Bespoke and Own Boat Courses
Bespoke, Private & Own Boat Courses
Do none of our dates suit?
Whilst we schedule a number of our courses throughout the year, we know these may not suit everyone. If there is a course you’d like to take, but can’t make any of our scheduled dates, please just get in touch. We’re always happy to add an additional course on a date that suits you. The only proviso is that we need to have a minimum number of students to run a course.
Would you prefer a private course?
Would you like a course with just you, your family or friends onboard? We know some prefer this and we’re happy to arrange a ‘bespoke’ RYA Helmsman Course or Narrowboat Experience Day for a private group of 2 or 3 students. Please just get in touch to arrange this with us.
Would you like a course on your own boat?
Our training vessel, the Gwendoline May, is configured specifically for training and we would suggest that wherever possible you take our courses on our boat. However, we realise that for a number of reasons (location, special access requirements, or even personal preference) you may want to use your own boat for the course – and we are happy to accommodate you.
For preference, your boat should either be cruiser stern or semi trad. If it is a traditional stern boat we can only have one helmsman on the counter at one time, which restricts teaching. We will provide sufficient lifejackets for the course, but it is your responsibility to ensure that other equipment (mooring lines, piling hooks/chains, mooring spikes etc.) is available. It is also important that you are near at least one lock.
If we run a course on your boat from our base at Debdale there is no additional cost. If you’d like the course on your boat at a different location, we may need to make an additional charge to cover any travel/accommodation costs. Please get in touch to discuss and agree the costs with us.
