We woke up to 2 – 3 inches of snow this morning and thought ‘surely the course would be cancelled’ – but no! Paul our instructor confirmed that it would be business as usual and that the only time he usually cancels is if the winds are too strong. So, we donned our thermal underwear, boating clothes and this time added double socks and walking boots and we were off!
We boarded Cornerstone at Shardlow this time and firstly learned some manoeuvres which I can only compare to three point turns and parallel parking. Paul had to talk me through these and I often needed to be reminded which way to move the stick (rudder). In the end I realised that its best if I just concentrate on where I am trying to point the front of the boat, rather than try and work out which way to make the stern move. Mr Robinson, as expected, completed his manoeuvres like a swan moving gracefully along (we did get to feed some swans before we left).
Now I was very apprehensive about today, as I knew we would be going on the river and I had spent many worried moments thinking about us being carried away by the currents and then capsizing. Paul was a steady reassurance though and took us through Shardlow marina out on to the Trent. I have to say I was very proud of my driving there through the marina area, successfully navigating many turns, bridges and other boats.
Once out on the river, Mr Robinson opened up the throttle and we sped a long at a decent pace. Paul got Mr Robinson to do a 180 at speed to reassure me that the boat wouldn’t tip over. It was actually quite exciting (further antics below the video)!
Whilst out on the river, we learnt what to do in a ‘man overboard’ situation. Paul threw the life ring into the river and taught us how to immediately put the boat in to neutral until we were past the person in the water and then to do a 180 and head back up river towards the person in distress. Once near them, its back into neutral (so you don’t chop them up with the propeller) and then pull them out using the boat hook. You need to be facing the current when performing the rescue as you have more control over the boat. This was super exciting.
Also whilst out on the river, we were taught how to read the various river signs (like road signs), to look out for the various currents, speed control, steering and stopping. We also got shown what to do in the event of a breakdown on the river, and how to use an anchor – jeees that was heavy.
The weather was Baltic but it was really good fun and very worthwhile. We both learned a lot, my confidence increased, and it was a reminder of just how well we work together as a team. Bring on next year!!!!
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