Active Marina Cruise in Company a success at Hamble Point 

Hamble Point Marina cruise in company

Owners who keep their motorboats at MDL Hamble Point Marina polished up their seamanship and navigation skills last Sunday 22nd July when they enjoyed a day out on the water with other likeminded skippers.   

The session was part of the RYA’s ‘Active Marina’ programme which is designed to get berth holders out on the water more frequently and encourage them to make more of life with their boats.  

The fleet of five boats cruised in each other’s company to Ryde Harbour on the Isle of Wight, further than many had ventured before, under the helpful guidance of RYA Training Centre Marine Matters.  

“Wow, what a great day!” said Alan Hitchcock one of the berth holders.  

"As a new sportsboat owner it was marvellous to meet fellow boaters and visit a small drying harbour I didn’t know we could access,” adding “The briefing was brilliant and gave us confidence for the passage. Thank you to the RYA Active Marina Programme and to MDL for the hospitality. We are really looking forward to the next cruise or workshop.”    

Marine Matters’ instructor Andy Cross welcomed the owners and their crews over tea and coffee in the Ketch Rigger at the marina. He presented a passage planning and pilotage briefing.  Boats then proceeded in company to Ryde in sunny conditions with only a gentle breeze, briefly stopping to watch the parade of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, whose fleet was returning to the Solent, as they passed Warsash shore.  

After a very pleasant afternoon in Ryde, with some crews visiting the town and others heading for a swim at the beach on what was a wonderfully warm day, the sportsboat fleet left the harbour.   

Andy summed up: “In my view, the Active Marina programme gave us a very worthwhile and enjoyable day. It was a great experience to have the RYA, the marina and Marine Matters RYA Training Centre working together to offer such a fabulous opportunity for people to do something a little more adventurous on their boats. 

They learned some new skills, met other like-minded boat owners from their marina, and had some fun!”  

Neil Salter, General Manager of MDL Hamble Point Marina said “I'm very pleased that the cruise to Ryde went well - even the weather was kind!  It is excellent for MDL to be able to offer opportunities for berth holders to enhance their boating skills in a relaxed and friendly way whilst having a good time. Even better is the fact that it is promoted, supported and backed up with the credibility of the RYA”.     

Another owner Chris Edney, of the boat Liberty  said, "The cruise to Ryde was a fantastic opportunity to explore a new destination whilst having the added assurance of cruising in company and the knowledge, experience, and support provided by the RYA and Marine Matters.

The day certainly helped increase my confidence, not to mention the enjoyment of boating and socialising with other like minded people.”   He added “I look forward to taking part in further cruises and activities in the near future."      

A programme of further Active Marina events is planned in marinas across the south, and indeed the whole UK, to get boat owners and crews fired up about their boating.  

The programme encourages and supports increased berth holder activity by partnering with marinas, RYA recognised training centres, berth holder groups and yacht clubs to establish or enhance a programme of training, cruising and social opportunities.  

For more information about the RYA Active Marina Programme visit www.rya.org.uk/go/activemarina   To sign up to become and Active Marina email activemarina@rya.org.uk