Despite some challenging weather conditions over the weekend (12-13 April) the RYA’s joint power and sail spring muster was yet again hailed a great success by all who attended.

Some twenty four power and sail boats from across the south coast gathered at Cowes Yacht Haven (Isle of Wight) to embark on a busy weekend schedule of both on water and shore based activities and master classes.

New to the muster schedule for 2008 was the whipping and splicing master class courtesy of Aladdin’s Cave. Proving extremely popular, the session allowed participants to get hands on practice of this intricate art. Summer Toy, a Squadron 58, took full advantage of the session by having their mooring lines spliced, something they had wanted to do since buying their boat.

Sarah Black, project manager of The Green Blue, was also on hand all weekend providing ‘Green Health Checks’ onboard individual boats. Christine and Gill from French Connection II, a Sealine S 38, got tips on a range of ways to reduce their environmental impact; from learning that cigarette ends can take more than five years to breakdown in the marine environment to how to deal with refuelling spills.

Christine, a regular at the RYA’s musters said: “This is a great opportunity to get education on a wide range of issues and learn about the little things you can do to make a big difference. The fuel collars were a particularly handy tip from our environmental health check.”

Once more the power and sail practical boat handling and taster sessions provided by the Sealine Sea School and Hamble School of Yachting, were busy throughout the weekend. Sailors were able to try out powerboats and vice versa, whilst also having the opportunity to get some practical advice on their boat handling skills. Graham Dindol, who had attended the event having left his boat back in Brighton due to bad weather took full advantage of the boat handling sessions, he said: “I wouldn’t normally sail in these types of weather conditions so being able to go out with an experienced skipper has given me the confidence and some useful advice to do so.”

For the kids there was the opportunity to take the controls of some model boats down in the marina in the afternoon, with day one wrapping up with a life raft and ‘Jon Buoy’ demonstration from Ocean Safety.

Muster first timer Nicholas Drake who sailed to the event from Brighton on Little Moo, an Elan Impression 434 said: “Coming to the muster not only gave me the opportunity to have a run down from Brighton to Cowes but also has been an ideal occasion to learn some new things and hear the latest updates from industry experts.”

Into the evening the Alpine Electronics Drinks reception, buffet and disco at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club provided attendees with the chance to catch up with old friends and maybe make some new ones, along with the opportunity to win some fabulous kit in the prize draw, thanks to the generous donations of the sponsors.

Grey skies did nothing to dampen spirits on Sunday morning when it was over to the RNLI who rounded up the weekend with a Survival Workshop, in which the group were taken through some of the do’s and don’ts of sea survival

Andrew Norton, Motor Cruising Projects Manager said of the event: “It’s really nice to see some new faces here at the muster this year and our old friends too. It is encouraging that all the master classes have been extremely well attended as people wish to further their knowledge.

“As always we are delighted with the support we have received at the muster from across the industry, events like these give us a great opportunity to work together.”

Thanks to all our sponsors without whom the event would not be possible: Aladdin’s Cave, Alpine, Hamble School of Yachting, ICOM, Lewmar, Ocean Safety, Raymarine, RNLI Lifeboats, Sealine Sea School, Sea Start, Ecover and UKSA.

Our thanks also to the sponsors and other contributors for their generous raffle muster prizes:

· Set of four dock lines (up to a 50ft boat) – Aladdin’s Cave

· Alpine IPod compatible stereo system X300

· Ecover hamper of goodies

· ICOM handheld VHF

· Professional socket set courtesy of Sea Start plus 1 years free membership

· Raymarine handheld VHF

· Commodore automatic life jacket from Ocean Safety

· One day own boat tuition for two people from Hamble School of Yachting

· Lewmar one touch winch handle

· Sealine gilets

· Mid season lift and scrub from Sealine South Coast