Powerboat and Personal Watercraft Courses

International Certificate of Competency (ICC )  Application

If you would like to add on your ICC to you booking please inform our advisors at time of booking. There is a direct fee to the RYA for this, for more information please contact us .

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 Syllabus is taught with a ratio of (3:1) students to instructor and covers the following:

• Launching and recovery
• Boat handling under way (including high speed)
• Securing to a buoy
• Leaving and coming alongside
• Man overboard
• Displacement craft
• Leaving and returning to pontoons
• Basic navigation
• Collision prevention regulations
• Boat design
• Engines and drives

Qualifications

Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll be awarded your RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certification.

Dates and pricing

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Need help finding the right course for you?

Speak to an advisor on +44 (0)1983 203001 or email us

RYA Powerboat Courses

Our rya powerboat courses.

Our Rib is a 6-metre Humber with a new Mercury 115 hp engine and Garmin plotter. She is coded and an excellent sea vessel.

Being in the heart of Lowestoft and right by the busy marine and port entrance there are ample practical teaching opportunities

INSTRUCTOR – STUDENT RATIO Either 2:1 or 3:1.

What’s included

• You will be coached over the full RYA course syllabus
• Tea and coffee plus yummy biscuits
• RYA Start powerboating book
• SPBT note book
• Free Parking
• All mooring fees, safety equipment and fuel

RYA Power Boat Level 2

This course suits those new to boating who want to develop the base skills as well as those who have boated for a while but who want to ensure they are approaching their boating the right way.

RYA Power Boat Intermediate

Thi course is aimed at those who have boated a season or more, probably already have Level 2 and want to learn more about coastal cruising.

RYA Power Boat Advanced

Aimed at experienced leisure boaters and those seeking to work commercially. The Advanced Course can be followed by the Advanced Examination.

RYA Power Boat Advanced CoC Exam Prep

This will vary from person to person, but it is easy to underestimate the level that you need to be at for the Advanced Examination.

RYA Superyacht Tender Operator

Aimed at those already working as a tender driver transferring guests/passengers in sectors such as the superyacht world or in other environments where you may need to transfer guests and passengers.

International Certificate of Competence (ICC)

Frequently asked questions, most popular questions..

No prior experience is necessary to enrol in an RYA Powerboat Level 2 course. This course is designed for beginners and covers basic boat handling and safety skills.

Participants are typically required to bring appropriate clothing for boating, including a waterproof jacket and trousers, suitable footwear with non-slip soles although clothing is dependant on weather.

Yes, RYA Powerboat certificates are internationally recognized and accepted by maritime authorities and charter companies worldwide. The RYA is a leading authority in boating education, and its certifications are highly respected within the maritime industry.

RYA Powerboat Level 2 courses typically last two days. During this time, participants will receive both theoretical knowledge and practical training in boat handling, safety procedures, and navigation.

Not sure which course is for you?

Get in touch with our team and we can have a chat about your options to help you get the most out of our services and facilities.

Our Training Centre:

Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club The Royal Plain, Lowestoft Suffolk, NR33 0AQ

Speak to us:

01493 253004 - training centre, 07775 581912 - course admin.

For Powerboat or Shore based course enquiries please email our Chief Instructor:

[email protected]

For non course enquiries please email our owner and training principal

[email protected]

• Professional qualifications
• powerboat-advanced

RYA Powerboat Advanced Professional Qualifications

RYA powerboat courses are primarily for those using small powered craft such as RIBs, dories and sportsboats that don't generally undertake long or offshore passages.

The types of commercial craft requiring this level of certification are typically: charter fishing boats, small passenger launches, thrill ride operators, harbour patrol launches, construction site safety boats etc. If you will be using larger boats with accommodation and the capacity to cruise or work further offshore you are likely to need a certificate within the motor cruising programme such as Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Offshore. There are two types of Advanced certificate:

a)  A course completion certificate awarded by a training centre on successful completion of a two-day training course

b) A certificate of competence awarded by the RYA/MCA on successful completion of an exam

If you need a Powerboat Advanced certificate in order to work on board a commercial craft subject to the MCA's codes of practice, you will need to get it commercially endorsed. You can then work on commercial vessels up to 24m in length, operating in category 3, 4, 5 and 6 waters - that is up to 20 miles from a safe haven. Please note: it is only possible to commercially endorse an RYA/MCA Powerboat Advanced Certificate of Competence (option b above). The only exception to this is if you were awarded a course completion certificate (option a above) prior to 1 January 2005, in which case you may obtain a commercial endorsement without having to pass the exam.

