The Experience
“Sheer exhilaration”. Nothing comes close to the excitement and immediacy of a rigid inflatable boat. Capable of stunning speeds and yet ultimately controllable in all sea states, ribs form the backbone of the RNLI fleet.
This is a chance for you to spend half a day with no more than six other people learning how to drive the boat. There will be three separate opportunities to take the controls as we work through a familiarisation exercise, man overboard drills and then drive through choppier waters.
After all of the training, hang on tight whilst the skipper takes back control and puts the boat through its paces around the famous overfalls off the Needles Lighthouse in the English Channel.
Gather at the first floor Bistro in the Yacht Haven Marina in Lymington to enjoy a coffee at the Haven Bistro and admire the superb view of the Solent whilst awaiting the start of the event.
After a comprehensive safety briefing, our fully qualified skipper will take you down to the berths to ‘kit up’ for sea. Waterproof oilskins and automatic lifejackets are issued to all participants
The experience is set in the beautiful Western Solent. We will drive within yards of Hurst Castle, Fort Albert, Yarmouth Castle and stop to gather breath against the striking setting of the multi-coloured cliffs of Alum Bay.
We stop for coffee on the Isle of Wight in the ancient port of Yarmouth before boarding the boat again and blasting straight across the Solent at top speed back to Lymington.
Jump in to the brand new shower block if you received a soaking or set a course for home in your car!
Vital Information
- This event would not suit anybody over 18 stone, under the age of 12, or anyone with a back, neck or knee injury.
- This event might have to be rescheduled in the event of extreme weather.
- There will be no more than six other participants.
Location:
Lymington, Hampshire.
The weather:
This event might have to be rescheduled in the event of extreme weather. If postponed, a future date will be offered to you.
Spectators:
Family and friends are welcome to come and wave you off. They will be able to relax in the bistro or might instead want to soak up some shopping in High Street.
Dress code:
- Hot showers are available, consider taking a towel and change of clothes.
- Deck shoes or training shoes only, shoes must not mark decks.
- Dress warmly in layers. Your outer layer should be windproof.
- Sunglasses are recommended. They should be worn with a strap so that they do not get lost or blown off.
- Sunscreen should also be worn even if the day is overcast.
Availability:
Courses run all year round, weather permitting. Be aware that:
- 1 or 2 person(s) course: this experience is only available for booking in July / August / September,
- 3 to 6 people course: dates are available all year round.
Other Information:
A free car parking at the Marina is available.
