Boat with Confidence
Embark on a journey with East Midland's Boat Handling and experience the thrill of mastering wide beam boats and narrow boats on the serene inland waterways. Our courses offer a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience aboard the historical Dutch Barge Anja, allowing you to explore the intricacies of boat handling while enjoying a live-aboard experience. Whether you're a novice seeking basic knowledge or an enthusiast considering a Dutch Barge purchase, our helmsman course is designed to enhance your boat handling skills and boost your confidence on the waterways.
Colin Paillin
A seasoned and qualified boat handling instructor with 45+ years practical experience on the British inland waterways. Colin has a passion for teaching boat handling techniques on traditional & modern narrowboats, tugs, cruisers, sea going fishing vessels and a variety of wide beam craft.
Colin has a really gentle and patient style of teaching, with a touch of humour when you get to know him.
Another passion of Colin's, is miniature railway running his own steam train with passengers regularly at weekends and events. He has one daughter who lives nearby who sometimes helps out on the course and two wonderful grandchildren.
