Dear Steve,

Of course I knew at the start of our recent RYA Powerboat level 2 course that at some stage during the course we would be caning along at nearly 40 knots in a RIB.

I also realised that with your expert tuition we would lead up to that in a series of enjoyable stages; that all three of us on the course would be coached through manoeuvring in confined space, basic navigation and safety; that we would gradually become more confident in boat handling, awareness of wind, tide and space; that we would be taken through the basics of safe navigation and the ColRegs. None of this was a surprise.

What was a surprise was being in the RIB at high speed, feeling the exhilaration of jumping off the odd wave and feeling completely safe and secure, even though it was my 14 year old son at the helm!

As you know I am primarily a yachtsman – but I am certainly willing to embrace the “dark side” after two of my kids and I had such a great time on the course!

Alana (21) and Robbie (14) loved every minute of the two days Steve, they are still banging on about it to their friends, and both have got the bug. I am sure this is purely down to your great coaching. How you managed to pitch the level exactly right to a 53 year yachtsman, a 21 year old psychologist and a 14 year old “bad assed dude” I will never know; but you did. Now I know what “all in the same boat” means.

Thank you Steve, it was a great experience and we all got a recognised qualification at the end of it. Brilliant.

Best wishes

Ian Dawes
Boatshed Port Solent
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