RYA

Royal Yachting Association

Knoydart sea school is a Royal Yachting Association recognised powerboat school operating from the beautiful Knoydart Peninsula.

The RYA powerboat scheme trains you to handle a boat in a seamanlike manner and be aware of your responsibilities to other water users.

All courses are carried out in RYA and Martime Coastguard Agency (MCA) inspected vessels carrying all appropriate safety gear (including liferafts) and qualified staff. There is a maximum ratio of three students to one instructor.

Train in our 7.5m Tornado or Redbay RIB with a 225 or 250HP outboard engine, capable of speeds up to 50 mph.

The National Powerboat Scheme

 

Level 1 (one day)

A practical introduction to boat handling skills.

Eligibility: any

Level 2 (two days)

Provides the skills and background knowledge needed by the competent powerboat driver. This is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence generally required overseas.

Eligibility: any

Intermediate Powerboat (2 days)

Teaches powerboating up to the standard required to complete a coastal passage by day. Eligibility: level 2 (coastal). First aid and VHF certificate are strongly recommended.

Advanced Powerboat (two days including one night passage)

A course for leisure and professional boaters wanting to undertake more adventurous trips in small powerboats. Eligibility: level 2 (coastal), knowledge of navigation and chartwork to day skipper level, first aid and VHF certificate.

Instructor (three days)

For those who wish to teach level 1, 2 and safety boat courses.

Eligibility: level 2, safety boat (if you want to teach it), first aid and five years logged experience or one year if part of your occupation.

Advanced Instructor (two days)

For those who wish to teach the advanced powerboat course.

Eligibility: instructor, advanced level, first aid and VHF operators certificate.

Powerboat in some of the most amazing waters in the UK. Knoydart, often called the last wilderness in mainland Britain, is surrounded by Loch Nevis (the 'Loch of Heaven') to the south, Loch Hourn (the 'Loch of Hell') to the north and the Sound of Sleat to the west. The waters are frequently visited by a wide variety of birds, seals, porpoises, dolphins, whales and even basking sharks.

Why not come for a three, or more, day break and take a formal powerboat qualification or just enjoy site seeing expeditions to see the seals, Skye, or the islands of Muck, Eigg, Rhum and Canna? Visit the Old Forge, the remotest pub on mainland Britain for its unique atmosphere and hospitality.

Accommodation and excellent food is available at the Gatherings or the Pier House.