The Cumbrae Blog
Special Offer; Youth and Junior Courses
This year we re-introduce “press ganging”, as we launch our Press Gang Promotion....
“In previous times of hardship during the 19th century the Royal Navy needed more men to crew its ships,
Press Gangs of trusted sailors roamed the dockyards and cities, rounding up unsuspecting people and forcing many of them into a life at sea..
Now if you can round up THREE of your friends to a “life at sea” then you deserve to come on the same course for FREE.
Go on, get recruiting you will be doing them and yourself a favour.”
The Press Gang Promotion, a “4 for the price of 3” offer represents a saving of 25% per person
This Year the Youth and junior programme at Cumbrae has been overhauled and re-rigged. There are new courses offering a far wider range of activities and more available dates for Juniors age 9 – 14, and Youths age 14+. Both age categories have 2 day and 5 day course options, residential and non residential, and a choice of activities, including Paddlesports, Windsurfing as well as Dinghy Sailing. All you need do is start rounding up other landlubbers. Please don’t beat anyone over the head but gentle cajouling and persuasion is actively encouraged.
The 4 for the price of 3 offer applies to 4 people booking onto the same course through a single transaction. For consent purposes we will require separate contact details of each participant and their parents /guardian. This offer applies to all the courses in our Junior and Youth category. This offer cannot be combined with any other offers. For more information please contact us 01475 530 757or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
By David
Sunday 29th Jan, FREE Information Day
A FREE Information day is being held on Sunday 29th January for anyone interested in our Professional Yachtmaster training (PYT) course. During the FREE day we take you through the programme structure and career opportunities, with plenty of discussion and informal talks. A free Lunch, tea and coffees are also included, the day is fairly informal and relaxed it starts around 09.30am and finishes around 4pm, although timings can be flexible to suit. We can also offer FREE overnight B&B accomodation on the Saturday night for those travelling from farther afield.
Our PYT course is an 18 week course, 75 days on the water and 25 days ashore, working towards RYA/MCA DoT Yachtmaster (commercially endorsed). This qualification can create opportunities for work onboard yachts, and is essential for aspiring skippers, cruising instructors and anyone looking to undertake yacht deliveries. It is also great personal training for confidently cruising your own yacht worldwide. You may be interested in reading of the success of our last candidates who all passed their RYA Yachtmaster qualifications at the end of the PYT course last year
All aspiring Yachtmasters are welcome on the FREE day, however pre-booking is essential, please call us on 01475 530 757 to reserve your FREE place.
By David
Happy New Year
Happy New Year to all our friends, we wish you all the very best for 2012.
The website is now updated and packed full of all the 2012 dates and prices as we offer more courses than ever before, we hope you will find something to suit.
New this year are; Fastrack Dinghy instructor courses, Diesel engine and Radar, Instructor courses. We have also increased the number of youth and junior courses and offer a bigger variety of activiteis for young people. Our Youth and Junior courses are scheduled to fit with school holiday periods and this now includes Easter as well as the summer holidays.
This year we are also running a special "Press Gang Promotion" on our Youth and Junior courses, this is effectively 4 for the price of 3 offer. details are available in our brochure or by telephoning 01475 530 757.
As the weather eases we hope to see you all out on the water in 2012.
By David
Merry Christmas
Cumbrae would like to wish all its friends the very best for the festive season. The Office will be closed from Tuesday 20th December 2011 until Thursday 5th January 2012. Unfortunately it will not be possible to take bookings during this period.
Details of all our 2012 courses are on available on this website and our new brochure will be launched in January. Previous customers should automatically receive a copy however anyone can requst a brochure by following this link and filling in their details, you will be added to the January mailing list.
Please note the website currently displays the 2011 prices. The site will be updated with 2012 prices before the 5th January.
Enjoy the festive season and we look forward to seeing you out on the water in 2012.
Best wishes, from all the team @ Cumbrae
By David
RYA Scotland Big Weekend
25th - 26th February 2012
sportscotland, National Centre, Inverclyde, Burnside Road, Largs, KA30 8RW
RYA Scotland's Big Weekend will be even bigger and better in 2012. It is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to catch up with everything sailing, windsurfing and powerboating.
The programme will be slightly different on each day so we hope to see lots of people making a weekend of it! Some of the things included on the programme are the Yachtmaster Instructors' Conference, Race Coach Level 2 updates, Race Officer courses and Continual Professional Development workshops for instructors and windsurfing. We will also be giving updates on some of the RYA programmes that we have been running such as Team 15, OnBoard, Olympic Activation and Volvo Champion Clubs.
Sign up now, day tickets for the Big Weekend are £25 per day but if you register early then you can save some money on our Weekend Ticket offer. We only have 30 weekend tickets on sale so you will have to be quick to get one! The weekend offer is only £85 which includes your ticket for both days of the Big Weekend, your accommodation on Saturday night at Inverclyde and also a place at the RYA Scotland Annual Awards dinner on Saturday night.
We will also be running the RYA Scotland Boat Show for the first time in 2012. Entry will be free for everyone including those not attending the Big Weekend activities. There will be lots of stands selling their wares and services so be sure to come along for a look and to check out all the bargains on offer. A fantastic highlight of the boat show will be the RYA 'Our Sporting Life - Sail for Gold' Olympic heritage exhibition. Check out our RYA Scotland Boat Show page for more details.
By David
Christmas Gift Vouchers
No need to be stuck for Christmas presents this year. The full range of Cumbrae courses can always provide something for everyone . There are over 70 different types of courses catering for all levels of abilities covering a wide range of watersports disciplines, that everyone from enthusiastic young beginners to experienced sailors can learn from.
Our attractive Gift vouchers are available in flexible formats, you can book a course fully, put something towards a course or if you can't decide on a course, pay a fixed amount and let the recipient use it toward a course of their own choice. The vouchers come with an attractive gift card and envelope with space inside for your own message.
For newcomers to watersports we offer a great range of “Try a Days” in windsurfing, dinghy sailing, and paddlesports, perfect gifts providing a great day out on the water. Costing just £45 these taster days are a great day out they include lunch, instruction and all the equipment and clothing they need to get going. If those taking part enjoy their chosen activity and wishes to follow up their experience, we will deduct the cost of this “Try a Day” from any subsequent course booking of 2 days, or longer.
Details of all our courses are available on this website and in our brochure which will be available from early January and posted to anyone receiving a voucher.
To solve your Christmas present dilemma and give them something with a difference give us a call on 01475 530 757.
