Marina: Southsea
Ladies at Southsea Marina spent the day honing their boating skills when they attended an RYA Active Marina 'Own-Boat' Tuition workshop on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th June.
"I was new to sailing so I was a bit apprehensive about joining a day's course," said Mary Walker who owns a Hunter Legend called Argo. "But I had no need to be as it was the most wonderful day. I made new friends and learnt such a lot from a fantastic, patient instructor - and all this in the comfort of our own marina."
Both tuition days were spent onshore focusing on basic passage planning and pilotage, navigation, safety and rope work. In the afternoons the ladies had the opportunity to look at how to recover a man overboard. Assistant Marina Manager, Matt Willis volunteered to be winched from the pontoon onto the boat in a bosuns chair by each lady in turn. This activity taught Berth Holders how to recover their partners from the water should they need to! Being alone on their boat and the thought of having to recover someone from the water had been a key concern, as they normally sailed as a couple.
The workshop was part of the RYA Active Marina Programme which aims to encourage Berth Holders to get more out of their boats by gaining the confidence and skills to leave their berths and get out on the water more often. These workshops are also a great way for Berth Holders to get to know each other better.
Southsea's Marina Manager, Rupert Bremer said "We were delighted with the incredibly positive response we received to the weekend and all eight places were taken up." Rupert added "When we conceived the idea of a day that dealt with what to do in the eventuality that something unfortunate happened to the regular skipper of the boat, we weren't sure if we had got it right. I am very thankful to say that those who participated said they found the day really useful. The feedback we received shows that it is worth developing and running more of these courses."
"The overall aim was to create a fun and relaxed environment giving our Berth Holders the opportunity to meet and socialise, and make some friends," explained Instructor Steve Dimmer. "I think that as a result of the day, everyone who attended will feel both more confident on the water as well as more at home in the marina."
Madeline Crang, who sails her LM 30 Black Star with her husband summed up the day: "What a good idea to have a Ladies Day where we could meet new friends and learn about the safety procedures on the boat. Many thanks to our great RYA instructor Steve at Southsea Marina who coped with all our anxieties and questions. The day was very informative and if they ever decide to run another one I will be there."
A programme of Active Marina events took place at most of Premier's marinas, and indeed the whole UK, to get boat owners and crews more involved and confident with their boating.
The programme encourages and supports increased berth holder activity by partnering with marinas, RYA recognised training centres, berth holder groups and yacht clubs to establish or enhance a programme of training, cruising and social opportunities.
Why not join in with Southsea's next Active Marina Day this Saturday 21st July, with their very own 'Push the Boat Out' cruise in company to the Nab Tower and back. This event will not only enhance participants' navigation and cruising skills but it will also be a great opportunity for Berth Holders to have fun together on and off the water. Plus, Berth Holders can enjoy a special party in the evening. For more information about this event Click Here.
Alternatively, to enquire about further RYA courses call the Marina Reception on 023 9282 2719 or email southsea@premiermarinas.com.