Customer Comments

"Both my wife (Jaquelyn) and I feel compelled to write following our recent inland waterways tuition with you on the River Trent.

Jaquelyn is fairly new to motor boating whereas I am returning to it after a break of over 25 years. Somehow you managed to construct a training session which suited both of us which was exactly what we needed.

As you will recall the weather conditions were not very favourable but with your help we were still able to complete all the requirements for Jaquelyn to attain her RYA Inland Waterways Certificate - she is absolutely thrilled.

Perhaps more importantly though we now feel much better for our trip through the French waterways to the Med.

Every penny of the cost, and every minute of the time was really worth it - all we both want to say is : Thank you, well done, and congratulations on picking a new career which will bring enjoyment and safety to so many boaters."

"Thank you very much for the RYA course you provided. Your patience and understanding were much appreciated and we feel that the course was pitched at exactly the right level for two novices. The course content was sufficient without being overpowering and at the end of the day we both felt much more confident in our ability to safely handle our new narrowboat.

Thank you once more for what was a pleasant and informative day on the cut. We returned to the marina pleasantly tired out but also with a considerable sense of achievement."

"Dear Ray,

Thank-you so much for taking us through the Helmsman Course on the River Trent. We both found it a useful experience which increased our confidence enormously. It was great to have an experienced tutor to give us the benefit of his practical skills and knowledge of Waterway laws and safe practice. We were particularly impressed by your "Ferry Boat Glide" method of going alongside. It is a no nonsense, stress-free manoeuvre which we have practiced since. We liked the way you worked through a syllabus. It was a long day but extremely enjoyable and very educational. Every new boat owner should take a similar course. Call to see us at the Marina any time.

Keep up the good work,

Bill and Sue" - February 2003

Hi Ray, Hope all is well. Just wanted to say thanks for a great Three days and tell you what a well run course it is. Speaking as a total novice, I found that you put the information across extremely well. I mean this especially regarding the CEVNI. Its a lot to take in by anyones standards but by the time the exam arrived, I felt I was more than well equiped to deal with the questions.

The two days on the river were not only very enjoyable but, having never controlled a vessel of this size before, invaluable. I am now confident that I could climb aboard any twin screw boat I may end up with, and handle it competently and safely. I hope the local geese don't continue their bombing raids on you as you may have to provide future customers with tin helmets and thats what I really would call unnecessary overheads.

Howard Mills

The course and trainer exceeded expectations. It was great that within a couple of minutes of his arrival it was as if we'd known him for years and made for a very relaxed atmosphere, which in turn made for a good learning environment.

Information was conveyed to us in a clear, unhurried and articulate manner. Even when we were going wrong, Mr Cullis appeared completely relaxed and as he didn't get panicked, we didnt. This enabled us to quickly gain confidence.

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If any potential clients want a reference, we'd be more than happy to give you a glowing one

Jon and Kathy Trinder

Yesterday, I moved the boat from Castle Marina to the County Hall Steps. That's a big first for me, especially turning the boat around after leaving Meadow Lane Lock and coming back upstream to pick up John on the pontoon. I didn't even touch the pontoon! It was beautiful.

Thanks again,

Ann and John