By David
Congratulations Professional Yachtmasters
Congratulations to Tom (in the middle) and Sebastien (on right) both of whom have just passed their RYA Yachtmaster Offshore qualification. They joined with Rod Smith (on left) , the PYT programme co-ordinator for a celebratory glass of champagne after receiving the good news.
They both embarked 18 weeks ago joining Cumbrae 's Professional Yachtmaster Training course and are justifiably delighted with the outcome having successfully passed their exams in very testing conditions, 43 Knots of wind being the biggest gust they experienced over the few days... the last week in November was always likely to be a challenge.
Both of them are delighted to be finished, and to be be able to call themselves Yachtmasters. Sebastien is looking forward to returning to his family in France and Tom to a well earned rest while he considers his next move.
In the final stages of their preparation they were joined by Peter for 3 weeks, he had already built up his sailing miles and joined our Intensive preparation coures he also is now celebrating his new Yactmaster status.
Well done everybody
By David
Two Nightwatch Posts
Nightwatch x 2 Fixed Term Posts, Part- time - 19 hours per week, Salary: £13,996 pa (pro-rata)
Post 1 - January - March 2012
Post 2 - March - October 2012
The sportscotland National Centre: Cumbrae is currently looking for 2 Nightwatch staff members, to start in January and March 2012.
The Nightwatch role ensures the safety of the centre and its clients during evening hours and provides a high standard of customer care while checking residents into accommodation, assisting with bar work and office support, and being the available overnight member of staff. It is also an excellent way of getting a flying start in the outdoor industry due to the training opportunities it offers. Past employees have used the opportunity to gain NGB qualifications and have then moved on to work as an Instructor.
Although no formal qualifications are required, applicants should ideally have experience of working within a customer-oriented environment and have a keen interest in water sports.
You will be a motivated individual with good communication and interpersonal skills and a pleasant manner. These posts can be very popular beacuase of the fantastic training opportunities that they offer, as a member of staff you can look to join the huge range of Cumbrae courses, subject to avavilability, at no cost. The nightwatch post has been used by many in the past as a big step onto the career ladder of working in the outdoors industry. The post offers fantastic opportunities for gaining NGB qualifications while working alongside some of the best instructors in the country
To discuss this role further, please contact Rod Smith on .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 07590962950 Follow this link to the sportscotland website where you can access an application pack.
Please note all candidates are required to submit a completed sportscotland application form.Closing date for completed applications: Friday 25th November 2011 sportscotland is an equitable employer and operates a child protection policy.
By David
Yachtmaster Ocean
Cumbrae has successfully now run it's first YM Ocean Shorebased course (7th -13th November) under the tutorship of our own ocean going Instructor John Simpson . The RYA Ocean Shorebased course has three parts learning how to use a sextant with associated astronomical ways to fix your position using the sun, stars, planets or moon. Plus world weather (Tropical Revolving Storms and how best to avoid them!) and Ocean passage planning.
The six people joining for this week were all very experienced yachtsmen Hugh and Vince are professional sailors, Olly a film/TV script writer (taking six months off to write a Scottish historical novel), Stephen a dentist (who also instructs flying on light aircraft), Tristram a self employed graphic artist and Jim a retired agricultural advisor. Four of them being boat owners. Course guidelines suggest that you have completed the YM Coastal/Offshore theory before trying this course...
Nowadays with the advent of GPS many folks feel perhaps that a course like this might not be necessary when planning an Ocean passage. They might be well be right but there is always plenty of time on a long passage to try an astro. fix provided you have a background understanding, which this course provides. So you might be missing out enjoying something interesting, if you haven't taken one...
All the guys enjoyed this first Yachtmaster Ocean course at Cumbrae. Despite the confines of a classroom for these outdoor enthusiasts and professionals they left fully prepared to fix their position by sextant any where in the world and where looking forward to getting out there to use their new found sextant skills. With very few places offering this course It is hoped Cumbrae can run this course again click for 2012 Yachtmaster Ocean dates
By David
2012 Dates 2011 Prices
All the 2012 dates have now been published on this website and will remain at the 2011 prices until the end of the year. To confirm a booking and fix the 2011 price only the deposit needs top be paid up front. By making an early commitment with your deposit we will hold the 2011 price for you with the balance due in 2012.
To take advantage of this offer please note that we can only take bookings up until the 19th December when we close for Christmas. When we return on the 5th January the new 2012 prices will apply
This price offer CAN be used in conjunctiopn with our other offers "5 for the price of 4" on our cruising courses and on our Junior and Youth courses we offer a £50 course discount for any additional siblings (brothers or sisters) booked onto any Youth or Junior 5 day courses.
Cumbrae gift vouchers are also available and make ideal presents for the nautically inclined even if they don't know it yet. Please call for details
By David
Coaches and Trainers Annual Gathering
Straight off the back of a busy Instructor training week, Cumbrae hosts a gathering of Scotlands Powerboat Trainers, Windsurfing Trainers and Coach Assessors. Organised by RYA Scotland this is the annual Scottish gathering of the people who Instruct the Instructors.
23 delegates gathered for the conference style weekend that had a full programme of activities afloat and ashore. The wind forecast for the Friday evening, south to south west 6 to gale 8 occasionally severe gale 9, unfortunately prevented the night navigation powerboating session. Strong winds continued on the Saturday but everyone did manage to get afloat either in a dinghy, on a rib or on top of a board.Those requiring to update their qualifications attended sessions run by RYA UK staff; National Coaches Amanda Van Stanten, who heads up Dinghy and Windsurfing scheme and Rachel Andrews responsible for the Powerboat scheme had flown in from Southampton. An update for Advanced Powerbaot Examiners was also included.
Presentations from the National Coaches and RYA Scotlands Jane Campbell Morison, were nicely interspersed with Informal practical workshops run by the delegates themselves. With so many experts around, there was always going to be something to learn. After a sociable evening in Cumbraes Scuttlebutt Bar the weather on the Sunday was much kindier and a variety of activities were run afloat before people began to head home in the early afternoon.
A very informative and enjoyable weekend
By David
Congratulations 23 New Instructors
The week of the October holidays has been very busy at Cumbrae. Fulfilling its role as an Instructor training facility the National Centre has seen one of its busiest October weeks and despite the wet and windy weather there has been a real buzz around the centre. People had travelled from as far afield as Invergordon to Nottingham and Donegal to Barra to take part in the valued Instructor training at Cumbrae.
