Courses
Our first course of 2026 is a two-day intensive course presented by Mark Langley of Waterways World and by Calcutt Boats. The course is designed to help aspiring narrowboat owners and liveaboards navigate their way onto the British inland waterways
18th & 19th April 2026 - Calcutt Boats, Warwickshire, CV47 8HX
Course Host - Mark Langley, Waterways World Technical Editor
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Practical Training - Calcutt Boats
Calcutt Training is a recognised RYA training centre providing certified governing body training and industry recognised qualifications. |
Mark is a self-confessed boating geek (we prefer the word ‘expert’), has written for Waterways World for over two decades, been a boatowner for 28 years and designed the Aintree Boats Aintree Boats range of small narrowboats. A highly experienced speaker, he’s the perfect host for your course.
This two-day course includes both classroom-based and practical presentations and training
In the training room, Mark Langley will present:
Introduction
- Main issues to consider, why do you want to buy a boat and what experience do you have?
Buying New vs Old
- The pros, cons and factors you need to consider
Design Considerations
- Bedrooms, cooking facilities, laundry, entertaining spaces and workspaces
Essential Maintenance
- What maintenance will be needed each year and at what cost?
Practicalities & Top Tips
- Getting supplies, waste disposal, receiving post, broadband, shared-ownership boats and where to cruise
Choosing a Marina
- What to consider when choosing a ‘home’ marina and the alternative options available
Calcutt Training’s practical taster sessions
These sessions provide the hands-on element of the Beginners Boating Course. They offer a solid introduction to safe and enjoyable boating, helping to build confidence, skills, and understanding from the outset:
As a Recognised RYA Training Centre, these Calcutt Training taster sessions introduce the certified RYA courses available for those who wish to continue their training in the future.
Helm Introduction
- This is your opportunity to take the tiller of a narrowboat and explore the essentials of safe, confident inland boating. The short, practical session introduces core boat-handling skills, including steering, throttle control, basic manoeuvres, and reversing, helping you understand what’s involved in helming a boat safely. It’s an ideal starting point for anyone curious about life on the waterways and looking to build skills before progressing to the full course.
Lock Introduction
- Learn the fundamentals of using a canal lock safely and confidently. This session will introduce how canal locks work and lock etiquette. You will have the chance to operate a lock yourself and understand the correct roles of crew and helm when ascending or descending. Ideal for beginners, it builds awareness and good habits, helping new boaters feel prepared, calm, and in control when approaching their first lock.
Diesel Engine Introduction
- This taster introduction to diesel engines on canal boats, drawn from the RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance course, provides a clear and practical overview of how a typical inland waterways engine works. It covers key engine components, routine checks, and common issues boaters may encounter, helping beginners understand what’s happening beneath the engine cover and encouraging good maintenance habits afloat.
Boaters First Aid Introduction
- The introduction to first aid on a narrowboat explores the unique challenges of managing injuries and medical incidents afloat. It highlights the practical considerations of working in confined spaces, with limited immediate access to emergency services, and the importance of preparation when cruising on canals and inland waterways. The session also offers a chance to refresh CPR skills, but this time onboard a canal boat.
Course Participants will enjoy
- Lunch
- Breakfast pastries each morning
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Free six-month Waterways World Print + Digital subscription, worth up to £24*
- A Waterways World Boat Reviews book and Waterways World Annual 2026, worth £22.98
- Weekend ticket to Crick Boat Show, per person, worth £42.30 and 50% off camping and mooring spaces
- 20% off training courses from Calcutt Boats (25% if booking more than one)
- 20% off Calcutt Boats Holidays hire boats, including Training Holiday package
*One subscription per individual/couple.
This course is limted to just 20 participants. Book now to secure your place
Just £625 per couple or £350 per person
Please be aware that the training rooms have steps leading up to them. Refund policy: cancellations more than 14 days from the event will incur a 20% administration fee. No refunds within 14 days of the event.
| Book 18 & 19 April - CALCUTT » |
Calcutt Boats is a family-run business with a strong heritage on the inland waterways of over 50 years. Known for rebuilding and caring for BMC engines, its stunning marinas, holiday hire fleet, its marina services and support for the boating community, it has built a reputation for quality, knowledge, and practical experience. Building on this foundation, Calcutt Boats has recently expanded into training, sharing its expertise to help new and experienced boaters develop skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of life on the waterways.
