Today team call out list members Dave Cook and Dave Marsh headed to Delph Sailing Club, Egerton, Bolton for Powerboat training to Royal Yachting Association Level 2.

Dave Cook is a member of Delph Sailing Club, and after hearing that Dave Marsh requires the Level 2 qualification as part of his SARDA water search dog training, he approached the club who very kindly offered to provide the training.

The pair were met by David Hopkins (Delph SC Training Principal), Dave Helme (Delph SC Instructor), and Don McDermott (Delph SC Bosun / Assistant Instructor) and after a safety briefing and some excellent tuition were soon helming the powerboats around Delph Reservoir carrying out high speed runs with “S” and “U” turns, man-overboard drills, mooring techniques, and emergency operations etc.

Team member Dave Marsh at the helm

After more theory sessions including ropework, weather, GPS, anchoring, distress signals and engine maintenance, it was time for the practical exam, which we are pleased to report both the two Dave’s passed on the first attempt – which is testimony to the quality of the instructors as Dave Marsh had never driven a Powerboat before this training course.

Delph Sailing Club is located to the north of Bolton, on Longworth Road, Egerton and further details can be found at www.delphsailingclub.co.uk.

The Four Daves – L to R – Dave Marsh, David Hopkins, Dave Cook, Dave Helme

The team extends its grateful thanks to all at Delph Sailing Club for their very generous help in the provision of this training and their appreciated support of the Bolton Mountain Rescue Team.