17 candidates enrolled on the RYA Dinghy Instructor training and further 6 candidates for the RYA Start Windsurfing Instructor course. We are pleased to announce that all 17 dinghy instructors and 6 windsurfing Instructor candidates successfully completed their courses and will shortly receive their RYA Instructor certificates...well done everyone a 100% pass rate
The Dinghy instructor course was run as 3 separate courses although there were times when it was beneficial to bring all three groups together. This produced a great mix and exchange of ideas on the course and having such a large group of people all working towards the same goal proved to be a real asset and strength of the course. The candidates came from a variety of backgrounds and ages, individually all had their own motivation for becoming an Instructor, some looking ahead for a job in the Med sun next season, others to give something back to their sailing club, while others were involved with voluntary organisationson. Those on the dinghy instructor course received the benefit of input from 7 different Coaches all involved in the training and moderation of the course.
The Windsurfing Instructor course enjoyed a windy week and spent time afloat and ashore working on their teaching and presentation skills and simulator demonstrations.
As the Instructor candidates were finishing off their course the centre was busy preparing itselff for a busy weekend when those who " Instruct the Instructors" began arriving for a weekend of Poweboat Trainers, Dingfhy Coach assessors and Windsurfing Trainers update and conference weekend.
By David
Yachtmaster Instructors
Both Cumbrae yachts were out last weekend running Yachtmaster and Cruising Instructor Updates. Both boats were full, 5 people on each yacht, all renewing their Instructor qualifications. These updates come around every 5 years and provide a great opportunity for sharing ideas. Put 5 “experts” together and you will get rewarded with 15 different ways of teaching things, great for instructors the more teaching tools in the Instructor box the better
The weekend was very worthwhile, despite the rain and drizzle, plenty of discussion ensued around all things yachty. The normal environment for Yachtmaster and Cruising Instructors is to work in isolation from other Instructors working with their students on a week or weekend courses. The interaction over the weekend as well as informative was also at times entertaining as stories and experiences are shared.
Put 5 “experts” onto a boat and things just happen, no need to have to ask or explain, sails go up with just a nod, a tilt of a head towards a locker and mooring warps appear or disappear, a reef mysteriously appears as the kettle goes on, sailing on and off pontoons all just happens without a break in the banter
The course trainers, Cumbraes Chris Nichol and OYT’s Nick Fleming set a challenge for the Instructors to develop an exercise for use with students, bridging the gap between the old and new schools of navigation. The old school; that paper is best, use charts and pencils, GPS should not be relied on, they are the work of the devil. The New school that GPS and chart plotters are here to stay, they are reliable can be backed up by a handheld unit and GPS is much more accurate than most peoples 3 point fixing!
We discussed and designed exercises that combined the use of GPS and paper charts, This produced some interesting and informative results. The RYA is keen to combine the two schools of thought, there is a new middle school that uses both together very successfully and the instructors have now gone away with fresh thoughts and new exercises to help their students.
The only regret is that it could be another 5 years before we get to sail with such an experienced crew.
Both Cumbrae Yachts are again out this week this time not updating Yachtnmaster Instructors but training and assessing them over a five day course, 6 candidates being put through their paces to see if they can make the grade required to become a RYA Yachtmaster Instructor.
By David
2012 Cruising Dates
We are pleased to announce the dates of our 2012 cruising programme which are now published on this website. 2011 has been a busy year for the National Centres two cruising yachts, Santa Vey and Somerled. and many of our customers and staff have happy memories of their time afloat this season. We hope to populate other areas of the website with 2012 dates by 28th October at the latest!
The 2012 dates are at 2011 prices which for will remain in place until the end of the year (21st Dec 2011) So book early not just to avoid disapointment but also to save money. 2012 Prices will take effect on 4th Jan 2012
A great success was our new cruising venture in 2011 the "Viking cruise" which was a real success. The original premise was that the Vikings claimed ownership of land by circumnavigating it. By dragging their longships across at Tarbert they claimed the kintyre peninsula. The Crinan Canal makes life a lot easier these days! This season a trip around the Mull of Kintyre calling at Gigha then took a route up the Sound of Islay for an evening at Colonsay before also "conquering" the island of Jura with a passage through the Corryvreckan at it's North end before heading for Crinan and returning through the canal to Clyde waters and homeward bound for Largs. 7 great cruising days.
Our Hebridean Cruising fully booked out this season and continues to be as popular as ever. The 7 and 8 day options allow extended periods of sailing in the finest cruising area in the world. Early booking is advised for these courses that start and finish at Dunstaffnage near Oban the gateway to the Isles. Other passage making cruises and the Irish milebuilder cruise all continue in the 2012 programme
Both yachts have been extremely busy running all the RYA certificate training courses, and this programme is still ongoing until the end of October 2011. Next years Dates for; Competent Crew, Dayskipper, Coastal Skipper and Yactmaster preparation are now released.
The Professional Yachtmaster Training (PYT) course, run twice this season, continues to build on it's reputation, success and high standards . This course is still running until 4 December so good luck to Tom and Sebastian following the programme. next years 18 week PYT programmes start in March and July. We have FREE information days for anyone interested in the PYT course on 29th January...just phone to book, no cost or obligation!
Weekend Cruising courses run throughout most of the season, apart from when our yachts are away cruising the Hebrides! These courses, starting on a Friday evening provide a great weekend "get away". They are hugely successful, relaxed, great fun and open to all. Those new to yacht cruising learn so much over a weekend while those who have already caught the sailing bug just love the idea of getting away from it all under the guidance of our experienced Instructors.
We are also continuing with our Special Offer 5 for 4 on cruising courses; organise a group of 5 on any crusing course and all go for the price of 4. (All 5 places must be booked by a single transaction)
We look forward to seeing you on board in 2012.
By David
Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Shorebased Evening Classes
Any one interested in participating on our winter evening Coastal Skipper and Yachtmasterr shorebased course should contact the centre 01475 530 757 over the next few days as this class is due to start next week. The Shorebased programme runs for approximately 20 weeks with 10 weeks before Christmas and 10 after. The course will be held on Wednesday evenings from 7 - 9pm at Largs Sailing Club. The syllabus covers; position fixing, tidal height and stream calculations, meteorology, passage planning and rules of the road among other topics. The syllabus makes some provision for revision of subjects in the Day Skipper Course and ideally candidates will have some experience at this level. The course fee is £210 and this includes the RYA shorebased pack with the charts and exercises that acompanies the course.
We also still have places available on the Day Skipper / Watch leader Shorebased course which will also be run at Largs Sailing Club over the winter but on Monday nights 7 - 9pm
By David
Cross Channel Charity Swim
Picture shows swimmers aboard taxi to Cumbrae for the start
The annual cross channel charity swimming event organised by the Gillian Saltire Appeal was a great success on Saturday with a record time of 31 minutes. It was a super day with only about 10 knots of breeze from the WSW which was ideal to help the swimmers on their way. The sun encouraged a great group of supporters on the Largs Sailing Club slipway where the swimmers emerged triumphantly on completion of their channel swim.
