Centenary Narrowboat is a Royal Yachting Association Inland Waterway Training Centre. These courses are run by The Stratford upon Avon Narrowboat Trust, a charity which benefits young people. The money raised by running these courses helps to maintain Centenary and to keep hire charges to a minimum. The courses take place on our 12 berth community narrowboat Centenary, run by volunteers for youth organisations and schools. Our fully qualified RYA instructors are also volunteers. The courses are hands on with minimum theory, and is an opportunity to learn new skills and have fun.
RYA Training Courses RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman Course (2 days) costs £275; this includes the RYA handbook, certificate and light refreshments throughout the course. The course runs from 09:00 until approximately. 17:00 each day, you will need to bring packed lunches for both days. All income from courses goes to the upkeep and making the boat available to young people at an affordable price. A maximum of three students per course. Whether you are a novice or you just want to enhance your skills the RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman Certificate caters for all. We can also run this course on your own boat. You need to contact the administrator of The Stratford upon Avon Narrowboat Trust by phone 01789 488568 or email [email protected] to inquire about training dates.
The Course includes:-
Learning the basics
Deckwork
Helmsmanship and Boat Handling
Personal Safety
Boat Safety
Engines
Locks Bridges and Tunnels
Collision Avoidance
Care of the Environment
RYA Inland Waterways Crew Course (1 day) Cost £80; This is an entry level course which can be run in conjunction with the Inland Waterways Helmsman’s course for mixed ability groups from age 8 years (max 3 per course). This course is ideal for introducing friends or family members to crewing a vessel on the inland waterways, and for giving them an understanding of how they can assist the helmsman. The course covers all the basics of being a useful crew member, including personal safety; communication on board; throwing a mooring line; some basic boat handling; helping in locking operations; how to be a good look out; what to do in an emergency and looking after the environment.
Boat Handling Course (1day) Cost £150; Based around the RYA helmsman course but tailored to suit your needs. Ideal if you are thinking of hiring or buying a narrowboat or wish to improve your skills.
Other Training
Scout Leader Permit Course The 1 day Scout Leader Permit course is designed to meet the requirements for Scouting to use a narrowboat on a canal. It is hands on with minimum theory, and is not only an opportunity to learn new skills but also a fun day. A minimum of 4 and maximum of 6 students per course and you will need to bring a packed lunch. This course costs £80 each. One of our instructors is a Scout County Assessor for the Adventurous Activity Permit for Narrowboating, and can complete the assessment form for leaders to forward to their DC. For booking and further details contact the administrator of The Stratford upon Avon Narrowboat Trust by phone 01789 488568 or email [email protected]
Girlguiding Narrowboating Scheme Leader training for Guiders. Two Warwickshire Leaders are fully able to deliver and assess the new Girlguiding Narrowboat Scheme qualification. The training course, for six people, will take place on Centenary over a weekend (Friday to Sunday evening), and covers every aspect of the qualification. The course costs £90.00 which includes all food. If appropriate, a separate assessment can be arranged. For booking and further details contact the administrator of The Stratford upon Avon Narrowboat Trust by phone 01789 488568 or email [email protected]
Youth Groups and Schools Boat Handling Course (1day) Cost £125; Based around the RYA helmsman course. This course is a requirement to hire Centenary if an RYA inland Waterways Helmsman certificate is not held. This course is also a familiarisation to “Centenary”. For booking and further details contact the administrator of The Stratford upon Avon Narrowboat Trust by phone 01789 488568 or email [email protected]
We are based on the Oxford Canal at Clifton Wharf, Clifton upon Dunsmore, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 0EY. The money raised by running these courses helps to maintain Centenary.