Helmsman Course Booked!
Before I take to the waterways I think it’s responsible and ’safe’ to undertake a course of some kind. Yes, anyone can jump on a boat and take it out but if you don’t know what you’re doing it can all go horribly wrong I’m sure whether you’re laden with oodles of common sense or not.
Therefore, as I am not ready to die a watery death just yet, and do not want to see my gorgeous Daughter harmed in any way, I’ve booked a two day course with Terry Robertson of T R Boat Handling. I’d had a recommendation about him from the previous owner of my boat plus I’d seen good things written about him on various canal web sites.
Not only does he ‘qualify’ us at/in/for good helmsmanship but also equips us, hopefully, with the knowledge and knowhow to confidently maintain the engine basics and other necessary regular checks etc.
In readiness we went out to buy supplies today. A windlass and key together with a couple of nice new shiny tethering poles!
So, by 21 March Lottie and I will be the proud holders of an ‘ Inland Waterways Helmsman Certificate’!
If you’re on the K&A on 20 or 21 March, you’ve been warned! 
YEEHAAA
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Penned by admin at 6:14 pm | Comment here!
Hello Karen,
Brilliant idea – Terry is really good. You should find some mooring pins on the boat, try the steps front and back or the rear lockers in the semi-trad deck, there’s also a 7lb lump hammer for knocking the buggers in and there should be another windlass there too. The oversized spiral pins could be useful on the K &A, you can get them at the swindlers, but the ones sold in pet shops might be suitable. I also meant to get a couple to try, but never got round to it. As with so many things – sigh!
Jill
When I bought the pins I said to Lottie “I bet we’ve got some”
I’d already seen the hammer but as for the windlass you’re better off having a spare reading all the stories of those lost in locks
Thanks for stopping by Jill, I appreciate your continued interest and support. You’re a real bright shiny star
You should get a magnet for retrieving lost windlass.
Would have to be a very big magnet; they weigh a ton!
Aww! Thanks Karen!
And yup, you can get very large magnets, they’re called a SeaSearchers and they’re is worth their weight in gold; although mercifully they don’t cost that much!.
I left mine in my toolkit and now every single screwdriver, spanner and so on is clamped to another in one large lump! Very handy and keeps small boys amused for days and days (little things etc!).
Well that’s a much better explanation!! I’ll buy one!
That’s a good idea. Does he teach you on your own boat?
Yes he does Kathy. He’s coming down from the North and I’m putting him up in a local B&B so he’ll have two days with me on my boat. In addition to his advertised fees I’m also paying the B&B and a small amount for his fuel bill.