Welcome to the Mid Thames Boat Handling School
We are dedicated to providing a high standard of boat handling instruction in a
relaxed environment. We deliver a number of courses to suit your needs. Whether
you are new to inland cruising or wish to brush up your skills we will meet your
requirements. If you need to work on individual skills then that can also
be provided.
Instruction can be delivered by qualified instructors either on the school boat or alternatively on your own
boat from where she is moored. We cover the River Thames from Teddington to
Oxford.
The School is situated at the established Val Wyatt Marina in Wargrave, Berkshire.
The Marina provides excellent facilities and ample car parking. It is situated on a
beautiful section of the Thames midway between Shiplake and the famous Thames
side town of Henley on Thames.
News
As the winter is approaching the School Boat has been decommissioned and has been lifted to ‘dry out’ and to have routine maintenance carried out on her.
The School is still available for training and Course work on students’ own boats over the winter. As part of a low season offer no travelling fees will be levied for travelling to Students’ own boats (restricted to none tidal Thames only). Therefore the Course /training fee will be all that you pay.
A message from the Principal in relation to 2012 Course fees.
When I set up the school it was my aim to deliver a high standard of boat handling training in a relaxed environment. The emphasis being on building up students’ confidence, recognising their specific training needs and offering flexibility in the delivery style. This I feel has been achieved. My other aim was to offer the courses at value for money prices. Boating, (particularly on the Thames) is notoriously expensive, I felt therefore that as training is imperative in order to enjoy boating I would attempt to make it available for all. It is with regret that I have to increase fees for the 2012 season. They have remained unchanged for the last three years. However due to a sharp increase in outgoings I have no option. They still remain incredibly competitive and I have kept them to a minimum.
Hopefully these increases will not reflect upon the continuing success of the school. Bookings for this year showed an increase in the previous with more training being delivered on owners’ own boats as opposed to the school boat.
Other news
Feedback
The most pleasing feedback from many students this season was how much they appreciated the personal service that they felt we offered them. Our communication, flexibility and personal service were all mentioned. My greatest wish is that students not only learn how to handle a boat but also to really enjoy their day.
One day or two day training?
This is a question I am asked frequently. It is always difficult to answer as I am mindful many people are on a budget. My reply is only you can answer that question. People have different aptitude in relation to boat handling, some taking to it quicker than others. Obviously it is more intense to get someone up to standard in one day if they have no experience as opposed to someone who has. In relation to the RYA Certificate generally students know whether they deserve to be awarded it at the end of the day. If someone does not make the level in one day then we diplomatically suggest they have another day or even half a day. As mentioned we are flexible in meeting student's needs.