The Cumbrae Blog

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