Simply Powerboating

Simply Powerboating is being developed to enable members wanting to gain more experience in rib driving or just to have fun in the club ribs in company with other members.  The aim will be to help lesser experience helms build hours and experience in a structured manner before possibly becoming Safety Boat helms that requires a SB course.  Anyone interested should hold at least a PBL2 qualification or be accepted / approved by the chief Powerboat instructor.

The format will be 3-4 people per rib and upto 3 ribs cruising in company with a suitably experience or qualified instructor accompanying in one boat.  We have a number of weekday evenings or daytime opportunities that will be made available for booking through the calendar in the usual way.  The cost will be £25 per person and will include the use of the boat over a single tide, all running costs and fuel as well as the instructor.

Typical format for the day will vary but may include the following skill based activities

1. MOB
2. Anchoring
3. Lee shore landing
4. Anchoring off - and getting in without swimming
5. Tying up alongside
6. Towing
7. Turning in a confined space
8. Navigating by GPS
9. Route planning and pilotage
10. Pacing

The typical destinations that maybe included some over the bar activities and estuary destinations subject to weather and group decisions:

1. Cleve
2. Bideford
3. Under the old bridge and towards Weare Gifford
4. Skern
5. Fairway Buoy
6. Appledore Quay
7. Crow Point
8. Velator Quay
9. Fremington Quay
10. Heanton Court
11. Rolle Quay
12. Castle Quay
13. Old Bridge and Rock Park

The whole idea and feel for the sessions will be informal, student led, with plans made on whatsapp beforehand.  Lead helm will be a guide offering support, advice and reassurance rather than typical instruction.  Remember this is a fun activity to get members on the water and build power boating skill and experience.

Proposed Date (provisional)

Monday 18^th May - evening

Monday 8^th June - mid day

Tuesday 16^th June - evening

Wednesday 1^st July - evening

Wednesday 15^th July - evening

More dates can be added once we have gauged the enthusiasm for Simply powerboating.  We are also happy to add all women boats if there is a demand.

Finally whilst this is aimed at PBL2 qualified members others may attend by agreement as crew only depending on the experience of the helms, but could be a good introduction to Powerboating.  If this is you contact principal@ndyc.org or CM@ndyc.org to discuss.

Before the opportunities become live - keep an eye out for information in the Newsletter or check back to these pages.

 

Last updated 9:05am on 10 April 2026