RYA Powerboat Handling - Autumn 2025

RYA Powerboat Handling - Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th November 2025 at the club. There will also be a Zoom theory session on Thursday 6th November, 19.30-21.00.

This two-day entry level course provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive a powerboat confidently and competently.

Although this is an RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling course it is an entry level course with no assumed knowledge or skills, and no previous powerboating experience is required whatsoever.

The course focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed, and collision regulations.

By the end of the course you should be a self-sufficient powerboater in the right conditions, aware of own limitations and those of craft.

Dates: Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th November 2025, plus a Zoom theory session on Thursday 6th November, 19.30-21.00

Timing: 9am to 4pm each day

Theory

All RYA courses are based on the appropriate RYA Handbook and are designed to give you the skills, experience and confidence to gain your RYA certification. As the time on the course is limited, and to maximize the time gaining practical skills on the water, you may be asked to complete theory work at home or read ahead.

Clothing

• We suggest you wear layers of warm quick drying clothing (no denim!), protected by a wind/waterproof layer. To protect your feet and the boat wear canvas shoes / trainers / wet boots / sailing wellies. Unfortunately, bare feet, high heels, and gardening wellies are NOT allowed.
• Please remember a hat and gloves for courses in cold weather along with sunscreen, a cap and cheap sunglasses with a restraining strap for warm weather courses.
• Always bring a change of clothing and a towel with you, as there is a strong chance you will get wet!

Safety

Buoyancy Aids
You must always wear a buoyancy aid on jetties or while afloat in a boat. For the duration of the course you may borrow a club buoyancy aid from the training room but please ensure this is returned at the end of each session. After your course, you will be expected to provide your own buoyancy aid while sailing and powerboating.

Emergency contact
In case of an accident we have asked you for the details of an emergency contact. Please ensure this information is up to date for the duration of the course.

Pre existing injuries, medical conditions, or medication
Please inform your Senior Instructor of any injuries, medical conditions, or medication that you think we may need to know about. If you need an inhaler or epi pen please ensure these are easily accessible by Instructors in case you require them.

Instruction

• The course programme is not rigid. Weather conditions may mean alterations need to be made to the sequence of the course however all the listed exercises will be covered during the course.
• RYA Handbooks and Logbooks will be issued as required (the cost is covered by the course fee) and you will receive the appropriate certificate on successful completion of the course.
• If you are having problems or are not happy with any aspect of the course, please discuss them with your Instructor, Senior Instructor or Training Principal.
• Each person is individual; we expect them to progress at their own rate. We will help you to progress, an will work at a pace to suit yourself where appropriate.
• We hope you will not have any complaints but please note if required we do have a formal complaints procedure, to investigate any issues.

And finally . . . .
The Club is indebted to the volunteers who are qualified RYA Instructors and who willingly give up their time to ensure we are able to offer these courses. We love sailing and want to do so safely.

 

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