12 berth-holders and club members were present at an Active Marina Skippers’ and Crews’ workshop event at Portland Yacht Club and Marina on 29 October. Sailor, writer and presenter Tom Cunliffe completed their day with an entertaining after-dinner speech following the club’s AGM.
Some of the berth-holders and club members at Portland Marina
Portland Marina, along with marinas across the country, has signed up to the new RYA Active Marina Programme, which encourages berth holders to make the most of life with their yacht through marina-based training workshops and by supporting organised cruises and social events in marinas.
The workshop included top tips and techniques on berthing, manoeuvring within a marina and securing to a mooring buoy. The conditions were dry with force 4 gusting 5/6 winds that tested all the participants, but were perfect for the workshops in the sheltered location of the marina and Portland Harbour.
Participant Ian Singleton commented: “This course has been very useful with something for everyone, irrespective of experience. If you only come away with a single nugget of advice then this course will have been exceptional value for money.”
Kate Dodson added: “This was an excellent session based on my learning needs as a new crew without powerboat experience. I’ve been encouraged to do more and I will be more safety aware.”
Rupert Fowke, Commodore of Portland Yacht Club, is delighted that the club is part of the Active Marina programme: “Firstly, it offers incredibly good value for money. Secondly, we feel that we are never too old to learn and welcome the opportunity to learn new techniques. Thirdly, we like the novel approach of the courses offered – in particular, those for reluctant spouses, away from their experienced partners, have aroused much interest.”
“In addition, Tom was an unqualified success. I have not laughed so much in years!”
In 2012 there will be a number of Active Marina events for both marina berth-holders and Yacht Club members.
