Gosport Marina gets 'active' for the day 

Berth holders at Gosport Marina enjoy RYA Active Marina workshop

Over 30 berth holders at Premier’s Gosport Marina were able to brush up on their boating skills when they attended an RYA Active Marina Own Boat Tuition workshop last Saturday (12th May)  

The workshop is part of the RYA Active Marina Programme which aims to encourage boat owners to make more out of life with their boats by gaining the confidence and skills to leave their berths and get out on the water more often.  

Twelve boats and over 30 people attended the workshops which were met with huge enthusiasm. Instructors from two RYA Training Centres, Commodore Yachting and Ondeck were on hand to give expert advice and plenty of tips, taking their students through the motions on their boats in the bright sunshine. 

The focus was on improving boat handling skills, during a two hour training session for each boat.   

“It was an excellent few hours and we learned some great skills,” reported Nicola Hinde, from her Hunter Legend 36 Avanti.      

“This is the best value for money I’ve had in long time and a great opportunity to talk about sailing,” commented Gail Marriot, who owns a Jeanneau Sun Fast 37 called Boheme. 

“I would love to see more Active Marina days.”  

In fact Gail won’t be disappointed because a programme of 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.  

Wendy Baker, Marina Manager at Premier Gosport Marina said “I had some great feedback from customers who really benefitted from the time they spent with the instructors.  They were all really pleased.”  

The newly ‘trained up’ owners are now looking forward to a cruise in company from Gosport to Chichester next month.  

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.  

“It can be quite tough owning and sailing a boat single handed,” said Gail Marriot. 

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