Sir Steve visits shiphandling centre
Friday 13 May 2011
Five-times Olympic rowing Gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave swapped his oars for a more technical approach, as he took to the waters at the Southampton Solent University Warsash Maritime Academy’s manned model shiphandling centre at Timsbury.
Sir Steve – who said he had not been at the helm of any kind of boat for three years - was taken through his paces by ship handling centre Senior Lecturer, Gordon Maxwell, in a trip that involved him navigating purpose-built channels used to train pilots.
He visited the site in his role as ambassador for International Management and Construction Consultancy, Gleeds, project managers of the unique building scheme that has transformed Timsbury Lake, near Romsey, into a world-leading maritime training facility.
Sir Steve said: “I thoroughly enjoyed being out on the model ship, steering through some pretty tight areas, though it got a bit hairy when a ship was coming the other way.
“This is an amazing facility, which really helps pilots to prepare for all kinds of situations that they may encounter and it ultimately means they are much better able to handle an emergency.”
The original world-renowned manned model shiphandling centre – one of only five in the world - was moved from its 10-acre Marchwood site to the new centre as part of a major investment to ensure the continued development of Southampton Solent University’s highly specialised and world renowned maritime training facilities.
The specialised work carried out on the lake allows for ship models to navigate berths, basins and channels to recreate a variety of port scenarios, canal transits and berthing operations for officers and pilots to practice ship-handling skills.
A topping out ceremony has already been held at Timsbury and the University’s Chancellor, Admiral The Right Honourable Lord West of Spithead, will officially open the new manned model shiphandling centre on 21 June.
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