2nd February 2016

Just one week after South Devon College hosted the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) South West Cruising Conference, lecturers Andy Wright and Dave Peart were invited to provide CPD sessions for delegates at this past Sunday’s RYA National Yachtmaster Instructor and Principal’s Conference in Swindon.

The conference was attended by RYA Cruising Instructors, Yachtmaster Instructors and Principals from all over the world, with over 80 delegates attending the sessions that were planned over the weekend.

After Saturday’s topics covered RADAR, Duty of Care and marketing, Andy Wright delivered a session on classroom teaching techniques and Dave Peart spoke about yacht stability. Both sessions were designed to teach instructors how to deliver effective lessons in a classroom environment. As 1 of just 21 RYA Yachtmaster Instructor Trainers in the world, Andy is an elite professional in the industry, whilst Dave also has vast experience.

Lecturers Dave Peart (left) and Andy Wright (right) are in high demand in the industry

Andy covered the theory of teaching practice and techniques for engaging lessons, ranging from classroom layout to session planning and assessment. Dave used props to demonstrate stability principles such as free surface effect, different hull designs and the positioning of weight on yachts and motorboats. His approach was simplistic, enabling those in attendance to replicate the session in classrooms or boats.

Both Andy and Dave received fantastic feedback from the RYA and are already looking forward to attending more conferences in the near future.

Last year Andy and Dave led 6 Yacht Operations students in circumnavigating Great Britain in Aspiration, the College’s Sigma 38. This was a monumental challenge that was completed ahead of schedule, in just 16 days. Andy and Dave are available to speak at clubs, organisations and schools about their experiences during the Around Great Britain challenge, and can offer a fascinating insight into their time at sea. For more information, contact the team today on 01803 839242.