There is as an example, the recent story we heard of a man who purchased a motor cruiser blindly on the web and then decided to take it back by sea from the Medway to the Solent. In principle, not a hard trip but this particular person was only relying on a basic road map and became confused when they first saw the Isle Of Sheppey. Thinking that the North Kent Coast was actually France, they started to circumnavigate Sheppey thinking that they were further round the Southeast England Coast and were heading back towards the Solent. Also, plans were poor and they soon ran out of fuel. Upon rescue, it was soon discovered that they were completely under qualified to handle the Boat and also the journey. However, they could not be stopped from having another go and rumour has it that the journey was continued again. On account of no further news, we are to assume that it was successful.
When on a family cruise some few years ago, we met a couple whilst waiting in Studland Bay to cross the Channel to Alderney. Having made it clear that they had not crossed the Channel before we agreed to remain in contact for the following day's crossing just in case any advice was required. They surprisingly followed exactly astern for the whole crossing. After a very quick crossing it was decided to continue beyond Alderney to Guernsey. Once we arrived, they were quick to ask when we would be sailing down to Guernsey! Clearly they had followed our course blindly and made no attempt to cross themselves. All fine unless fog had descended or an incident happen.
There are of course many examples where the opposite applies. Some of our more well known yachting and boating celebrities have travelled far and wide with little or no formal qualifications. However, these are in the minority. If you are lucky enough, experience can be just as useful as formal training but for the vast majority of us, such experiences are not possible.
There are many places which offer a wide variety of courses. In the United Kingdom the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) acts as the formal body which regulates and manages Sailing and Boating Schools.
With the New Year comes a new idea and in this regard the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) will be launching a new training course. This is an online entry level course called 'Essential Navigation and Seamanship'. This would be a good course for anybody who is thinking of getting afloat or perhaps somebody who has had a go already and now feels the need to get some proper training.
Anglia Sea Ventures are authorised to distribute and support the course within the local East Anglia region. Roger Gross from Anglia Sea Ventures sees the course as being very popular to sailors, motor boaters, divers and anglers alike. A fun and interactive way of learning essential skills to get people started on the water, with a flexible approach enabling learning where and when it suits.
Subject areas include-
Charts,publications and terms. Navigation. Anchoring. Electronic navigation. Weather forecasts. Passage planning. Buoyage. Safety. Tides. Rules of the road. Pilotage.
Online assistance from an instructor will be available.
Perhaps the more experienced amongst the boating fraternity may also benefit from a refresher Sailing School Course. The January start date and online nature may prove to be ideal. With a wide breadth of knowledge and experience, Anglia Sea Ventures are proud to be supporting this new course and can only reiterate the importance of training.
Anglia Sea Ventures are like many of their kind and have been providing formalised training over many years.
A full range of courses are available at this Sailing School. RYA Sail and Powerboat training courses, day sail, gift experiences, yacht charter and yacht racing. Check out the Sailing School website at www.angliaseaventures.com Tel: 01473 210473.
Adventure days comprising powerboat & sailing days, mini cruises and extended cruises. If you are looking for that slightly different gift then Anglia Sea Ventures have a selection of Sailing School Gifts to suit. For racers, plans are already in place to do the J.P Morgan Asset Management Round The Island Race in June 2011. You can not only crew in the race itself but also enjoy the inevitable social scene afterwards. Details on line the Anglia Sea Ventures website.
For the more experienced, in 2011 Anglia Sea Ventures are starting a new course for those that want to use their Cruising Chutes or Gennakers. Helping people unravel the mysteries and skills associated with these sails and endeavouring to give skippers and crew more confidence in their use. How many times have you got these sails out?
Thinking of upgrading to a new boat, something different and larger or perhaps just fancy a change, then may be a charter might help. Anglia Sea Ventures have bareboat, skippered and corporate charter packages.
The East coast of England offers fantastic sailing grounds. Above average temperatures and below average rainfall combine with excellent sailing, fantastic scenery and great company. All this to ensure you will have a great holiday to remember.
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