What do we want to do with the boat?

We wish to allow as many people access to the facility as we can. The number of people that we can work with is limited due to the true volunteer nature of the project. However during the first year we hope;

• To increase our adult volunteer base as well as the number of registered skippers who can supervise and manage the boat.

• To provide training to young people, so that they can become qualified as complete crew and as such, supervise others whilst on the boat.

• To give a number of young people the opportunity to take part in single day, weekend or week cruising opportunities.

The boat has its permanent mooring at Snaygill Boat yard near Skipton, but will be used on the waterways in and around Leeds, allowing as much access to groups as possible.

What can groups and individuals get out of work of this nature?

The canal system in Great Britain has been with us for many years and there are not many places where we work that are not near to, or in fact on an inland waterway or a canal itself. There are many interesting aspects of the canal systems that for many are long forgotten, but like other parts of our heritage, the canals should not be forgotten, if only for the terrible sacrifice made by the mostly Irish men and women who built them. Young people and adults often do ignore what is around them. We feel that as part of our work we should do what we can to encourage and enable others to focus on facilities and amenities that are readily available for their use and then, by way of peer led learning educate them in the ways of having safe fun in their local environment. In addition the benefits of work on the canals can be:

· The experience of working as a group in a very confined environment.

· The experiences of managing resources that are limited.

· An opportunity to develop skills of co-ordination and control.

· The history of the canal systems.

· That life can have a slower pace.

· Work around the environment.

· Work around craft, art and painting.

What groups are suitable?

Aside from those groups who are very difficult to supervise, (boating of any kind can be dangerous) most groups can be worked with on the canal and on a canal boat. The steering of the boat is simple, if at first a little confusing and offers a chance for instant or very quick achievement for even the most underachieving group member.