Age is just a number at UKSA!

May 4, 2011 - PRLog -- “I served for 21 years in both the Royal Signals and MoD. I left the MoD in 2000 and almost attended UKSA as part of my resettlement training but family commitments meant that I could not do this. I subsequently spent the next 10 years working as a Director of a software development house responsible for the operation and delivery of software training to new user communities.

But as time went on the desire to sail grew irresistible! As the family grew up and left for university it was time for a change. I resigned from my job and attended UKSA’s Commercial Yachtmaster training.

During my training at UKSA I was lucky to be crewed with what became colloquially known as the 'geriatrics' - a crew whose youngest member was 49 years old! Together with other great characters from around the world we enjoyed every aspect of the UKSA experience.

The social aspect is as hectic as the sailing part of the course – I would definitely advise anyone planning on training for their Yachtmaster to work and play hard to get as much from the course and staff, as possible.

On the course, I spent time ashore studying short range radio, diesel engine maintenance, sea survival techniques and first aid. This was alongside spending 60 days at sea, gaining 2,500 miles of sailing experience including on one of UKSA’s 67ft Challenge yachts.

The course is very intense but the opportunity to work with and learn from a range of excellent professional sailors on a number of different sized yachts is superb. Being totally immersed in the marine environment has significant benefits!

I am now the First Mate on Helen Mary R; a 57ft Auxiliary Bermudian Ketch owned and operated by Mórvargh Sailing Project in Plymouth. The project provides voyages on a tall ship for young people aged 15 – 25 who lack confidence and motivation in many aspects of their life.

I would recommend the Commercial Yachtmaster and UKSA for anyone thinking of changing their lives - we're only here once!!”

If you are looking to change careers, UKSA still has places available on its 2011 Commercial Yachtmaster courses starting on July 18 and October 17.

For more information call UKSA’s career course advisers on 01983 203034 or email advice@uksa.org

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About UKSA

UKSA is the UK’s leading youth maritime charity, working to change lives through maritime education and personal development. 7,222 individuals benefited from UKSA’s charitable activity in 2010, of which 17.6 per cent received assisted funding from UKSA.

As a globally recognised professional training provider in yachting and watersports, UKSA has a strong alumni network in the global maritime industry. Its graduates include the world-renowned sailor Dee Caffari.

Based in Cowes, the UKSA’s 3.5 acre on shore campus and fleet offers a comprehensive range of industry accredited career programmes, watersports and leisure careers training, and multi-activity watersports activities for schools and youth groups. UKSA was founded by the retail entrepreneur Noel Lister. The charity celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2012.

http://www.uksa.org

Contact: Jessica Padley - jessica.padley@uksa.org

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As a youth maritime charity, UKSA uses maritime education and on-the-water activities to inspire individuals and transform lives. Personal development, improved self esteem, broadened horizons and fulfilling maritime careers are just some of the outcomes.