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Book today and get out on the water!
Powerboat Courses
From Powerboat Level 1 & 2 to advanced handling and safety—everything you need to build skill, confidence and competence.
Sailing Courses
Courses and coaching for all levels delivered by experienced instructors—designed to build capability on the water in a fun and progressive way.
Welcome to Bangor Powerboats Training
Whether you’re stepping aboard for the first time or looking to sharpen your existing skills, our courses are designed to give you practical knowledge, real-world confidence, and maximum time on the water—without ever minimising the fun.
Our instructors have extensive professional and commercial experience on the Irish Sea and beyond. We focus on hands-on training, safety-first techniques, and simple, effective seamanship—delivered in a friendly and relaxed learning environment.
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Meet Russell “Rusty” McGovern – The Experience Behind Our Training
If you’re looking for water-based training backed by world-class experience, you’ve come to the right place. Our programme is led by Russell “Rusty” McGovern – lifelong sailor, elite racer and RNLI lifeboat crew member. Rusty has sailed at every level of the sport, from Olympian 49er campaigns to crossing the Pacific on the legendary Volvo 70s. He’s also coached the Irish National Dinghy Team, bringing professional race knowledge and hands-on technical skill to every course.
Expert-Led Training You Can Trust
Rusty has built a team of instructors the same way he approaches sailing: with precision and passion. Every instructor has been hand-picked for their expertise, personality and commitment to safety on the water. Our team is:
- Highly skilled and professionally trained
- Knowledgeable and experienced in real-world conditions
- Passionate about what they do and ready to share it
Courses Designed for Safety, Skill & Maximum Fun
Whether you’re starting out or developing advanced capability, our courses are designed to balance the right mix of learning and enjoyment. We focus on:
- Practical skills you’ll actually use
- Confidence-building coaching
- Safety-first training without taking away the fun
Because being safe on the water doesn’t mean being serious all the time – it means being prepared.
Real Safety. Real Experience.
Rusty is currently an active RNLI volunteer, regularly involved in real rescue operations. His work has been recognised nationally and has even featured on the popular TV programme “Saving Lives at Sea.” This gives our school something few others can offer: the same knowledge and mindset used by crews who protect lives on the water every day.
Why Train With Us
Because you’ll learn from someone who has lived the adventure, coached the elite, and helped save those in danger. If you want training that’s exciting, professional and focused on doing things properly, you’ll fit in perfectly here.
Expert RYA Power Boat Training in Bangor
Discover our RYA-certified courses all focused on quality and safety.
RYA Powerboat Level 1 & 2 Combined
Learn quickly, get confident fast. This practical hands-on course takes you from complete beginner to competent powerboat driver in just two days. Manoeuvring, mooring, high-speed handling, safety skills and chart basics – everything you need to skipper a small powerboat safely and with confidence.
RYA Short Range Radio (VHF)
The essential licence for using marine VHF radios. Learn correct procedures, distress calls, DSC, emergency communications and everyday radio etiquette. Clear, practical and professional training that ensures you speak confidently when it matters most.
RYA First Aid
A must-have qualification for anyone on the water. This course gives you practical knowledge to deal with real emergencies at sea: hypothermia, drowning, CPR, bleeding control, and medical situations unique to the marine environment. Simple, life-saving skills taught in a relaxed and enjoyable day.
RYA Basic Sea Survival
Be prepared for the unexpected. Learn how to manage emergencies, use lifejackets and liferafts, deploy flares, make Mayday calls and stay safe in the water. Realistic and practical training that can save lives..
ICC (International Certificate of Competence)
Your passport to driving powerboats and small craft abroad. The internationally recognised certificate that proves your competence and opens up chartering, boating and coastal cruising in Europe and beyond.
RYA Day Skipper (Theory)
Build the navigation and planning foundations of safe skippering. Passage planning, tides, charts, pilotage, rules of the road, weather and safety—all delivered in a friendly and clear format. The perfect next step towards skippering your own journeys.
Experience Expert Powerboat Training and Adventure
Discover the unmatched quality and certification of our RYA powerboat courses in Bangor.
Certified RYA Instruction
Gain confidence on the water with our professional, accredited RYA-certified instructors guiding every step.
Hands-On Practical Training
Learn essential boating skills through engaging, real-world experience that prepares you for any water conditions.
Scenic Powerboat Experiences
Enjoy breathtaking views and memorable journeys on Northern Ireland’s beautiful waterways with expert guidance.
Master Power Boating Skills with Bangor Experts
Find our Bangor location, contact number, and email to start your boating journey today.