Sportscotland’s National Centre Cumbrae, which has been pleased to have been previously involved with the event, this year again provided safety craft and expertise to support this challenging 1.5 mile swim. Starting from the slipway at the National Centre participants swam across the channel to Largs Sailing club. This year it was undertaken by 41 people and wonderfully all 41 swimmers completed the distance in less than the 2 hour time period allocated. It is certainly a challenge that puts many of the participants out of their comfort zone tackling uncertainties such as cold water, deep water – up to 80m’s, jelly fish, salt and dare we mention the earlier sightings of sharks in July!
This event raises money to maintain an apartment in Largs for those fighting cancer. It is for people to use as a holiday base and come to the seaside and enjoy the coast. It is greatly supported by the community to ensure that this accommodation is there for the future.
Perhaps it could be you next year – be inspired and start training now and pledge your support to a growing event with a great vision.
By David
Active Scotland 2011
This autumn join, Robin McKelvie, as he put on his walking boots to Grab a Glen all over Scotland. It's the year of Active Scotland 2011 and he hopes to inspire you to get out there and get active. Robin visited Cumbrae, as part of his travels joining one of our sailing courses and has written about his time on the island
Maybe it is something about the local air, but Ayrshire is a great place to learn world-class skills. This is where Scotland's national bard Robert Burns developed his poetic talents. Legendary Portuguese football manager José Mourinho also learned his trade here in Largs. Just offshore you too can learn the sporting ropes, as I discovered when I crossed over to the cosily compact island of Cumbrae, a remarkably attractive wee gem that hovers just ten minutes adrift from the Ayrshire coast.
My destination was the Sportscotland National Centre Cumbrae. They didn't promise to turn me into a Premiership-winning manager, but they did take me out dinghy sailing. If you book a weekend or midweek course they will educate you too in the aquatic arts of all types of sailing. Talented as they are they also offer windsurfing, kayaking and even powerboating. These courses are not just about having fun (but there is definitely that too!) as you can get proper qualifications. You can even train to become an instructor yourself at a centre whose friendliness and welcoming nature belies the serious work they do.
After a classroom session of theory it was time to hit the water. Literally. One of the drills involved capsizing our dinghy so it was time to get wet. Seriously wet in the autumnal waters of the Firth of Clyde. I was relieved that the man overboard drills then involved just chucking a buoy overboard rather than this warmth-loving man. In a wash of smiles, jokes and serious instruction our dinghy bonded as a group. Soon we were all taking turns at the helm like seasoned pros, well slightly more seasoned beginners anyway.
Leaving my Yachtmaster training for a return visit I hitched up with my young daughter to take on the mammoth cycle around the island. I say mammoth to sound impressive. You can actually circumnavigate Cumbrae in an hour as it is just a shade over ten miles around! With a trailer in tow I skipped around the flat roads showing my daughter the various neighbouring isles. Stopping off at little beaches we were often the only ones on the sands bar the oystercatchers and passing cormorants as we kept a lookout for our marine mammal cousins.
We ended up in Cumbrae's capital, Millport, an impossibly cute affair. The island's only bus service runs from the ferry here to 'The City'. This collage of charming old stone houses caters for the tourists who come to the isle to walk, cycle or just sit enjoying an ice cream. Some come just to savour the jaw-dropping views across to the Arran hills that rise improbably out of the water like hulking skyscrapers.
Millport's star attraction is its cathedral. Yes this wee island has a cathedral. The gothic revival Cathedral of the Isles in fact. Britain's smallest cathedral dates back to 1851 and comes complete with a 19th century tracker action organ. I was surprised, but then you were probably surprised that José Mourinho learned his footballing ropes in Ayrshire. This a corner of the country that not only looks great, but which also packs a serious outdoor punch and is a great place to learn about a plethora of active sports.
By David
Winter Evening Classes
Its that time of year again when we start thinking of winter and how to occupy our time. What a opportunity winter can provide to brush up on our sailing knowledge and skills while preparing for the following season.
Cumbrae, as in previous years will be running the RYA Dayskipper and RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore Shorebased courses over the winter months at Largs Sailing Club. Both these courses run for 20 weeks, 7- 9pm over the winter period. The Dayskipper course will run on Monday evenings and the Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore will run on the Wednesday evenings The cost of each course is £210 (includes RYA packs)
Please note that there will be registration and information evening for both courses at 7pm on Monday 26th Sept at Largs Sailing Club. This allows us to distribute the RYA packs and training charts that come with the course and discuss what other materials you may need, eg a Portland plotter and dividers. The registration evening also allows us to chat with you about which course will be the most suitable if you are not sure which one is for you.
The courses will start the following week. have a break over the Christmas and New Year period and finish up in March. These courses cater for beginners and experienced sailors and are very useful at rounding off a sailors overall competence. Ideal for your crew too as well, the more knowledge on a boat the better!
RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Course runs Mondays 7 - 9pm
This course provides a sound introduction to navigation, chart work and other aspects of boating.
RYA Yachtmaster Coastal / Offshore shorebased course runs Wednesdays 7- 9pm This course with exams is for more experienced sailors with an understanding of the principles introduced at Day Skipper level
To book please contact Cumbrae; 01475 530 757
e-mail; .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
By David
“London Prepares”
The Weymouth and Portland International Regatta 2011, is reaching its' final stages as we go into the Medal Races at the end of 10 days of racing. Todays weather desribed as "fresh and fruity" at the mornings safety briefing is expecetd to see gusts above 30 knots. AP ( indefinite postponment) signalling guns can be heard above the noise of our workforce marqui rattling in the wind.
sportscotland staff have again had senior race management roles on the Womens Match Racing and Laser race course areas. Cumbrae has also provided a "super sub" to help with on water safety managment. There have also been many volunteers normally associated the Scottish Sailing Institue down in Weymouth helping "London Prepare", the strapline which is prominently displayed on all the banners and bunting around the venue.
The racing and race management over the last 10 days has been fantastic we have some great racing on the water. the presence of International Race Officials keeping everyone on their toes to deliver to the highest level. There has beena very definite and positive "buzz" around the whole venue. The Olympics are special and this test event has "felt" different to all the other major events we are used to working at. By the end of the event the race teams delivering the racing afloat will be at the top of their game, the trick will be staying there for another 12 months!
