Monday 15 April 2013

RYA Powerboat Level 2 at £195

Why do a Powerboat Level 2 Course ?

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course at £195 is ideal for anyone who aspires to drive a motorised vessel under 10 metres. Let’s face it these days this covers anything from a high speed Rib or Fishing Boat to a 6 berth Motor Cruiser. The great news is that once you’ve passed the course the Powerboat Level 2 qualification allows you to apply for the International Certificate of Competence or ICC, which is a requirement to use or rent a boat in many countries in Europe and around the world (the cost of the ICC from the RYA is an additional £40 & it lasts for 5 years). You don’t need any qualification in the UK at present but the course will save you a fortune if you hit another vessel should your boat handling skills let you down at a critical moment…add to this reduced insurance premiums and the back up from the worlds foremost leisure boating organization (Royal Yachting Association RYA) then you’d be foolish not to take the course.


Spending time on the water is great fun and very rewarding. Shortly after leaving shore you’ll let out a deep breath, smile and feel a lot better about your lot. Doesn’t really matter which type of boat you’re in, from a simple kayak to a state of the art yacht or powerboat.


We’ve heard a few horror stories from clients over the years which could easily have been avoided by taking the course. Boats coming off trailers, trailers and boats coming off tow hitches, wheel bearings collapsing spewing much loved boats all over the road…mmmh expensive…to boats sinking because owners forgot to put the bung in, cars & owners getting dragged down slipways to a watery demise and endless tails of drama’s on the water. Owning a boat can be reasonable, liberating and very rewarding or just an expensive pain..Your choice really.


So for a reasonable £195 and 2 days of your time it’s a great investment for a lifetime of fun on the water. If you want to book or just get some advice give Mike a ring on 07887 890389 or visit www.perfect.uk.com for the up coming Powerboat Level 2 Course dates.







Tuesday 26 March 2013

April 2013...come on sunshine!!!


Blimey...it's still freezing as I write this from the comfort of the armchair infront of the fire..surely it will warm up shortly. Started the first powerboat level 2 courses back in February and weather was pretty good. Last few weeks have been a little chilly however we live in hope...have enclosed a photo of sailing along the Brittany Coast in the summer to remind you all of what's coming..ever the optimist me!!!!

Sailed from the Orwell for 5 days last week visiting the Walton Backwaters, Brightlingsea with a few great characters. Lucky with the weather but 40 kn Easterly gales on the Friday made it all a bit interesting. Had a brilliant time and the boat held up well. Getting back into the lock at Shotley Point Marina at night with a lively breaking lee shore swell was exciting...

Easter arrives this weekend and we start kayaking and sailing. Radio and First Aid Courses are well attended with skippers preparing for a good season on the water.

Had a great evening organising the 'sods opera' for the Leigh on Sea Sailing Club Cadets. They performed brilliantly and a great laugh was had by all. We've got an exciting sailing program for the youngsters organised this season and I picked up 3 Toppers to add to our growing fleet from Stubbers Adventure Centre bringing the club total up to 7, throw in 2 Wayfarers and a Laser and we're in good shape for an good season on the water.

Saturday 3 November 2012

I love this job..

Another great season draws to a close. A few more powerboat & kayak sessions & then it's into the classroom for the Day Skipper Theory, Radio & First Aid Courses until February 2013. It's been pretty wet & windy this summer however it's never a bad day on the water. A big thank you to our customers who've been brilliant. Plenty of boat maintenance will keep me busy. It's the Bonfire night celebrations at Leigh on Sea Sailing club tonight, taking the kids down for the fireworks & hot dogs. As always a great night with the added bonus of a beer festival this weekend. Sailing the East Coast for a week mid November up to the Orwell, Walton Backwaters etc..lets hope for some good weather which normally means a force 8 gale, freezing spray & frozen extremities. Wouldn't have it any other way...My children tell me its only 50 sleeps to Christmas so with that in mind..have a great Christmas and a happy New Year. Time to plan next years trips..I love this job

Monday 11 June 2012

Give me sunshine..


What is up with the weather? Crazy nonsense...
Plenty of action on the water, mostly powerboat & sailing courses. The windy conditions are playing havoc with the kayaking. Lot's of seals & the occasional harbour porpoise for company.
The estuary has been busy with boats coming & going for the Jubilee Pageant last week with some amazing marine heritage heading up river.
Clients hav been great with the usual fascinating careers & boating aspirations..from Jo who was sailing round the world, Fabrice who is opening up his own watersports business in Cannes, John from the special forces heading out to the gulf to do some anti piracy patrols to Pete the lifeboatman from Wales who was providing rescue support for the Olympics. Never a dull moment.. I love this job....  

Monday 20 February 2012

Spring is coming..Powerboat Level 2 brrrrh..









Just started this years Powerboat Level 2 courses on the water...a little chilly with the snow. Great fun and well done to David & Liz. High speed was a bit bonkers with everyone rubbing their hands together afterwards to try and get the feeling back.
The weather people are forecasting sunshine and increases of temperature from 5 to 15 degrees C...whoopy do..we live in hope. Just back from a couple of weeks skiing in Serre Chevalier..big thanks to Mo for looking after me. Broke my leg badly falling off a motorbike in Corfu during the late summer of 2011, so skiing within 6 months is brilliant..specialist has given up hope..no fool like an old fool.


The views on the estuary are simply stunning at the moment with the most amazing sunsets. Kayaking with clients this wednesday will be great fun. Time to get out on the water, see you soon.

Spring has sprung..just a tadge..

Mike
























Monday 13 June 2011

June 2011...Wind, Wind...plus more Wind





It's all been a little bit frantic lately. Very windy since the start of May making conditions a little testing. Great for candidates getting some experience in estuary chop and interesting launching and landing! Still only the odd course cancelled and clients have been great.


Not much going on the social front as way to busy keepng the fleet tip top and teaching. Reece and Graham have been doing a fantastic job on the water.Hoping to get a bit of coastal cruising done over the next few weeks with the kids weather permitting.

Working on Girl Pat our newest addition seen above. She is a beautiful 1920's wooden 25' Shrimp Bawley built in Leigh on Sea. Owning her defies reason however I just fell in love when I saw her for the first time. Bringing down to Leigh for the Fishing Festival on Sunday 31st July and she will be moored up opposite the Endeavour during the summer months. Intend to get her back shrimp fishing in the old fashioned way. Give us a wave if you see us on the water....


Oh happy days.........