Marinas across the country are signing up to the new RYA Active Marina Programme which encourages berth holders to make the most of life with their boat through marina based training workshops and by supporting organised cruises and social events in marinas.
RYA Active Marina Programme
Queen Anne’s Battery in Plymouth celebrated joining the programme by offering their berth holders Power and Sail boat handling workshops which included maneuvering in confined spaces and berthing skills.
“The workshop was a fantastic way to get to know your boat and to learn about how boats behave in different circumstances. Even for the more experienced sailors these sessions are a great way to brush up on techniques and it’s always good to have a bit of a refresher” said berth holder Keith Harris who took part in the day.
“Sun, hog roast and boat handling it doesn’t get much better!” said Simon Jinks from SeaRegs Training who ran the sessions along with Plymouth Power boating School.
“I really enjoyed giving the power and sail boat handling talks; a grassy bank on a lovely blue sunny day is a pretty good classroom”
Berth holders also enjoyed taking part in the RIB skills challenge which involved demonstrating their manoeuvring skills in a competition against the clock, with a prize presented to the best lady and gentleman.
Meanwhile Sovereign Harbour, a Premier Marina in Eastbourne celebrated their launch of the Active Marina Programme with a day of practical workshops covering basic manoeuvring and berthing skills as well as Electronic Navigation sessions for yacht sailors, motor cruisers and powerboats.
Marina Manager Janet Taylor said: “The launch was a great success and we are very pleased to work with the RYA by becoming an Active Marina. It is a fantastic opportunity to be able to tailor activities to give our customers exactly what they need to become more confident and to enjoy using their boats. Next we are hoping to offer a workshop on locking.”
