Powerboat training chance for four youths

Up to four young people aged 15 to 20 in the Annan area are being offered the opportunity to train to Royal Yachting Association standards for free and play a role in events such as the town’s annual harbour festival.
Experienced sailor Alan Savage from Annan Harbour Action Group said: “It’s because of some funding that we have in place which came from Friends of Annandale and Eskdale Museums.
“That group closed down, and they gave some of their money to us for the purposes of training and education.”
Annan Rotary have also provided funding, with Annan Harbour Action Group offering up to four young people the chance to train free of charge on Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs). They would become fully qualified safety boat crew volunteers, working and training with the two adult boat owners.
Group secretary Alan said: “I think this is a way of getting some skills invested in our young people – we are a harbour town, and we do have that and want to encourage that.
“But also we want to get some of the younger generation linked in with the Harbour Action Group.”
Alan is keen to see if the course can be accepted as a ‘Skill’ under the Duke of Edinburghs Award and Saltire Volunteering Schemes.
He said: “It can link in with a number of things within the curriculum or extra-curricular activities as well.”
The initial RYA Level 2 Powerboat course will be on the weekend of April 23 and 24 at Loch Ken Activity Centre, with the Safety Boat course being held later in the year, possibly in July.
Alan gained the Royal Yachting Association qualification years ago, and he said: “I think anybody that goes out on a powerboat should have these sorts of qualifications.”
Enquiries can be directed to Alan on 07989518939.