RYA Press Release March 2006

Sam leaves them in her wake!

A local instructor in narrow-boat handling and navigating the canal system has received a top award for her commitment and success. Samantha Clarke, (33 yrs), from Canalboat Holidays Ltd, near Weedon, Northamptonshire has received the Royal Yachting Association’s Inland Waterways Instructor of the Year award from RYA Chairman, Eddie Ramsden last week at the Dinghy Show at Alexander Palace, London. The Awards recognise those who have shown outstanding commitment, skill and hard work in training others.

Sam Clarke started her boating career hours after birth by living afloat on a Fellows and Morton Boat “Lupin” with her parents. Experience being gained from an early age while on board canal boats with her family. She now works with them in the busy 40 year old family canal boat holidays business and is Principle for their own training school for canal-boat skippers and crew.

Sam Clarke said: “Everyone who takes to the water can benefit from some training in boat handling, safety awareness and navigation techniques – and this adds to the fun of boating! This award credits everyone on our team and I am delighted to receive it!”

Max Thurlow, the RYA’s Regional Development Officer, nominated Sam for the award. Commenting on the citation, Max Thurlow said: “Sam teaches with a confidence gained through a solid understanding of narrow boats and also the canal system.”

The RYA introduced the Instructor of the Year Awards to acknowledge the importance of instructors and coaches within the sailing community. Hosted by David Ritchie, RYA National Sailing Coach and presented by Eddie Ramsden, RYA Chairman, eleven individuals from all parts of the UK and representing all aspects of boating - from powerboating and dinghy sailing to windsurfing - were recognised.

Issued by: Robert Dangerfield, Regional Communicator, Royal Yachting Association, tel: 07973 523075

Boat Show Winners Journey of Adventure & Achievement 2005

The RYA’s competition at the Schroders International London Boat Show was won by the Evans family of Saltash, Cornwall. The Evans’ won a canal holiday & Inland Waterways Helmsmans Course courtesy of Canalboat Holidays Ltd, who celebrate their 40th anniversary next year.

The Evans family chose their route and vessel from the selection provided by Canalboat Holidays Ltd’s informative website. Commencing their voyage of discovery at Canalboat Holidays’ rural marina on the Grand Union Canal in Weedon, Northamptonshire, the crew decided to head south first encountering the Blisworth Tunnel, then the Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne. The Evans’ 10 year old son Bryn Evans had yet further success at the museum winning yet another prize winning the museums treasure hunt.

Canalboat Holidays’ chief instructor, Samantha Clarke, joined the family for their Inland Helmsmans Course, the family all received instruction in a fun, friendly atmosphere with special attention given to young Bryn, Samantha designed a Unique Crew Certificate especially for him. Mrs Evans later commented that “Even as proficient sailors we learnt a lot and a different way to relax”. They saw a variety of sights that the canals have to offer, including the Aqueducts at Cosgrove and the lesser-spotted football floating in the reeds at Wolverton. Bryn caught a number of water voles, unfortunately Mrs Evans and Samantha just weren’t quick enough.

The family saw the huge variety of scenery the canals have to offer whilst travelling through towns, landscaped gardens and stunning countryside. On reaching Stoke Hammond, Bryn Evans commented, “This lock is beautiful”.

Samantha Clarke of Canalboat Holidays commented, “I grew up on the canals and rivers and so was delighted to hear someone else so appreciative of the beautiful countryside. We often don’t see what’s on our own doorsteps, the inland waterways give visitors so much pleasure. Canal holidays are voyages of discovery with a sense of adventure and achievement, it’s enjoyable to share the experience that can be had from Britain’s waterways and enhance the experience with an RYA Inland Helmsmans Course.”

Mrs Evans said “We were delighted to have won the competition and thoroughly enjoyed our expedition with Canalboat Holidays. A canalboat holiday was not something I would have considered but the instruction was easy to follow and the boat itself had everything we could want, I will certainly be considering another canalboat holiday in the future.”

Canalboat Holidays Ltd was a family run business established in 1965. With a fleet of canalboats equipped with all modern comforts necessary for a family holiday up until 2006 when it was sadly time to shut up ship and retire. Norman and Jenny Clarke still however run (the retirement idea didn't quite sink in) the Concoform Marine boatyard at weedon which was home to Canalboat Holidays Ltd, and now still Canalboat Training.