News and Pictures
April / May 2008
Crystal Rapide is coming out of the water for her annual 'spit and polish' and we are taking advantage of this time to have an interior refurbishment done. She will be having new upholstery, carpets, blinds and curtains. I will put new pictures on the website on completion. In the meantime we do apologise to any students if their training coincides with any soft furnishings being absent. These cosmetic changes in no way affect the training schedules.
December
We would like to wish all our students, both past and those yet to come, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
As the cruising seasons draws to a close we are pleased to announce that Steve has been recognised as an RYA examiner and is now able to exam students wishing to take their Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster examinations. For further details please either call Steve or contact the RYA direct to book and examination.
August
This season has been a busy one with many of you asking for own boat training. In addition we have had many students taking, and passing, RYA exams. The most recent have been George passing his yachtmaster and Tom sucessful in obtaining his power conversion. Congratulations to you both. We have several more students waiting to take motor cruising exams this autumn and we wish them well.
Theory course dates are now on the website. Please check our course calendar for dates. We have a maximum of 3 students per course which means plenty of individual attention. No getting lost and left behind if you fail to understand a concept
August - Rafting up against Chewsy in Tarbert East Loch Fyne
May
Our exam sucesses are coming thick and fast. Congratulations to Neil & Michael who successfully achieved their RYA Yachtmaster qualification over the past few days and also to Andrew who gained his RYA Coastal Skipper qualification.
Call for details of the New 2 day RYA Basic Navigation and Safety theory course offered through Second Wind Sailing With small class numbers and weekend dates this is a must for everyone.
This photo is a class photo following the sucessful RYA Coastal Skipper Preparation and exam week. On board, were Mark & Don taking their Coastal Skipper exam, and Jim & John doing Day Skipper. All parties had a great week with variable weather and conditions adding to their overall experience.
April
Since the beginning of the year we have had 3 sucessful candidates each passing their RYA Yachtmaster [Motor Cruising] practical exam. Well done guys. This is maintaining our 100% pass rate: all credit to Steve and the students who work hard to acheive their objectives.
The weather was so warm and still over the last weekend that the crew from Motor Cruiser 'Crystal Rapide' and Sailing Yacht 'Chewsy' joined forces for some towing exercises. Both crews felt that this was an excellent opportunity for learning.
March
Our programme of events is now published, but if you want to arrange something that is not on the calendar please call us. On our calendar this year is a 5 day Day Skipper theory course in May and also 3 weekend Day Skipper theory course in July for those who missed the winter theory courses. Check the calendar for details
25th November
Congratulations to Alan who passed his Yachtmaster conversion course last week. Good fortune was with the course which was able to go ahead despite the periodic high winds.
27th September
The article in MBM magazine prompted some interesting comments about Crystal Rapide and her move to Troon. Follow the link to read more.
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/1179494
16th August
Congratulations to Adam who successfully obtained his yachtmaster qualification aboard Crystal Rapide this week. Adam will be using his qualification in the Carribean aboard a brand new 64ft sports fishing boat, working out of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
9th August
An editorial in "Yachting Life" magazine, complete with a picture of Steve and Crystal Rapide has put us firmly on the map as Scotlands newest Motor Cruising School.
27th June
Last Sunday 'Crystal Rapide' was out in the Clyde on a beautiful summers evening, with a light breeze and flat waters. On board for a Champagne cruise were 2 couples, celebrating a birthday. They had a fabulous time, as the warm evening sun glistened on the calm waters of the Clyde and we made our way up the coast to Largs. There was time for a leisurely break in the marina before departing for our return trip to Troon.
12th June
Over the weekend Steve ran a Helmsman course. It was a ladies only course, and there were a lot of laughs as well as some serious learning. We were of mixed cruising/sailing ability and all had different learning aims. We all gained the certificate, but its only a stepping stone and certainly not meant to turn us into experts. Practice, and more practice is the key.
5th June
What a fabulous day we had on Saturday 3rd June. We had many well wishers visit us on Crystal Rapide. We were delighted to show so many people around her, and describe her well appointed features; the fantastic aft cabin with its island berth and ensuite facilities; available to guests on a private weekend charter, the spacious fore cabin, and dual dining arrangements.
18th May
Crystal Rapide is arriving at Troon Yacht Haven today on a trailer from the South Coast. Both Steve and Chris were down there to oversee the transfer from the solent onto the transport. She will be having some maintenance work carried out over the weekend before her launch on Monday.
1st May
From the middle of May Second Wind Motor Cruising will be offering Motor Cruising Courses and Charter from Troon Yacht Haven.
Steve has been teaching RYA sailing courses for the past several years and has now made the decision to extend his range of teaching opportunities within the Clyde and Scottish Western Isles Area.
On offer will be the full range of RYA courses as well as a full and varied selection of charter opportunities from a 2 hour taster session through to luxury weekend charter.
We are all very excited about the new opportunities that this will bring to the Clyde and very much look forward to seeing some of you aboard 'Crystal Rapide'