More information and results can be found on the ISAF website
By David
Whale of a Time
Our two yachts, "Santa Vey" and "Somerled" are now running extended cruising courses in the Hebrides. These courses start and finish from Dunstaffnage Marina outside Oban. It was here that David and Angus delivered the boats last weekend. Sometimes the trips to and from Dunstaffnage are less popular than the tempting islands of the Hebrides themselves, but we literally had a whale of a time on the trip up. Although there was very little wind we went non stop from Largs round the Mull to Gigha on the first day then made our way up the Sound of Jura to Oban on the second day.
Sometimes things just fall into place; in perfect sunshine, wind and tide we arrived at the mouth of the Corryvrekan, the infamous tidal race that runs between the North end Jura and Scarba. Although most sailors would normally give this passage a wide berth and the pilot books generally try to put you off going through, we hardened in our sails to tack through the gulf at the turn of the tide.
The noise form the blow hole as the whale surfaced only 40 ft from us spun us all round, as its sleek dark shape broke the surface what a great priveledge to be so close to one of these mamals. As we tacked through the Gulf of Corrvrekan the (pilot?) whale maintained a steady course such that we continually crossed his route at and at a time and place when he always seemd to be surfacing. For half an hour we swam and sailed together, what a fantastic experience and in such a special place. Earlier on we had encounteres with numerous porpoises and a 20ft Basking shark off Arran, the whale, so close and in the Corryvreckan was just the icing on the cake.
Although there is only one place left on the Hebridean cruise there are several place left on the return passages form Dunstaffnage back to Largs. For details call us on 01475 530 757
By David
Congratulations Yachtmasters Offshore
Congratulations to our two Professional Yachtmaster Candidates, Leven Brown and Phil Winch both have successfully passed their RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Exam. Phil and Leven joined Cumbrae on our Professional Yachtmaster Training (PYT) programme. The intensive 18 week programme starts with the RYA competent crew training course and works through the many RYA courses both shore based and practical that are available. The programme though is far more than just the joining together of RYA courses, experience on board sail training vessels, ocean racing yachts, self sails, offshore passages all form part of the development of the individuals in becoming accomplished sailors.
Cumbrae believes in quality and not quantity with its PYT programme which runs twice a year. In passing their Yachtmaster Offshore exam Phil and Leven have maintained the 100% pass rate from the examinations at the end of the programme.
Well done to them both.
For more information on the PYT course please click here.
By David
Cumbrae on Canvas
A keen West Coast cruising sailor Niall McTeague was recently commisionsed to produce a painting of sportscotlands National Centre Cumbrae. Niall is a self taught artist living and working in Scotland and based in Glasgow. He has been painting for many years and exhibits and sells originals and prints from home and selected galleries.
Dramatic seascapes and landscapes are the main subjects of his portfolio and these themes overlap in his paintings of hill walking, water sports and skiing A member of the Society of Scottish Artists Niall has exhibited successfully around Britain including being short listed for the Laing Art Show. It was Niall’s love of the outdoors and in particular his enthusiasm for sailing that caught our interest.
We are delighted with the painting that Niall has produced for us, we spent some time providing him with photographs of the centre taken from different angles and of sailing dinghies. He was even able to incorporate our new, classroom and dining room extension into the picture working from the architects drawings that we provided. He has done an excellent job in combining our images and thoughts into his work and we are very pleased with the result
Copies of the “Cumbrae Painting” are available as prints, either on their own, mounted or mounted and framed. They are available to buy through the shop at the centre and make a great and lasting momento for the many people who use the National Centre
More details of Nialls work, sea and landscapes can be found on his website, www.niallmcteague.co.uk
By David
School Holidays
Cumbrae has been busy with lots of school groups visiting the centre in the run up to the school holidays. We have had many primary children visit us, each school coming for one day at a time and having a great experience out on the water in a variety of dinghy sailing, powerboating and kayaking activities chosen to suit the weather on the day
At the same time the centre has also been busy with residential secondary school trips. Over the last few weeks we have had schools come and stay with us in our chalets for the week participating in tailored watesports programmes. Some of the schools opted for specific programmes working towards National Governing Body certificates while other preferred a more multi activity approach. The Residential students also participate in an evening programme of activities of games quizzes, round the island cycles and BBQ’s. Many of the schools who visit us return each year because of the fantastic positive experiences their pupils have at Cumbrae.
Once the school holidays start then the Centre then runs its own youth and junior programme of activities. These are great fun with a lot of on the water time squeezed into a busy week. The courses cater for complete beginners to advanced sailors. We class the 9-14 age range as junior and the 14 – 16 age range as Youth. These courses can be undertaken on a residential or non residential basis. They are great way for kids who may have missed the opportunity through school to come to Cumbrae.
This year we have a special offer; additional family member booked into any of our Youth or Junior 5 day courses will receive a £50 discount.
Details of all our Youth and Junior courses can be found on this website by clicking here. Places are still available for individual on these courses, booking is by telephoning the centre 01475 530 757
By David
Skandia Sail for Gold
This week Cumbrae staff are preparing for their trip south to the Olympic sailing venue in Weymouth to support the RYA's Skandia Sail For Gold Regatta (SSFG). By the closing date for entry their were 1065 sailors entered representing 62 nations, making this the UK's biggest ever dinghy event. The event runs from the 6th - 11th June and can be followed on the event website.
Sportscotland Cumbrae staff hold senior positions to help ensure the success of the event out on the water. David Kent is the senior Mark layer on the Match Racing course, David Frame on the Laser course and Rod Smith on Paralympic course. Andy Gibb is supporting the Field of Play Manager in a Deputy Safety Officer role. Cumbrae will also deliver the Main Safety Briefing and also the Mark layers Briefing to the 150+ volunteers needed to run the event on the water prior to the start of racing.
The journey begins on Saturday with the Cumbrae Landrover loaded with Cumbrae race marks towing our 6.4m RIB south.
By David
Scuttlebutt Bar
This season Cumbrae is keen to welcome all passing yachtsmen and women to its Scuttlebutt bar. The Scuttlebutt, used by the centres residential clients, can provide a welcoming overnight stop for passing sailors. Visiting yachts are welcome to lie alongside the pontoon at Cumbrae (FREE!) and sailors can make use of the centres facilities. The bar is open every Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the season. Soup and a selection of toasties are available and breakfasts can be arranged through the bar for the following morning, the centres sauna and gym facilities are also available for a small fee.
