Aquatrek Navigates Its First Awards Dinner

Posted on March 26, 2008

By Christy Parker | Photos: Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

Aquatrek’s inaugural Day Skipper (Navigation) theory course received their certificates

Aquatrek’s inaugural Day Skipper (Navigation) theory course received their certificates

Sixteen students from Aquatrek’s inaugural Day Skipper (Navigation) theory course received their certificates at the business’s first Awards Dinner at the Walter Raleigh Hotel last weekend. The sixteen represented the course’s full contingent and ranged from 16 to 70 years.

Wexford’s Justin Slattery, the first Irishman to win the world’s most famous yacht race, the Volvo Ocean Race, in 2005-06, presented the certificates. Revenue from the €30 per head event, plus raffle proceeds for many prizes kindly donated by local businesses, went towards the Lifeboat service and music came courtesy of Martin & Jason.

John Innes who, along with fellow lifeboat crewman John Griffin, established Aquatrek last year, complimented all who undertook the course, which ran twice weekly from October to February at the Quality Hotel. “They gave it everything and when it got tough, we rowed in behind them,” said John with apt analogy.

The syllabus covered “navigation to a middle/high level” according to John and covered such aspects as, sea safety, survival and life saving techniques, on board fire safety, navigation, racing and life jacket procedure. “Every boat owner or sailor wants to reach Yachtmaster qualification, which divides into shore based -which is theory- and practical. These people are now 3/4 way there, having known nothing about it last October,” John explained.

Aquatrek Awards Dinner

The students ranged from experienced to novice and one of those surprised to know what he didn’t know was Peter Murray, who has had four decades of rocking boats, so to speak. “Its unbelievable what we learnt. This course will make a huge difference to me but I also know there is much more to learn and I will be signing up for further courses,” he said.

Peter, who co-owns a 22ft Trophy powerboat, at times found the three-hour sessions less than plain sailing. “There were difficult parts and the homework reminded me of my schooldays,” he laughs. “But it all ties in with what Aquatrek are doing, which is the best thing to happen in Youghal for many a year.

Justin Slattery, congratulated all present. Later, the man who has raced round the world several times, including as crewman on a world record 58-day odyssey in 2004, recalled his first boat experience. “As a teenager I asked someone at my local club to let me take a dinghy out. I spent half the day upside down and swimming in the harbour. I decided to take a sailing course immediately!

Justin, 33, recommends doing courses before purchasing a boat. “That way you learn safety and also may find out the boat you had in mind is not actually what you need at all,” he says. “On courses you meet people who will give you very good advice before its too late.”

Meanwhile, its almost launch time for Aquatrek’s summer 2008. “Last year was extremely successful and to be honest the poor weather gave us a chance to learn as we went along ourselves,” says John. He adds. “Things are looking extremely promising for this year and a if we get a good summer I can see the harbour teeming with boats.”