Who's in the club then!!

[BarryH]

Who\'s in the club then!!

Pathfinder Club that is. Whats it like, is it worth it and how fast do you generally go? Loads of questions I know, but my missus mentioned joining. Now I've always been a bit of a loner when it comes to going anywhere, so we can change our minds as to where we go etc.

Just putting some fellers out to see if it would suit!

OK, to hell with it. Unbolt it and we'll use it as an anchor!

 

[LeytonC]

Re: Who\'s in the club then!!

Sorry, I am not in the club, but there is an article on P69 of March 2000 MBM
that gives a contact no & a web site (www.ppc.org.uk) for the club.
You probably have the details but just in case...

Hope this helps.


Thanks

Leyton
(River Severn / Bristol Channel)

 

[cngarrod]

Re: Who\'s in the club then!!

I am in the club - joined at the start of the year... however, do to loads of other stuff i haven't had the opportunity to join in any fun yet!

But on saying that, they are doing a night exercise saturday week on the east coast.. so am doing that.

From what i have seen, it seems that it is a club where likek minded people go and have some fun in their boats. Not too dissimilar to this forum, everyone is more than happy to assist in any areas they can - knowledge, advice, hands on etc.

The membership cost is very little - so i shall be renewing next year and joining in more of the events.

As the fee is so small, why not try it for a year.. if you don't like it as its not your cup of tea... then don't renew it the following one!

If you want contact details, let me know and i will put you in touch with the membership secretary.

Cheers,

C

 

[BarryH]

Re: Who\'s in the club then!!

I've read one or two articles that ahve been in the mags and looked at the web site. Seems rather jolly, just wondered if anyone hereabouts was a member and could fill in a few gaps.

OK, to hell with it. Unbolt it and we'll use it as an anchor!

 

[cngarrod]

Re: Who\'s in the club then!!

do you want to chat to a couple of the guys nearer you?

They are doing a night exercise 2nd or 3rd weekend in october based out of the Solent.. why don't you enquire as to whether you can go along and try it?

Let me know if you want further info!

C

 

[BrendanS]

Re: Who\'s in the club then!!

Barry,

I'm in the club. Member for a couple of years, and now a committee member.
The club is aimed primarily at smaller fast boats, with a fair number of events aimed at people who trail their boats. There is also a large number of Solent based boats, and a pretty keen East Coast contingent, and some members have 28-33ft boats, having traded up over the years, but wanted to stay in club

Lots of different events, and a good way of extending horizons and building experience and confidence with the more experienced members very helpful.

Speed? is dependent on slowest member of group - sometimes everyone blasts everywhere at 30, other times an experienced tailend charlie is assigned to ake sure that 17' bowrider with new members doesn't get left behind. Varies really

Quite safety concious, and one club rule is that lifejackets must be worn at all times on the water.

I'm like you, and like doing my own thing, but I really enjoy the club, really enjoy the events, and have gone through a learning curve far far quicker than I would have done on my own. eg would not have gone into Portsmouth at night in first season on my own, navigating without electronics, without club, nor would one of my first trips have been to Weymouth, but going out with experienced members in group makes these things much easier.

really nice group of helpful people too, and for someone who isn't always terribly sociable, I also really enjoy the social side

What else do you need to know??

Brendan

 

[hlb]

Re: Who\'s in the club then!!

I thought Pathfinder was for little or trailable boats. Did not know Muckyfarters could join in. Bit of a bum do if one meatings on the East coast. Next in the Solent, then maybe Scotland. Muckyfarter would be worn out. Trying to keep up! Or do they have different bases around the country like the life boats. So no matter where you are it still works.

<font color=red> No one can force me to come here-----------
----- I'm a Volunteer! /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

Haydn

 

[hlb]

Re: Who\'s in the club then!!

Could you not have said that two minutes earlier. Would have saved me alot of bother!!

<font color=red> No one can force me to come here-----------
----- I'm a Volunteer! /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

Haydn

 

[BarryH]

Re: Who\'s in the club then!!

Umm, not a lot else you can add to that realy, covered just about all the questions I had. Spoke to a chap a while ago on the phone, he seemed somewhat doubtful regarding my boat. Hense the speed thingy. I get 30ish knots scream mode or around 24-25 cruising. Might be worth me taking a gander, but it'll be next season now as the only two events left are night events. Can't do that I've got kids. How welcome are kiddies on the events. My two are used to the boat and have crossed the channel a couple of times with me. The rough stuff does'nt phase them either.

OK, to hell with it. Unbolt it and we'll use it as an anchor!

 

[BrendanS]

Re: Who\'s in the club then!!

Sorry, telepathic mode not engaged this early in day!

 

[duncan]

Re: Who\'s in the club then!!

hopefully I can fill in the few gaps for you tommorrow Barry, the core of the club is about helping people enjoy boating ; with the obvious emphasis on trail boats because thats where most people start. The clubs roots were, I believe, in a sea school, but now lie more in the practical application of theory.
As mentioned above many of the conversations on the radio would look identical to threads on this forum if written out - except they are happening real time!
"What should I do if I can see a green, red and white light together and they are getting brighter?" is an interesting classroom exercise but takes on a different air when it comes from someone in a 15ft fletcher on his/her first night trip across the Solent.

 

[BrendanS]

Re: Who\'s in the club then!!

Most trips, cruising speed is 20+ ish, so not too many probs there.

Kids no problem. Plenty of members have them and are welcome

Thirty quid for family membership, so not very onerous to join and see what you think.

Night exercise great fun - got stopped by bleedin Christmas Tree on water last year milling about outside Portsmouth not long after Sept 11 waiting for one Rib to change fuel tanks. Police very suspicious of lots of small boats and Ribs heading into Portsmouth. They had been notified, but skulked about keepin an eye on us for next hour. Can join club and 'hot seat' on another members boat for night exercise if you like, see what it's like

 

[BarryH]

Re: Who\'s in the club then!!

That'll be good, I'm off in a while, just wrestling with the bearings at the mo, pain but its go to be done! If you see a Range Rover and a boat heading Poole way give us a wave.

OK, to hell with it. Unbolt it and we'll use it as an anchor!

 

[duncan]

Re: Who\'s in the club then!!

I wil lhead down this evening - so if I do see you on the journey it probably won't be good news!
regards

 

[BarryH]

Re: Who\'s in the club then!!

Thats a good idea, as long as the person with the "hot seat" does'nt mind. Split the costs of fuel and all that. That could be a goer, leave the kids at home with the wife. Although when I get home it'll be full debrief time and a thousand questions!!

OK, to hell with it. Unbolt it and we'll use it as an anchor!

 

[BrendanS]

Re: Who\'s in the club then!!

Hot seating not a prob - we do it all the time. Peeps often have boat out of action for one reason or another, or boat is water based inSolent, and want to try out East coast event
One of rules for night exercises is that must be two people in boat, so if anyone is single handed, will be glad to have 'hot seater' available