Yachting and Boating World forums: What I thought about the RNLI weekend

Well, you asked!
For me it was excellent. The first change I noticed was the aspect of the presentations; from the point of view of our prospective rescuers. This was different from the previous courses/meetings I have attended, where a pundit told us what they would do in dangerous situations. The Lifeboat crews have, it seems, seen it all; yachtsmen at there worst, either through silliness, inexperience or unforeseen occurrences.
I agree with some of the points made by Crabber in the above post, in particular that some of the subjects could have been described as a bit elementary. But I usually found that there was something new for me to consider. The discussion on equipment was a case in point- we all had our own opinions on the safety aspects of the scenarios presented. But they were all real situations, and it was very interesting for me when the actual responses were given.
There was a discussion about liferafts, and the point was made that women cannot easily lift them, or actually deploy them. Of course, what one could manage when one's life is at stake is another thing, but it made me think about where we would mount ours, something we are just about to do.
Highlights; there were many. The simulator was great fun. It was a representation of a Severn-class lifeboat, and tearing around at 25 knots was great when you knew you couldn't harm anything. The liferafts in the pool, and the simulation of rough water, darkness and thunder and lightening was great. Quite realistic enough for me. The chance to actually climb into a liferaft fully kitted out in sailing oilskins was worth a lot. So too was the chance to let off flares, not something I had done before.
The hotel side of things was very very good. The catering was excellent, and the rooms spacious and clean. All in all, I thought it was a very good course, and good value for money.

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