About Us
My experience of RIBs goes back over 30 years ago using boats such as the classic Avon Searider as support craft for charter companies and as rescue boats for watersports events. The dive version Zodiacs were superb for exploring coastal waters and very tough around rocks. Two stroke engines were noisy, there was little choice of boats and they were very basic.
The RIB market has changed rapidly in the past 10 years. A 12 metre RIB powered by over 1000hp of engines is not unusual in the military and commercial sectors - and certainly gives an interesting ride. Over the years I have used many big RIBs however I still like the 'motion of the ocean' and a small or medium sized RIB certainly gives you more feel for the changing conditions.
I had my first motor boat in Christchurch Harbour and raced sailing dinghies and cruisers in local waters. This was followed by many seasons of Solent and cross channel RORC races. Offshore races on sailing boats from 10m to 25m included the legendary 79 Fastnet, the Admirals Cup, Southern Ocean Racing Conference and the International Maxi series.
Running boats for a living took me to Turkey, Greece, Yugoslavia, Croatia, Italy, France, Spain and numerous islands in between. We delivered boats from Florida to the Bahamas, Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico and across the Atlantic. There are many different sea conditions from the Med to the North Sea but I still retain a healthy respect for the waters of the English Channel.
In our crowded waters there is growing need for training and we are pleased to pass on our experience. I believe that the confidence gained from the style of BLUE RIDE training can lead to better decision making in unexpected or unfamiliar situations. Overall we know it is easier to learn new skills if you are relaxed, using the right equipment and enjoying your training.
Anyone working with us as a skipper or instructor will have the same high standards and will fully understand the aims of every course. They will be able to deliver training while in a constantly changing environment. They will also know that none of us ever stop learning!!
We look forward to seeing you on the water.
John Haynes
BLUE RIDE Principal
Advanced Powerboat Instructor
Yachtmaster Offshore & Ocean
To see why BLUE RIDE is different read Feedback From Recent Courses
Latest News
05.08.2019 - Fastnet 79 - Learning from Hard Lessons at Sea
In the 1979 Fastnet Race I was sailing on…
