POOLE'S luxury powerboat company, Sunseeker, is not only selling boats but teaching people how to handle them with the launch of its own RYA-approved sea school.

Offering instruction to customers is nothing new to Sunseeker but its efforts have only recently gained recognition from yachting's governing body.

RYA Yachtmaster instructor and powerboat trainer Mark Goodwin heads up the new school, based at the firm's head office.

"Training to the RYA syllabus comes as standard with every new and pre-owned Sunseeker," he said. "Initially we will be working towards the Day Skipper and International Certificate of Competence, but there is virtually no limit if customers wish to advance their skills further."

The company's marketing manager, Petra Maass, pointed out training packages were tailor made to individual requirements and available in whatever country customers would be using their boats."There is little point at being trained in Poole if you are based in the Mediterranean," she said.

"A lot of customers are totally new to boating and we want to make sure they are safe and confident," she added.

That included owners of the bigger boats, of over 60ft, with a professional crew, because many wanted to drive the craft themselves.

Training also extends, for locally based Sunseekers, to organised cross-Channel cruises on which owners can practice their skills in company with an experienced skipper and crew on a lead boat.