Changing Tack: UKSA work with industry leaders to improve wellbeing in the maritime sector. Passionate about creating a thriving industry where the welfare and safety of superyacht crew is supported and prioritised, the Changing Tack group formed in May and have since been collating research and creating recommendations to promote positive change. Following a successful round table this month earlier this morning, the group presented at the Superyacht Forum in Amsterdam, engaging the industry with a plan of action including central reporting and data sharing, a central way to access welfare support and mental health and leadership training.

On Wednesday the 18th October, UKSA officially launched the Isle of Wight’s first oyster regeneration project in partnership with Blue Marine Foundation and supported by Cowes Harbour Commission, as its first oysters were placed in baskets beneath UKSA’s pontoons to breed.
The project will facilitate the release of millions of larvae into the Solent. As ecosystem engineers, UKSA’s oysters will provide a range of benefits to the environment and people such as improving water quality, with a single oyster able to filter up to 200 litres of water every day, while also providing refuge for other marine life. Read more HERE.

UKSA is reporting its Further Education student intake for September 2023 is its highest on record, increasing 20% on 2022 figures, with 71% from those living on the Isle of Wight. Clare Powell, Education Manager at UKSA said: “We are seeing increases in our FE courses year on year with nearly three quarters local to us on the Isle of Wight. The maritime industry is on their doorstep and these courses are specifically designed to enable young people to enter the sector and have the opportunity to see the vast career options available to them.”

Many 18-year-olds have received disappointing A Level results this summer following the government changes to exam grading this year. As an alternative to University, UKSA provides structured pathways into maritime careers through its educational training programmes for the yachting, watersports and superyacht sectors – and there are a number of assisted funding options too. UKSA also provides training for maritime apprenticeships. There are currently two places available for our Superyacht Cadetship starting in September and more availability for our course starting in April 2024. See full course details HERE.

UKSA recently welcomed its Patron Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, who has been a patron of the charity since 1992, to its Founders’ Club dinner event to share some of the inspirational stories of beneficiaries the charity’s fundraising has contributed to. The event, held at Trinity House in London, welcomed supporters to hear from the world’s largest RYA centre and UK maritime charity about its current impact and future plans. Its work empowers young people to reach their potential by building essential life skills, using the power of the sea. Read more here.

UKSA has announced it is creating the Isle of Wight’s first Oyster Regeneration Project in partnership with the Blue Marine Foundation. The aim is to aid the restoration with breeding and growing of oysters in high densities, hung in baskets in the water beneath UKSA’s pontoons. This will facilitate the release of millions of larvae into the Solent. Between 1972 and 2006, the Solent supported the largest native oyster fishery in Europe, however the oyster population has declined significantly and the fishery collapsed in 2013. Native oyster reefs in the UK have declined by 95% due to overfishing, pollution, disease, habitat loss and other pressures. Native oysters are classified as a priority species in the UK’s Biodiversity Action Plan and restoration is a high priority at a national, European and global level with an estimated 85% percent of oyster beds and reef habitats lost worldwide.

UKSA are excited to be welcoming their latest cohort of Superyacht Crew Training Students. It’s going to be an exciting 3 weeks where the new recruits will be learning all about vessel care, deck work, safety procedures. The course is the perfect springboard into the superyacht industry. Thanks to UKSA’s expert tuition, purpose-built site and ALL-INCLUSIVE, intensive training package, you can start your career in the superyacht industry after just 19 days at UKSA, armed with all the qualifications and skills you need. Click HERE to find our more.

UKSA has announced it is a finalist in the 2023 School Travel Awards which recognise inspiring people and the best companies, venues and attractions which provide school trips. Voted for by readers of School Travel Organiser, which helps teachers and educational visit coordinators plan and create school trips and learning outside the classroom, the Isle of Wight based charity has been shortlisted in the Best Sporting Venue category.

UKSA Professional Yachtmaster Offshore graduate Lungi Mchunu, who despite previously being afraid of the ocean, went on to become the first African woman to sail the Arctic. She built up a relationship during her time at UKSA and was subsequently offered a place on Maiden’s next world tour, which continues to represent the empowerment of women, the strength of women, and what women are capable of. To find out more, click here.

From the 6th – 12th February UKSA celebrated National Apprenticeship Week, partnering with The Marine Society and Sea Cadets (MSSC) and the Isle of Wight College, UKSA shared a range of training options for apprenticeships, helping to expand the number of young people training and working as apprentices in the maritime sector. The training that we deliver for apprenticeship schemes provides young people with employment in specialist sectors within the marine industry – specifically ports, harbours and near coastal routes. Click here to read more.