On the 8th and 9th of February, I completed the RYA power boating Helmsman course. I am now capable of taking charge of a motor cruiser as a skipper within a defined area (allegedly).

The weather was against us with gale force 6-8 occassionally approaching 10 not too distant.

On the Saturday, we remained within the (relatively) safe confines of Chatham marina and practiced some close quarters maneuvering (mind the yachts!); power boats – especially twin 310bhp engined power boats with bow thrusters – rock… and pirouette pretty well too.

Sunday found us whizzing up and down the River Medway. Check out the video to see how windy it was.
Good fun. I’m looking forward to the subsequent courses.
R