The name Scuttlebutt is derived from the nautical term for the cask used to serve water on board sailing ships. Water for immediate consumption on a sailing ships was conventionally stored in a scuttled butt: A butt (cask) which had been scuttled by making a hole in it so the water could be withdrawn. Since sailors exchanged gossip when they gathered at the scuttlebutt for a drink of water, scuttlebutt became Navy slang for gossip or rumours.
A gathering at Cumbraes Scuttlebutt is no different; nautical yarns, yachting gossip, tall tales of small ships and stories of voyages can grow epic, long into the night in the comfortable and friendly surroundings at the National Centre. Why not berth alongside this season to see all that your National Centre has too offer.
By David
Choosing Our New Yacht
The start of the new season at Cumbrae has seen the commissioning of our new cruising yacht to replace the out going Jeanneau Sunfast 37. Had Jeanneau continued to produce the Sunfast the decision would have been easy, but with the Sunfast no longer in production we had our work cut out, she was going to be a hard act to follow. After eight busy seasons she was recognised as one of the best from an Instructors perspective, being safe and forgiving, a good teaching yacht, she was much enjoyed by all who sailed on her.
Angus Fergusson, one of Cumbrae’s Yachtmaster Instructors, was given the difficult task of finding a new training yacht for the National Centre.
I started by speaking with all of my fellow Instructors, It was obvious that buying a yacht to teach with produces a set of criteria different from buying a yacht for personal use; but some recurring themes were coming through
- Stiff and sturdy boat; at Cumbrae we are not just fair weather sailors, we are sailing March to December
- Mainsheet in the Cockpit not the coach roof; Coach roof mainsheets are hugely frustrating when teaching sailing manoeuvres such as picking up moorings, where the crew are constantly pulling sails in then letting them out Boat speed is easier to control with the sheets in the cockpit.
- Boat that sails well, who would want a sailing boat that didn’t! and a huge bonus when working at Yachtmaster and Yachtmaster Instructor level.
- Comfort for 6 person with adaptable accommodation. Essential when you sail with a new and unknown crew every week of the year
- Plenty locker storage space, lots of novices coming aboard with big bags not too mention space for the extra safety equipment we carry.
- Good size chart table; essential for the teaching and practice of navigation room for a chart, a student and an Instructor
- Size is also an issue, too big can be too daunting when it comes to skippers learning to handle a boat. Students need something they can comfortably control, then their confidence and skills can grow.
The right boat was proving difficult to find, most modern boats on the market are set up for minimum effort with an empty cockpit, free of ropes. A chart table unable to accommodate a chart is normal and storage space both below and above decks is always an issue. Internal layout is designed for a family and not five independent individuals. Although we were looking to buy a new boat we were prepared to consider “nearly new” if it ticked our boxes.
An ex demo yacht sitting on the hard at Dunstaffnage caught our attention and our test sail on the Firth of Lorne in Force 6 conditions provided perfect test conditions.
Designed by European design house, J&J, and built by AD Boats in Croatia, the Salona 37 was a joy to sail, she was also ticking many of the other features we were looking for and it came as no surprise after our test sail she was voted Sailing Worlds cruiser/.racer of the year(2007). With very little to compromise on we were confident we had found our replacement yacht.
In late December, a team of Cumbrae Cruising Instructors set off from Dunstaffnage on the Maiden voyage of our new cruising yacht, delivering her to her new berth at Largs where she would be properly commissioned over the winter.
Rod Smith in charge of Cumbrae’s Professional Yachtmaster Training programme having missed out on the demo sail skippered the maiden voyage “I was instantly feeling optimistic, a folding prop, relatively deep draught, an open transom, a pointy nose and a hull shape much more suited to the upwind sailing I have become accustom to, coupled with that a very sexy carbon fibre wheel!”
While most of the country’s roads ground to standstill in winter conditions out at sea we headed South with a cold NE wind, we had an extremely short weather window before the wind was due to increase and bring more blizzards with it
Catching the first tidal gate in the afternoon at the Sound of Luing, with the wind still in the NE, we were doing 10knts over the ground, and making good southwards progress. In the middle of the night, south of Gigha and true to forecast, the wind flicked South West sending us screaming round the Mull of Kintyre, we had cracked it, a downwind run home up to Cumbrae. As we got closer to home the wind increased to force eight and driving snow pushed us on. I got my hands back on the carbon fibre wheel, doing my best to keep her powered up with a max speed of 11.9 knots through the water we surfed the waves without a broach to be seen, magic.!
The boat was lovely to sail and I have to agree with the brochure spec. She has nice lines above and below deck, can perform in light winds and can carry lots of canvas in strong winds, comfortable yet designed for people who really love sailing.
I am sure this is just the start of a colourful relationship, and guarantee that Cumbrae’s new “Somerled” will bring smiles to the many faces of the people who will sail on her in the seasons to come. For details of all our cruising opportunities please click here
By David
Olympic Preparations
Recently Cumbrae Instructor David Frame has travelled the length of the country from the Clyde to Cornwall running the RYA’s National Mark Laying seminar. Assisted by Andy Gibb, also form Cumbrae, and the RYAs Ed Stevens, there are now a further nine National Technical Officers trained up by Cumbrae as part of the build up for the 2012 Olympics.
Gordon Bamford and Dean Gillespie form Largs attended the seminar at Largs Sailing club and are part of the team that will be working on the Olympic Laser and Laser Radial course. Four other members of the Laser Team were also trained at the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club a week later. Other candidates involved with both seminars have race management roles on the Olympic 470 and womens Match Racing course areas. Jeff Martin the Olympic Laser Race Officer observed the seminar in Cornwall witnessing the training his team was being put through. As an experienced International Race Officer he was able to add valuable input to the seminar he admitted also to having learnt a lot and was impressed with the training that his team was put through
The Cumbrae led seminars are only part of the 2012 Olympic preparations. All the teams are working together over as many events as possible this year. In the case of the Olympic Laser race management team they had the opportunitiy to practice together at the RYA UK Youth National Championships in April and will come together again for The Skandia Sail for Gold Regatta in June and the Olympic Test Event in August. Many of the individuals in the team have already contributed at Sail For Gold and the Laser Worlds in 2010. By the time 2012 comes along they should be ready for anything!
By David
450+ years of experience
Over the first weekend in April over 450 years of sailing expertise gathered for the National Centres staff training weekend. With a massive range of skills and experience across the many disciplines of watersports the Cumbrae staff team came together, participating in the practical and shorebased training and induction programme. The staff were updated on all the latest policies connected with the operation of Cumbrae and and the rigid safety procedures that we operate under . Staff signed up for different workshops which covered a variety of topics and lots of time afloat on the Sunday provided a great opportunity to sail with each other in an informal setting.
