Taking the Helm: Inland Waterways Helsman Course

Everyone should be encouraged to have a go not only at operating the locks but also handling the boat. The boat is often the easiest part though many people feel under confident when standing at the stern and looking the full length of the canalboat. Canalboats can be daunting, but with a little practice and confidence anyone can handle them safely and enjoyably.

Many ladies are often put off by the thought of manoeuvring the canalboat into the locks or even steering whilst gently cruising, its just a case of building some confidence with practice & enhancing your skills. There are many easy ways to get the boats to perform, a little know how goes a long way and we can share this with you. Canalboats don’t come with an instruction book, it is therefore up to the crews themselves to be responsible and ensure they are trained by approved centres, not just learning by watching others, after all who says that crew is doing it right.
 

Picture courtesy of Murrae Ross-Eskell and her crew of Ladies	RYA Instructor Sam Clarke, aged 3 years	RYA Instructor Jen Clarke, with Londonweed passing the London Zoo Aviary

Before departing our boatyard you will get the full instruction in order to handle your canalboat safely. If you would like additional practice why not take up our Royal Yachting Association Inland Helmsmans Course, either join a mixed or Ladies only course, and give yourself extra time in learning and practicing the manoeuvres. Both our instructors are ladies, the mother and daughter partnership of Jennifer and Samantha are able to coach both men and ladies. They are 2 of the first lady instructors for this course. Jennifer has been boating since childhood and Samantha has been brought up on canalboats and has a natural passion for them. She has also been assisting the Royal Yachting Association with Coaching future RYA Instructors along with assisting in the remaking of the British Waterways & Environmental Agency Boaters Code Video.