RYA Powerboat Courses

The RYA Powerboat training scheme has a variety of courses to suit all abilities. We offer the whole range of RYA Powerboating courses so we can offer a course to suit you.

How to book a course

If you would like to book a course with Portsmouth Marine Training click on the course page to view scheduled dates and book or call the office on 02392 838885 or 07597 311612 and we can take your booking over the phone.

What is Powerboating?

Powerboat training comes in many different forms. It can be exhilarating or relaxing, depending on what you want to do and what type of powerboat you use. We can offer a powerboat course for the many different types of powerboat. These range from little boats for rivers and lakes to fast, offshore race boats. The RYA Powerboat training scheme is targeted toward open day boats of less than 10m in length, driven by an outboard engine or possibly an inboard and stern drive, probably with a planing hull. If you would like training on a larger motor cruiser, try our RYA Motor Cruising courses.

Which Powerboat Course?

The RYA Powerboat training scheme has a variety of courses to suit all abilities. We offer the whole range of RYA Powerboating courses, so we can offer a course to suit you. They start from the RYA Powerboat Level 2 for beginners, to the RYA Advanced Powerboat course to develop your night time pilotage and rough weather handling. If you are an experienced powerboater, then you might want to pass on your skills to the next generation. We can help with instructor training to enable you to teach the RYA Powerboating courses. With a maximum student/instructor ratio of 3/1, your course with us will be safe as well as a lot of fun.

‘O2’ is a Solent 6.5m RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) with a Suzuki 140Hp outboard and Raymarine chart plotter and VHF. It has 6 ‘pod’ seats to make sure people are comfy and secure when we are doing speeds over 30mph. Its size means it is perfect for our more advanced courses, but still small enough not to be intimidating when boat handling.

'SPIRIT" is a Porters 7.2m RIB with a Suzuki 150Hp outboard plotter and VHF.  It has pod seats for comfort and security and is a great boat for more advanced handling, with speeds over 40mph.

All our boats are kept to a high standard. We get them regularly inspected by the RYA to ensure they have the correct equipment onboard and are suitable for the training we offer.

Locations for Powerboat Training

Our base is Southsea Marina, Portsmouth. Our cruising area offers unlimited training potential in stunning surroundings. The marina itself is sheltered and has lots of space for berthing practice. Southsea Marina is in Langstone Harbour, which is perfect for practising pilotage and manoeuvres in sheltered waters. Langstone Harbour is located in The Solent, considered to be one of the world's best cruising areas with an abundance of places to visit and things to do.

Our Courses

• RYA Powerboat Level 1 Course
• RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course
• RYA Powerboat Intermediate Course
• RYA Tender Operator Course
• RYA Powerboat Advanced Course
• RYA / MCA Powerboat Advanced CoC Exam
• RYA Powerboat Instructor Course
• RYA Advanced Powerboat Instructor Course
• Own Boat Tuition for Powerboats
• Commercial Endorsements For Powerboats

Portsmouth & Chichester Marine Training - Striking the right balance to make learning fun!

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zephyr yachting

Rya powerboat level 2, course description.

This two-day entry level course provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive a powerboat and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence. It focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed, and collision regulations. The course is 85% practical and taught on a 6.5 RIB with 3 persons maximum per course

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Launching and recovery, boat handling, securing to a buoy, anchoring, leaving and coming alongside, man overboard

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Find out more.

If you have any questions about this course, do not hesitate to contact us. Simply submit the form below.

keep in touch

Phone: +33 493 33 34 04, email: [email protected].

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Late notice spaces available for selected courses - click here for details

RYA Powerboat Level 2

Price: from £299 (Finance now available)

Location: Starts from our base at Premier Gosport Marina

Duration: 2 days

The perfect introduction to Powerboats & Ribs, the two day RYA Powerboat Level 2 practical powerboat course will give you the best building blocks to kick-off your powerboat adventure from!