It was great having everyone together in the same place at the same time", says Chris Nichol the centres Chief Instructor. "Nightwatch staff were able to meet up and learn form the instructors who in turn shared their many skills with each other. Getting everyone together like this is a rare occurrence and is always difficult to achieve as we operate 24 hours a day and run a very busy programme both on and off site".
The very successful weekend was also a great way to kick start the season and blow away the cobwebs. we are now all fired up and raring to go......and looking forward to seeing you out on the water.
By David
RYA Event Safety Workshop
The Racing Rules of Sailing (Rule 1 and 4) as well as most standard sailing Instructions confirm that a boat accepts that it is entirely responsible for her own safety. Nevertheless, the RYA has sensibly reviewed and developed its own operating procedures for the overall management of the safety of those competing in RYA-organised events.
Cumbrae’s David Frame was tasked by the RYA to produce a safety workshop to share the information and resources that the RYA produced for it's own events. “We spent a lot of time looking at the safety issues and it was immediately obvious that there would be benefits to anyone or any club involved with event safety. The large events we were planning for did not actually affect the robustness of the safety plan, but merely the quantity of the resources needed to implement it. After pulling all this best practice together it made sense to share it”
All the information is available but the days workshop will add a lot more sense and understanding to what has been produced. We also wanted the opportunity to explain WHY. Just providing access to the information could lead to misunderstanding, not really what anyone wants when you are out on the water dealing with safety.
The workshop includes access to all the documents and presentations that we compiled; Safety Briefings, Risk Assessments, Contingency Plans, Tactical Positioning, Event Structure, Communications. All these have been produced in a generic way so that people with a responsibility for their own event safety can adapt them for their own needs.
The Safety Workshop is relevant to anyone involved or connected with safety at their events, from the Race Officers to Beachmasters, rib crews to safety leaders. Any individuals, clubs or classes in Scotland who would be interested in the one day workshop should contact David Kent, Scotland’s Regional Race Management Coordinator on 01475 670 011 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
By David
ILA Scotland Funding Training
ILA Scotland is a simple way to get up to £200 a year towards the cost of learning something new. It is a Scottish Government scheme for people who are 16 or over, with an income of £22,000 a year or less or who are on benefits. The money is not a loan - so you don't have to pay any of it back and it can be used towards many different types of courses including many of the RYA training courses on offer at sportscotland National Centre Cumbrae.
There are two types of ILA account available. The £200 account is relevant for anyone interested in funding for Cumbraes’ courses. The other type of account is more suited if you want to study a part-time higher education or professional qualification More information can be found on the ILA Scotland website
Many of Cumbraes RYA training courses have been registered with the ILA, All our eligible courses have the ILA logo next to them on our website Cumbrae courses priced less than £200, like many of our one day shorebased courses, can be covered in full and leave money to spare in your ILA account for other training. For courses costing more than £200, the £200 ILA funding can be used towards the total cost of the training, providing a significant reduction in the overall course cost to the individual.
What a great way for many people to cut the personal cost of Cumbraes’ training courses. Whether you are considering a Day Skipper shorebased course or are a budding Instructor. Keen to try yacht cruising or want to learn how to drive fast powerboats, any way of getting financial help towards your aims, ambitions and personal goals must be a good thing.
Whatever course you decide on, make sure that you have applied for your learner account and that you have received your account number before booking a course as you cannot use your funds to pay for a course that you have already booked. click to go to direct the ILA application form
By David
RYA Dinghy Show
The RYA Volvo Dinghy show, on the 5th and 6th of March at Alexandra Palace in London always heralds the beginning of the new sailing season and provides an excellent opportunity for sportscotland’s National Centre Cumbrae to fly the Scottish Flag as we team up with the Scottish Sailing Institute
The show is always really busy with a good mix of Class Associations and RYA recognised training Centres. For The Scottish Sailing Institute the show provides an excellent opportunity to meet with the many different dinghy classes all pulled together under on one roof. David Kent has a busy weekend of meetings aimed at encouraging the many classes represented at the show, to bring their sailing events to Scotland. .
For Cumbrae the focus of the show is on meeting the public the stand always becomes a magnet for people from Scotland , The whole atmosphere is very friendly and the show gives you a feeling that you are part of a close knit community. Cumbrae has been coming to the show for many years now, and it is great opportunity to catch up with friends old and new. If you are visiting the show we would be delighted if you were to come along to our stand (F30) to spin a yarn or just have a chat. We look forward to meeting you.
By David
Instructor Vacancies
The sportscotland National Centre Cumbrae is currently inviting applications from individulas seeking to join our Temporary Instructor team. You will be a highly skilled sailor, with appropriate qualifications in at least one of the following disciplines: cruising, dinghy sailing, windsurfing and power boating. Kayaking qualifications will also be considered. In addition, experience of delivering water sports and shore-based courses to a wide variety of client groups, a teaching qualification and/or a degree in a sports related subject would be desirable. You will have excellent organisational and communication skills in addition to experience of delivering water sport courses. Payment will be in line with skills and experience
sportscotland is an equitable employer and operates a child protection policy.
A copy of the advert and job description can be found on the sportscotland website as well as on the Outdoor Learning website.
If you wish to apply for any of these posts, please complete an application form which can be found on the sportscotland website. Your completed application should be sent to; Human Resources. sportscotland, Doges, Templeton on the Green, 62 Templeton Street, Glasgow , G40 1DA (NB. not to Cumbrae) Alternatively, your application can be e-mailed to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Closing date for completed applications: March 21st 2011
By David
West Coast Kayak Challenge
Bruce Jollife, one of Cumbraes Instructors, has been spending a lot of time on the sea lately and making it into the press for all the right reasons!......Bruce takes up his own the story
4 years ago I had an idea on the ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool. It was to paddle to Stornoway from Largs in a sea kayak in memory of a pal, Andy Edwards
Sadly Andy lost out to a rare bone cancer at the age of 33. He was from Stornoway originally, became a good pal of mine in Glasgow, when we were allegedly studying, and several years later offered me digs in London..
The paddlers amongst you will have an idea of what it is I'm undertaking, but just to clarify its a journey of 313 miles, across open stretches of sea and around exposed and committing headlands with some very well respected areas of tidal movement. I'm doing this in March, when its cold and there are the biggest tides of the year. Its a proper expedition and I'll be doing it all myself with no 'safety boat'
The beneficiaries of this expedition are all of us. I am doing a big thing because I am hoping to raise a big heap of money (£10,000) for two cancer hospitals and the lifeboats.The Royal Marsden in London where Andy received a lot of treatment and the Beatson in Glasgow where he was in line for trial drugs. Anyone in the UK who receives treatment for cancer will likely receive expertise that has been through their doors. 10% of the donations will go to the lifeboats because we live on an island and boats sink. Not mine though, its got special powers!
