For several years now, Pursuit Boats has enjoyed a hugely successful partnership with the world-renowned boat school, the Chapman School of Seamanship.
In collaboration with the Chapman School, Pursuit Boats has created a two-day training course specifically for buyers of new Pursuit boats. The Confidence on the Water CPC-100 Pursuit course provides owners with the perfect combination of boating skills, waterway rules, safety and real-life hands-on boat handling education.
Pursuit connected with a group of female owners who took the course and took some time to get to know them.
Please take a moment to watch their story.
We have been extremely encouraged to see that women are increasingly interested in boat ownership. Consequently, Pursuit Boats is actively working with the Chapman School to promote and nurture women boat owners and captains.
According to the Program Coordinator at the Chapman School, Captain Kym Helwig, this gradual demographic shift is remarkable. "When I was young in this industry, there weren't many female captains and, in fact globally, only five percent of the world's captains are female. That is changing. More and more women are finding their way onto the water, whether they get credentialled or not. "
One of those women is Jeanne Kleckner, the proud owner of a DC 246. As a new boat buyer, she was personally offered the CPC100 course and, having recognized the Chapman school and the high standard of education it offers, she quickly took up the offer. She spoke highly of the course's impact on her boating skills and what it means for other women. "The biggest reaction I've had was from other women saying, 'I could never do that (own and captain their own boat)'. And my response is always, 'Yes you can. If it's something that's important to you, you can do it."
Jennifer Knott, mother of three and an owner of a DC 266, revealed that the availability of the course was a major selling point for her in her family's decision to buy their Pursuit. "One of the reasons I felt comfortable buying a Pursuit was knowing that we were going to have this course; so that the family as a whole could get comfortable, so that we could have fun. Versus being stressed about how we were going to manage the boat as a family."
Her mother, Leslie Sticker, shared similar sentiments with us. "I have a DC 326 that is one week old. I think this is a great idea that Pursuit and Chapman have gotten together, especially for women. Because as you know, most women don't drive the boat they're on. This course gives us the opportunity, as women, to give us the confidence that we need, to be able to enjoy driving the boat as well. I certainly enjoy driving it, it's a lot of fun!
Returning to the Chapman School, Captain Kym Helwig praised her female students who demonstrated a particular aptitude for learning in both the classrooms and taking charge of seamanship on board during the practical elements. "Women, especially, make great students because they'll take in the instruction, watch how the skill is demonstrated, ask any questions, and then do it. And they usually execute it flawlessly. It's pretty cool."
For owner and captain Jeanne Klecker, who grew up with a family who always put boating safety first, the Pursuit CPC-100 course was a non-negotiable aspect of buying and owning her Pursuit boat. "The safety component of owning a boat was mandatory for me, otherwise I'm not sure that I would have had the confidence to buy a boat."
Her daughter, Delia Lytell, confirmed Jeanne's comments. "My mom was not sure about her decision to buy the boat, until she took the course because she didn't know exactly what owning and driving a boat herself would entail. She gained a LOT of confidence through the course teaching her how to do it safely."
Having joined her mother for the course, Delia praised the course's impact on her boating experience. "I feel very proud, I love that I got the opportunity to do it. I don't see many women driving in our area, so it's really nice to see that the Chapman partnership with Pursuit is changing that."
Captain Kym, who is passionate about her students and seeing them flourish on the water, concluded our chat with her love for how the course is putting more women at the helm of boats. "My favorite thing is taking students who don't have a boating background, and sending them away after two days, happily running their boat and feeling safe. It's a great feeling for me, it's very rewarding; I love my job!"
The Confidence on the Water course is sponsored by Pursuit Boats and is available to buyers of new Pursuit boats and up to three additional crew members. The course was developed to help owners and their families feel comfortable using their boats for years to come.
To schedule your training, simply reach out directly at (772) 283-8130 or email info@chapman.org. Proof of purchase will be required.