Take a look at our live course calendar for dates for the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course!

Booking details

Please select your preferred start date below.

• Saturday 14th September 2024 (3 spaces)
• Saturday 28th September 2024 (3 spaces)
• Saturday 12th October 2024 (3 spaces)
• Saturday 26th October 2024 (3 spaces)
• Saturday 9th November 2024 (3 spaces)
• Saturday 23rd November 2024 (3 spaces)
• Saturday 7th December 2024 (3 spaces)

Course Information

Joining Instructions: Please click here for course joining instructions

Recommended Reading: Sailing magazines and newspapers, but this is not essential 

Course Prerequisites: No assumed knowledge

Minimum Age: No minimum but Under 16’s must be accompanied by adult. Persons aged 16+ can be unaccompanied subject to other pre-requisites having been met

Who is the course for:

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 course is designed for anyone who wants to start their exciting and adventurous powerboat journey the right way!

With little or no prior knowledge of being on a RIB, the two-day RYA Powerboat Level 2 course will give you the building blocks you need to start your journey.

With training from qualified RYA instructors on board our boat, this 2 day beginner / novice friendly course runs all year round at our RYA Training Centre with immediate access to the open water of the Solent

What we cover on the course:

This course is perfect for when you go on holiday and hire a small powerboat to nip from port to port, or explore those secluded beaches and bays in those hot climates.

This course teaches the basics of boat handling, safety and navigation, and skills at planing speed.

The Powerboat Level 2 course gives you a comprehensive grounding and a good skill-set that will put you in good stead to skipper a powerboat on your next boating trip.

Our RYA Powerboat Level 2 courses have a ratio of three students to one Instructor.

During the course you will cover:

• Collision regulations and rules of the road
• Knowledge of safety equipment
• Turning in confined spaces and close quarter handling
• Coming alongside a pontoon and securing to a mooring buoy
• Man overboard techniques
• Planing speed manoeuvres
• Pilotage and passage planning

This course is suitable for anyone with or with out boating experience as this covers the basics of what you need to safely take you and your family / friends out for a days powerboating.

In the UK or abroad with the Powerboat level 2, it will allow you to convert the certificate into the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) which is what you need to charter a boat outside of the UK.

It’s the perfect course for getting into boating and putting a toe in the water.

Course formats & details:

Courses run in a choice of two formats:

• 2 consecutive days – Between Monday – Friday
• Weekends – Saturday & Sunday

Fancy going VIP and having your own exclusive private course for you and your friends or family? You can book the whole powerboat just for your own exclusive course from only £299 per person. Enjoy the course in style, with up to three persons on the boat being taught by one of our friendly, experienced RYA qualified Instructors! What a way to start your powerboat adventure!

Our Chief Instructor says this about the RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course:

This is the perfect course for getting into the world of powerboating.

The course will give you the ability to charter a powerboat, or just get some all-important confidence to venture out on your own.

Learning the basics of navigation and boat handling, this is the best course to start with.

Once you have this under your belt, you can hire powerboats and take family and friends out for the day.

It allows you to explore the coastlines and harbours.

Why not pop down to our Gosport Marina base, hire a powerboat, then head to the Isle of white and have a nice lunch at some of the amazing restaurants that the island has available for you to sample.

This really is a gateway ticket to powerboating and getting you out there on the water.

Related courses

Rya powerboat advanced.

Coming Soon!

RYA VHF/SRC Radio

The RYA SRC/VHF Radio Course is minimum qualification required by law to operate the VHF or VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment on any British flagged vessel carrying a radio.

Take a look at our live course calendar  for dates for the RYA SRC/VHF Radio course!

Petrol Engine Maintenance

The Petrol Engine Maintenance Course is a great introduction into maintaining your boats petrol outboard engine, and understanding how it works. A must have for any sailor looking to buy a boat, or already has one!

Take a look at our live course calendar  for dates for the Petrol Engine Maintenance course!

Customer reviews

A fantastic weekend of sailing, almost 130 NM in all, with a relaxed, but fully engaging skipper. Great set up and brilliant on the admin. Thanks Stef, Tom et al!