You can follow my adventures on http://westcoastkayakchallenge.co.uk/, and sponsor me at http://www.charitygiving.co.uk/westcoastpaddle, every penny goes to the charities!
Most important of all, don't stop there, tell more people. I'm regularly updating what I've been up to on my website with stories, photos and video clips. Its going to be a hoot, there's already a sweepstake on me holding back the tears. Spread the word, get people following and sponsoring. It's a stupidly big target I've set but although it's in Andy's memory, its for all of us and the many we know who haven't been as lucky as us.
.....if I spend anymore time at sea I might find a taste for neat rum.... Har har me hearties!...."
By David
New Year at Cumbrae
Happy new Year to all, and with the new year comes the launch of the 2011 Cumbrae Brochure. More courses than ever have been squeezed into an already packed programme of activities. Each year sees the centre going form strength to strength. All the RYA sailing courses you would expect are on offer. As well as running courses from beginner to advanced levels, the training of Instructors keeps Cumbrae at the forefront of Coach Education in Scotland. With a growing National and International reputation Cumbrae can justifiably claim to be world class. Please click to request a brochure
Away from the centre Cumbrae staff are anticipating a very busy season with commitments, in key roles, for the Olympic build up in Weymouth. This year our time down South will increases substantially with the, Sail for Gold Regatta, IFDS Paralympic event and the main Olympic Test Event. Cumbrae is sending more people for more time than ever before, supporting both LOCOG (London Organising Committee Olympic Games) and the RYA prepare for 2012
Cumbrae is also developing it’s “remote coaching” by which we mean “away from the centre” More and more our professional Instructors are in demand for running courses at a variety of locations, sailing clubs, colleges, and commercial organisations. Many of our training courses can be delivered offsite and we are happy to talk through the opportunities with you as we develop in this area..
Back at the centre new developments for 2011 will see the building of a new wet lecture facility which will, in line with our other classroom areas, be fitted out with the latest AV equipment and touchscreen smart board facilities. WiFi coverage is being increased throughout the centre and is now available free to all our clients. This website has also been given a major overhaul for 2011 and is a great way to keep up to date with all that Cumbrae has to offer.
Happy New Year , we look forward to seeing you on the water in 2011
By David
Cumbrae Gym
With our Gym induction numbers getting "close to" 200, Cumbrae is offering an incentive to encourage new members along to the popular Island gym facility. There will be a special prize of a heart rate monitor for the lucky 200th person to be inducted into the Gym. Although gym manager Rod cannot divulge the actual numbers he is confident someone will be the 200th lucky person to be inducted imminently.
Rod says "we are nearly there which just goes to show there is a definite desire to get fitter and healthier on the island." The community Gym continues to be popular and we are now running 1 hour winter circuit classes in the evenings. At this time of year the gym is ideal to help you beat the over indulgencies of the festive season. The classes are open to all, including non gym members, just turn up on any of the evenings below, cost £4. We look forward to seeing you.
Wednesday 15th December 5;15pm
Wednesday 5th January 5.15pm
Wednesday 12th January 5.15pm
Wednesday 19th January 5.15pm
By David
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
All the staff at Cumbrae would like to wish you all the very best for the festive season, and we look forward to seeing you on the water in 2011.
Please be aware that the office will be shut form 4pm on 17th December until 10am on Tuesday 4th January 2011. Our 2011 brochure will be available from the 5th January. Many of our existing clients will automatically receive a copy, however if you do not or you would like to be added to the brochure mailing list please use this link to request a brochure
Our special offer of "next years courses at this years prices" will be available until the 17th December after which we will not be able to take telephone bookings until the office re-opens next year The prices dispayed on this website are the 2010 prices.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
By David
Gift Vouchers Available
Winter is well and truly upon us as the recent image shows and with Christmas looming this can be a busy time of year. Cumbrae gift vouchers make the ideal Christmas gift; easy to use and suitable for children (9+) to adults, from complete beginners to aspiring Instructors, in a wide variety of water sports.
For complete novices our "Try A Days" are excellent value and fun, we offer them in Sea kayaking, Paddlesports, Dinghy Sailing and Windsurfing the day offers an introduction to the sport with all equipment and lunch included. What a great way to try new activities and as a special offer the cost of the Try a Day can subsequently be deducted if they enjoy it so much they wish to attend another course and pursue the activity further!
For a "one of" experience you should consider the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course. This course again for complete beginners runs over a weekend and covers all the skills required to become a powerboat driver. The course uses fast speedboats (RiBs) which offer a really exciting experience out on the water. This course is the most popular of all the RYA courses in the UK. great fun, enjoyable and lots to learn. Our costs include all meals, accommodation and training.
Don't worry if you can't decide on a suitable course, let the lucky recipient decide, our Gift Vouchers allow them to choose their own course, you simply decide on the value of the voucher and they can redeem it against either the cost or part cost of any of our courses.
The Gift Vouchers come as attractive cards in an envelope, they are blank on the inside allowing you to create your own message, which of course means they can be purchased at any time of year and for any occasion. At Christmas they may make your search for that "present with a difference" just a little bit easier.
To purchase a Gift Voucher please call us on 01475 530 757 and we can help you over the phone with your requirements. Browsing through our website will help show you the huge variety of courses on offer and we will be happy to explain them to you.
By David
New Website 2011 Courses
Welcome to the new Cumbrae website. Although on the face of it it may look to it's many frequent users, very similar, behind the scenes it has undergone a major overhaul. The publishing and availability of the 2011 dates we felt, was more important to our clients than the completion of all the site areas. There are therefore parts of the site that we are still working on and over the next few weeks we will finish adding the content. Please accept our apologies in the meantime if some of the pages you visit do not contain all the information you might expect.
With the many enquiries about dates for next years courses we have now finalised all of our 2011 course dates which are now confirmed and published on this site. As a special offer we have not adjusted the pricing, meaning that until January 2011 all of our 2011 courses are available at the 2010 prices.
The development of the site has been necessary, to allow us to move closer to being able to offer an online booking service. While doing this web development we took the opportunity to thoroughly modernise the site and introduce new features which we hope will benefit our many clients.
We look forward to welcoming you to Cumbrae in 2011
By David
