Tips on how to get the most out of being a boat owner

Congratulations, you’re a boat owner! Whether you’re a first-time boat-owner or you’ve had experience with owning a vessel before – it’s an exciting time! Now you’ll be looking for ways to enjoy boat ownership, getting the most out of your boat and getting out on the water in and around the UK.

• Where can I improve my skills as a boat owner and operator?
• What are the best boat events that I can attend in the UK?
• What websites, blogs and magazines are available for boat owners?
• Is there a directory of UK businesses, groups and governing bodies for boat owners to use?

Where can I improve my skills as a boat owner and operator?

Whilst training in the UK is not a legal requirement, it of course is recommended to learn as much as possible about your boat and how to operate it. There are a number of courses and training programmes you can take to improve your skills and build your confidence – meaning that you can keep safe when you’re out on the water.

Even the most seasoned of boat owners regularly undertake top-up training courses to keep up to date with the latest information and safety equipment available, ensuring that they get the most out of their boat ownership experience.

You’ll find a number of accredited courses available through the RYA. 

As well as undertaking courses you should also read up on the following subjects and consider getting the relevant training required to make sure your knowledge is up to date on the following subjects too:

• Safety procedures
• Weather conditions
• GPS
• First aid/CPR

What are the best boat events that I can attend in the UK?

There are a number of boating events to attend across the UK, most of which happen on an annual basis. Listed below are some of the most popular:

• The Southampton Boat Show by British Marine
• The South Coast Boat Show
• Crick Boat Show
• Boat Life
• Cowes week
• Round the island race
• Sunsail racing series
• Barclays Jersey Boat Show
• Scottish Traditional Boat Show
• Marine and Coastal Civil Engineering Expo
• All Wales Boat and Leisure show
• Scotland’s Boat Show
• Western Boat Show
• Poole Harbour Boat Show
• London Boat Show

What websites, blogs and magazines are available for boat owners?

There are plenty of publications, websites and blogs aimed at boat owners, packed with advice and information. We’ve listed some of the more well-known ones below. You can use these sites and publications to read up on various subjects related to being a boat owner and find top tips on how to get the most enjoyment out of boat ownership.

• Practical Boat Owner
• Yachting Monthly
• Powerboat and Rib
• Classic Boat
• Wooden Boat
• Motorboat and Yachting
• Boating
• Yachting World
• Discover Boating

Is there a directory of UK businesses, groups and governing bodies for boat owners to use?

Yes! We have put together a directory of UK businesses, groups and governing bodies, dedicated to helping you get the most out of your boat and being out on the water in and around the UK.

A

Angling Trust

Association Of British Insurers

Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents

Association of Inland Navigation Authorities

Association of Sail Training Organisations

B

Boat Safety Scheme

British Marine

British Marine Surveyors Europe

C

Canal and River Trust

CE Proof

E

Environment Agency

I

Inland Waterways Association

International Institute Of Marine Surveyors

Institute Of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology

M

Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Met Office

N

National Association Of Boat Owners

National School Sailing Association

O

On the Water

R

Royal Institution Of Naval Architects

Royal National Lifeboat Association

Royal Yachting Association

U

United Kingdom Sailing Academy

Y

Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association