I did a weeks coastal skipper course getting ready for my yacht master and I have to say it was one of the best training weeks I’ve had - our training instructor was superb, exactly the sort of person that you want. He could inspire, provide discipline and impart knowledge as well as let you learn through your own mistakes. Tom and Steph run an excellent operation there and I highly recommend it. They’re flexible and very helpful when it comes to your journey into being a qualified sailor.

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Chieftain Training

RYA & STCW Courses – Sail, Power, Super-Yacht & Workboat

RYA Powerboat Level 2

Rya powerboat level 2 overview view dates.

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course (RYA PB2) offers a general introduction to power boating and teaches core boat handling and safety skills. The course is popular both with beginners and those who are self taught and now require formal certification.

The course is generally considered, the licence for powerboats. The qualification is widely recognised throughout the world. The Powerboat Level 2 (formerly known as the National Powerboat Certificate) covers everything in the RYA Powerboat Level 1 and a lot more.

HOW LONG DOES THE RYA POWERBOAT LEVEL 2 COURSE TAKE?

The RYA PB2 course takes two days

WHAT ARE THE PRE REQUISITES FOR RYA POWERBOAT LEVEL 2 ?

• No previous experience required
• Minimum age of 12 years**

**Under 16s are advised, “Not be in charge of a powerboat unless under the supervision of a responsible adult”. We run separate Junior Powerboat Courses.

WHAT IS COVERED ON THE RYA POWERBOAT LEVEL 2 COURSE?

This course is largely practical onboard the powerboat. There are some short theory sections to complete.

The course provides everything you need to get started with an emphasis on you becoming confident and competent at boat handling and being aware of the associated safety consideration and equipment. The RYA Powerboat Level 2 is broadly equivalent to a series of driving lessons, but a lot more fun.

The RYA Powerboat Level Two will prepare you for driving a powerboat unsupervised with confidence. While primarily a boat handling (parking) course you may consider following it up with the RYA Powerboat Intermediate Course which covers high speed navigation and passage making in far more detail.

RYA PB2 Training at Chieftain Training is comprehensive. We aim to make life as easy as possible for our students and provide the following within the course:

• 2 days of instruction
• Use of our RIB (rigid inflatable boat)
• Loan of a life jacket
• RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certificate
• RYA Start Powerboating Handbook
• Free on street parking
• 1 year free subscription to Powerboat & RIB Magazine

NOT INCLUDED

• Wet weather gear (this can be hired for £5 a day)
• Lunch (Can be bought locally, but we recommend you bring a packed lunch)

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

International certificate of competence.

If you require a powerboat licence for driving in other European countries, we can take care of the paperwork for your  ICC (International Certificate of Competence) , which is subject to a small RYA administration fee for non-RYA members, or is free for RYA members.

Fast Track 1:1 day for experienced drivers

If you already have experience as a powerboater, need to gain your Level 2 certifIcate and don’t wish to undertake the introductory elements of the Level 2 course, you can instead attend a shorter 1:1 course which consists of the relevant coaching and a direct assessment. Please contact us to find out more.

“Teen” Powerboat Level 2 (RYA PB2) courses

Lets face it, our kids probably have more fun without us around. 12-15 years old can join our Youth Powerboat Level 2 Course . They receive the same course, however they will be learning with other 12-15 year olds.

“Family” Powerboat Level 2 courses

If you have just bought a new boat why not train together as a family. We train upto 3 of you together or can spread a larger family across 2 boats. Full information is at Family Level 2 Courses .

Own Boat Tuition

We can run this course on board your own boat.  We can train 1-3 of you at a time and bespoke the course around your boat and your likely usage.

WHAT RATIO IS RYA POWERBOAT LEVEL 2 TAUGHT TO?

This course will run with no more than 3 students per boat and Instructor, sometimes less.

HOW LONG IS THE RYA POWERBOAT LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE VALID FOR?

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate does not expire. Drivers who qualified some time ago and for whatever reason did not make use of their training are advised to refresh by re-attending the course. If you choose to commercially endorse the PB2, then your Commercial Endorsement will expire after 5 years.

BOOKING THE COURSE:

The Powerboat Level Two course is run every weekend and frequently during the week. If you can’t find a suitable date from the list, please contact us and we will do our best to arrange a convenient date.

