RYA Level II Powerboat course report Oct 18

The RYA Level II Powerboat course on Sat and Sun 6 & 7 Oct 18 was excellent in that it had the best of both weather types. The Saturday was light winds with sun and the Sunday was overcast with wind force 5 to force 7 from the South. It was almost too windy to train, however candidates enjoyed the activity.

We had six candidates and all passed gaining the qualification and varied experience, which could have taken a season to accumulate.

On the Saturday the boats (Osprey and Black Humber) visited, Mark 10, the Strangford Sailing Club Quay (passing Big Boots having lunch on a mooring) then Strangford followed by Portaferry Marina where a visit to Portaferry Sailing club provided refreshment. Then the Routen wheels were experiences and Angus Rock visited before returning to the inner lough and checking navigation and racing marks. Close observation of the turbine remains plus determination of its navigation mark meaning was undertaken.

The totally different weather conditions of the Sunday with the wind meant we were restricted to the SW Lough and after emerging from the Dorn made a bumpy and wet passage southwards past Town Rock and then into the Killyleagh river where we moored and visited the Smuggler’s Quay for refreshment. Then a short passage to Killyleagh Yacht Club pontoon and a down wind passage to our home club, learning all the time.

Chart work and buoyage were studied and model marks made by a local wood turner (David) were utilised several times. The course finished with the candidates joining the club youth for hot dogs and cake – plus the awarding of certificates in the bar by the commodore. The club youth having winterised the dinghy fleet during the afternoon.

Significant girl power was present on the course and those that missed the experience can see informative videos. The early season youth powerboat training had set a solid basic skill level.

The first  video link is to start with a smile and to acknowledge girl power –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMvT-bTDSX0

How to park a boat in style – girl power!

And one which may may save an immersion or a life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPWdhMKxiY8

How to recover a Man Overboard (MOB) from a RIB

Looking forward to the next season to put qualifications into practice !

Below is the Sunday weather when dry enough to photo