Introduction to the Editor

 

My name is Julie Smith and Ribeye have kindly asked me to be the Editor of their "Club Ribeye" website. This is a huge privilege for me and I am delighted to be associated with the Ribeye brand. I share Ribeye's enthusiasm to maximise your enjoyment as a Ribeye owner.

I feel very passionate about boating and power boating in particular. I have been boating since I was a child when I joined the sea scouts at the first opportunity there was; they did more exciting boaty things than the guides!! (I was able to sign up when the legislation changed and they weren't able to discriminate against girls joining anymore!!).

I never really looked back from there and years later decided to give up the "proper job" and set up a sea school in Dartmouth with my partner Geoff Morgan. We both qualified as Yachtmaster Offshore Commercially Endorsed Skippers for Power and became powerboat and motor cruising instructors, and were finally doing something we really loved.

Now I hope I will be able to pass on to you some of the knowledge I have learnt along the way, and that you in turn will reciprocate. We are all still learning when it comes to the sea, and all your experiences, good and bad should be able to help other people in the future. With that in mind, let me have your letters, e-mails, and pictures that you are happy to have published here. We'd love to receive photos of you and your family enjoying your Ribeye. There is a prize for any photo published! We'd welcome your suggestions. Feel free to tell us if you would like us to include information on any particular topic. This is your website, your resource.

 

Dear Club Ribeye Members

I recently received a letter from a Club Member who wanted to know whether they should do any sort of Course before taking delivery of their Ribeye and if so, as a novice which one to take and what it entailed. They had heard about the Powerboat Level 2 Course and wanted to know more.

 

Firstly, I would say that there is certainly a real need as a novice to do a course. I firmly believe that the more you know about the craft you are driving and how to handle it in a safe competent manner, the more enjoyment you will have out of your boating.

 

Powerboat Level 2 is a great starter course for everyone from age 12 upwards (12 -16 year olds will have their certificate endorsed, for use only with adult supervision) and you do not require any previous experience before embarking on it. I would suggest involving some of the people who are likely to come boating regularly with you, as this in turn will give them more confidence too.

 

The course covers a great many areas some of which I have listed below:

Launching and Recovery, including, hazards you are likely to encounter, trailer care, preparing lines, securing gear, and considerations.

Boat Handling, including loading effect on balance and trim, keeping a look out, awareness of other water users, steering and effect of current or tidal stream. High speed manoeuvring – S and U turns, pre engine checks, use of kill cord, low speed manoeuvres in confined space. Effect of wind on bow.

Securing to a buoy, preparation of mooring warp, use of boat hook, method of approach, and making fast.

Anchoring – Method of approach, crew communication, checking holding, depth of water, holding ground, scope required. Types of anchor. Stowage and attachment to boat, preparation of anchor, chain and warp. Weighing anchor.

Leaving and coming alongside – preparation and use of lines and fenders, speed and angle of approach, effect of wind and tidal stream.

Man overboard- Recovery of man overboard, immediate action to take, observing the man overboard, carry out correct turn and awareness of propeller.

Theory Knowledge - different types of craft and hulls, different types of engines and drives and their limitations. Fuel, wiring, fire extinguishers, engine checks and close down procedure.

Limitations of GPS, application of local byelaws, sources of weather, communications with other craft, emergency action, alternative means of propulsion,

Towing, and being towed, fire precautions and fire fighting, rope work. Distress signals and Mayday. International Regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea.

Pilotage and passage planning, Cg66 scheme, charts, symbols, buoyage, tides and tidal systems.

Use of hand bearing compass, steering a course.

 

As you can see from above there is a lot to the course - an action packed fun-filled two days where you learn an enormous amount.

If you feel you like to go ahead and do this course, you can choose from the list of Ribeye Preferred RYA Accredited Schools.

 

Best wishes

Julie