Why have training?
We recommend everyone who buys a boat to seriously consider having a handling course.
This is absolutely essential if you are a novice or have only a little previous experience. Even if you have had several canal holidays on hire boats and you think you are a reasonable steerer, the chances are you have been largely self-taught and there will be big gaps in your required knowledge.
Tony Ward
To be properly taught by a skilled and experienced professional will make you a much safer steerer to the benefit of your crew and passengers, of other canal users and, just as important, to the well-being of your expensive paintwork! You will also find it will greatly increase your boating enjoyment.
If you have a partner, other family member or friend who is likely to do quite a bit of steering at times then it is a good idea to have them included too.
We are happy to give you the names of two trainers who will take you out on your own boat for a full day of instruction. They are both Braunston based but will travel further afield. If you are considering taking the RYA Helmsman Certificate examination at some time in the future then an inexpensive session with one of them will give you an excellent preparatory grounding. Click on a name for the website :-
Boat Handling Instructors:-
Tony Ward, Boatmaster tel. 01788 899105
mobile: 07969 168612
email: tony.ward@braunston.net
Previous experience: over 13 years as
captain of passenger boats, hotel boat
skipper and boat handling instructor.
James Wichard, Instructor tel. 07951 961974
Previous experience: ex RYA instructor for
Inland Waterways Helmsman Certificate
& CEVNI examiner. After 24 years in
Royal Navy
Advanced Training:-
Willow Wren Training in Rugby offer a wide range of courses including RYA Helmsman’s Certificate, Boatmaster Tier II, Diesel Maintenance, First Aid etc.:-
Willow Wren Training tel. 01788 551144 mobile: 07970 770565
email: wwren@btconnect.com