We can also run the course 1:1 at a time that best suits you and even on your own boat, if you would prefer. Please contact us for details of own boat tuition.

IS THE POWERBOAT LEVEL 2 COURSE FOR ME?

Wondering if this is the course for you? The RYA Powerboat Level 2 course is suitable for a wide range of people, from beginners wanting to gain skills and improve confidence, to those with a bit more experience looking to gain their powerboat ‘licence’. Some people’s aim is simply to be able to drive a speedboat for fun, others look to use the skill as a vehicle for their sport or job. This course might appeal to:

• Water-skiiers
• Wake-boarders
• Lifeboat crew
• Super-yacht deck crew who will drive the tender
• Powerboat owners
• Offshore wind farm crew
• Harbour masters, police
• Safetyboat crew and cox’ns
• Lifeboat volunteers

If you are unsure as to whether the Level Two course is the one for you, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our course advisors to discuss your options in detail.

RYA POWERBOAT LEVEL 2 DIRECT ASSESSMENT

If you have existing experience of power-boating and require a Level 2 Certificate then there is the option to attend a bespoke direct assessment. This option will save you time versus attending a two day course but is reserved for those with existing experience.

Half day RYA Powerboat Level 2 Direct Assessment

The Instructor will expect you to perform the following manoeuvres

• Holding Off
• Departing from and returning to an alongside berth in various states of wind and/or tide
• Turn using warps
• Picking Up a Mooring
• Turning in a confined space
• Planing speed handling

You will also need to answer oral questions on the following subjects

• Safety equipment
• Sources of weather info
• Basic chartwork / passage planing

One Day RYA Powerboat Level 2 (PB2) Direct Assessment

If some of the above skills are a little out of practice then we can offer you a bespoke one-day 1:1 option (for experienced power-boaters only). We conduct your 1:1 direct assessment in the afternoon, but before that, our Instructor spends the morning with you coaching those skills/knowledge which are a little rusty.

Direct assessments are bespoke, please contact us to arrange.

BOOKING THE RYA POWERBOAT LEVEL 2 COURSE:

If the dates below do not suit you we can set up a bespoke 1:1, 2:1 or group course at a time that suits you.

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RYA Training Centre

The rya powerboat training scheme is for those wanting to drive small open powerboats such as ribs (rigid inflatable boats), sports boats and small launches..

With the RYA Powerboat Level 2 scheme you can gain an International Certificate of Confidence (“ICC”) that means when you go to certain countries, you may need a license to hire a BOAT up to 10m – that’s where we can help you prepare.

This two-day entry-level course provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive a powerboat and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence (ICC). It focuses on low-speed close-quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed and collision regulations.

This two days course gives plenty of time for both practical instruction and theory. Whilst at first glance the syllabus appears very similar to the level one course, the extra time available makes a real difference to the depth in which subjects are covered and therefore the amount a student can learn.

We are lucky with the beautiful Cyprus weather, so we are making the most of it by teaching a great part of the course on board of the boat.

• Assumed Knowledge:  None (Level 1 is NOT a requirement)
• Duration of course:  2 Days (09h00 to 17h00)
• Ratio : 3 students for 1 Instructor Max (Possibility of private course)
• Course Content:  Launching and recovery, boat handling, securing to a buoy, anchoring, leaving and coming alongside, man overboard
• Ability after the course:  Self-sufficient powerboater in the right conditions, aware of own limitations and those of craft.

All our courses are held in Latchi; Theory will be held in our classroom at our office in Latchi, and the practice is held along the coast of Latchi. All Courses are delivered in English Language only.

For more info on the courses, please use the “contact us” form or email us at [email protected] with the number of people interested in the course and the dates you wish to do the course.

The RYA Level 2 Powerboat course costs €450 and is scheduled over two days – including a theory and practical examination.

You will learn and enhance your Powerboat manoeuvring skills on a range of boats available in Latchi Harbour from George’s Watersports.

Our RYA Training Courses are conducted throughout the year, and we suggest that you do book well in advance to secure your place.

The RYA offer the Powerboat Level 2 course for anyone 12 years and older, however, our centre took the decision to only offer this course to people over 18 years old.

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!