Launch Refresher Training

Sharpening Skills Ahead of Regatta Season

With Monmouth Regatta now less than 22 days away, preparations are in full swing—not just for the rowers, but also for the vital support teams who make racing safe and efficient. One essential element? The humble launch.

Practicing getting any capsized rowers into a launch

Launches are the backbone of coaching and safety operations on the river. Whether guiding crews through technical drills or responding quickly to emergencies, launch drivers play a crucial role in keeping everything afloat—literally and figuratively.

Recognising the importance of staying sharp, Mary, our club’s indefatigable safety lead, recently organised a refresher training session for members who already hold their RYA Powerboat Level 2 (PB2) qualification. The goal: to build confidence, reinforce best practice, and ensure everyone is fully prepped for the busy regatta weekend.

The session focused on practical handling, including low-speed manoeuvres, safe approach to other boats, turning in tight spaces, and recovering people from the water drills. There was also a strong emphasis on communication—both with coaches and with other river users—and running through what to do in various emergency scenarios.

It's easy to forget that even qualified drivers need to keep their skills fresh, especially when launches haven’t been used intensively over the winter months. The refresher was a great opportunity for knowledge-sharing between newer and more experienced drivers, and the river was full of lively discussion (and a bit of friendly competition).

A huge thank you to Mary for organising, and to everyone who took part. Also special thanks to Longtown Mountain Rescue Team. for the kind loan of their recovery dummy, who of course we named Bob!

See you on the water.