This year we would like to trial letting our members use Puffin for pottering around the estuary, fishing and picnicking. Ice creams in Bideford anyone ? If it works over the trial period, and there are no major issues, we will do it again next year.

The process for booking Puffin is similar to hiring club boats: you need to prove you are competent, know the rules, watch the training video, book and pay. 

• Booking process:

  
  

  • Submit your Powerboat Level 2 certificate to the club Secretary for approval (this can take 2-3 days) and only needs to be done once. To submit a photograph of your certificate, login to the website, then go to https://ndyc.org/qualifications to upload your certificate. Once you have uploaded your qualifications, use the drop down menu to to request 'NDYC Approved helm'. Safety boat helms just need to email rc@ndyc.org or cm@ndyc.org to add get Puffin booking added to their profile.
  • Review about the guidance on permitting sailing area and the other rules and restrictions (Below)
  • Watch the video on starting and stopping Puffins engine (Hint: it is different to any other boat you have used) 
  • Check the dates on the booking website (https://ndyc.org/booking) to see if  Puffin is available (and not in use for training and racing), reserve Puffin and pay £50 (you cant book until your Powerboat Level 2 certificate is approved).
• On the day of your hire:
  • The key will need to be collected from the secretary until a key safe is fitted to the clubhouse. Please return the key after use.
  • Row out to Puffin using your tender or one of the club rowboats. Leave the tender on the mooring when going for a sail so you can row back to shore when the tide comes in
  • Make a note of Puffin's mooring is so you can find it on your return. We recommend you put a pin on your phones map application.
•      Rules fo hiring Puffin

     All helms must be on the NDYC approved list for motorboats

•      Puffin is hired for 3 hours before high tide and 1.5 hours.
•      There is a maximum of 4 people allowed onboard.
•      Check the weather and tide times before you set off. Puffin's mooring is only accessible 2 hours either side of high tide.  Bring Puffin back before it gets too shallow to get her onto her mooring
•      Stay within the Permitted Sailing Area
  •      Inside of Inner Pulley buoy
  •      Inside of Bideford Bridge
  •      Inside of Fremington Quay
•      Wear a life jacket especially when rowing to Puffin and getting in and out of Puffin
•      Helm must carry a radio or phone in the event of an emergency.
•      Do not allow ropes and fishing lines to get tangled with the propellor
•      Take care when anchoring:
  •     Take very great care when moving from the cockpit to the foredeck to reach the anchor. 
  •     When anchoring, use a figure of eight on the cleat to tie the anchor rope.
  •     Always ensure the anchor is tied tight to the foredeck when motoring. 

• Puffin is kept on the PINK buoy next to the slipway closest to the land
  •     Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nmbFtC6HZBcpVRLT9?g_st=im 
  •     Lat/Long
    • Degree minutes seconds: 51°02'55.6"N 4°10'56.6"W
    • Digital (for GPS): 51.048778, -4.18239

Last updated 12:04pm on 9 August 2024