Shaped by Experience

To cut a long story short my original experience of RIBs and inflatables was as reliable yacht tenders over 20 years ago. The 36 small Avon dinghies we used on our sailing flotillas were dragged along behind yachts (and up beaches!!) for over 200 days each year, often only needing to be replaced because they were so desirable they were stolen.

I used boats like Avon Seariders as backup craft for sailing companies and as rescue boats for sailing events. The dive version Zodiac was superb for exploring harbours and coastal waters often with my children and their friends. As they got older a Ribcraft 485 got them driving faster and further plus it made a good wakeboarding boat. The Ribcraft 485s performance on the Round Britain event was testimony to the outstanding capabilities of a 'small rib'.

Wind against tide in the Solent, the headlands and overfalls of the Purbecks, Channel swells or the North Sea on cold stormy nights are some of the pleasures of the UK waters.The rocky coasts of the Greek Islands or flat calm tropical days with coral below the surface all provide challenging conditions for RIBs and their crews.

Over the years I have used a variety of 'bigger' RIBs. An offshore 12 metre aluminium 'open transom RIB' powered by 500hp of outboards is a personal favourite. It belongs to a friend who runs it across the Gulf Stream from Florida to the Bahamas. However I do like the 'motion of the ocean' and a small or medium sized RIB certainly gives you more 'feel' for the changing conditions.

In our crowded waters there is obviously a place for training and qualifications. I believe that it is easier to learn new skills if you are using the right equipment and enjoying your training. The purpose of these courses is to encourage a wider application of knowledge. The experience gained from any situation can lead to better decision making on another day.

John Haynes
Yachtmaster Ocean
Advanced Powerboat Instructor

If you want more background on this go to:-
crazywater.co.uk
SELECT: On The Water
THEN: Shaped By Experience

Anyone working with us as skipper or instructor will have the same high standards and fully understand the aims of every course. They will be able to deliver training while in a constantly changing environment. They also understand that we too never stop learning!