Helmsman course

There is a several places offering RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman's Courses.  We feel it will be money well spent for us both to attend one of these.  At first we thought we'd both go along to a one day course but it isn't all that much more to have them come to you.  Much better to learn on your own boat.

We're hoping to learn a better way of bringing the boat in to the canalside than our method when we hired.  We had many an onlooker giggle at us.  We'd just aim the boat slowly towards the bank, with me standing on the bow ready to jump off with rope in hand.  I'd leap off with the centre rope and drag the rest of the boat in to the bank.  The whole process wasn't very skillful.  I think it's a bit like reverse parking - you just have to learn how to do it properly.

Here are some of the available courses I've found :

http://www.willowwrentraining.co.uk/
 Helmsman's Course at £130 each per day.
 Helmsmans Course for 2 persons (own boat) £310 per day.  

http://www.cruisingschool.co.uk/course/helmsmans_course.htm
Helmsman's Course at £130 each per day, maximum 3 persons per course.
An exclusive Helmsmans Course for 2 persons only, at £325 per day. 


http://www.canalexperience.co.uk/

RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman’s Course (1 Day) £125
RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman’s Course (2 Day) £225
RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman’s Course – Own boat (1 day) £350

http://www.dragonflynarrowboathire.co.uk/training/
One day IWHC course at £115.00 per person
Two day IWHC course at £220.00 per person
Own boat tuition for the IWHC course £POA