News Blog: UKSA.org

Learn to sail with UKSA H20 clubs

noreply@blogger.com (Ciaran) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:51:00 +0000

UKSA is once more offering its H20 training programme for budding young sailors from the Isle of Wight. Designed for 8-16 year olds, H20 training offers young Island residents the opportunity to learn and improve at a variety of watersports throughout the summer months through weekly training sessions at UKSA.

UKSA's Director of Development Simon Davies explains, "If you live on the Isle of Wight, are aged 8-16 and want the opportunity to explore and enjoy a new watersport, then these H20 training sessions are just the ticket. Each week from April onwards we are running 3 hour sessions for young people wanting to learn the basics in either dinghy sailing, windsurfing, kayaking or Keel boating. We supply all the equipment and professional instruction, you just have to sign up and attend each week. It's all about having fun with your Friends and just giving it a go on the water."

Training will take place once a week in six week bocks for each sports, giving you the chance to master each of the watersports. Each 6 week training block costs just £90, making this one of the most affordable ways to get to grips with watersports that the Island has to offer. Once initial training is complete, you become a H20 club member and can take part in more advanced intensive training at UKSA with up to a 1/3rd discount.

Last years H20 programme saw over 100 young people from the Isle of Wight successfully take to the water. We hope that this years programme will increase that number and inspire local young people to make the most of the Island's fantastic watersports

If you would like to find out more, visit our website at http://www.uksa.org/h20club

Wanted: Firewalkers...

noreply@blogger.com (Ciaran) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:20:00 +0000

Save on heating bills this winter - sign up for the UKSA fire walk, it's only a month away.

All you have to do is get sponsorship for £100 and walk across red hot coals for the experience of a lifetime, what could be easier?

Tell your, family and friends as they are welcome to do the walk too, it's open to anyone.

There will be live music, bar promotions and a bbq!

The date is Wednesday 17th March 2010 starts 6PM - why not hot foot it down to UKSA.

For sponsorship forms, posters and more information Click here
or call 01983 203019

Historic Yacht Seeks New Home

noreply@blogger.com (EmilyWilson) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:22:00 +0000

UKSA is putting iconic yacht Gipsy Moth IV up for sale. The 53ft ketch, in which Sir Francis Chichester made his famed solo round the world trip in 1966, is seeking new owners to embark on new projects and help ensure her future as part of Britain's sailing heritage.

UKSA purchased Gipsy Moth IV in 2004 and, along with Yachting Monthly, raised funds through donations to restore the yacht and enable a crew of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to make a second round the world voyage. The project was a resounding success.

Since returning to Cowes in June 2007, the yacht has continued to provide sailing opportunities for young people and has also been available for public charter. There are now more suitable yachts that provide better opportunities to achieve the UKSA objectives for changing the lives of young people, leading UKSA to seek a new home for the yacht.

Jon Ely, Chief Executive at UKSA, commented: “The restoration and round-the-world voyage completed in 2007 changed the lives of many disadvantaged youngsters and restored a sad and decaying Gipsy Moth to a fine seaworthy condition.
We are proud of the part we have played in the history this vessel. It is now time for another to take her forwards and for us to focus on changing the lives of many more young people through our wide charitable work.

We are excited about her future and keen to find a good home for her. Any funds raised from the sale will go to benefit young people through the work of UKSA."

New STCW95 date released for March

noreply@blogger.com (Kirsty Dyer) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:28:00 +0000

If you need to complete your STCW95 Basic Training for this season, UKSA have just announced a new date from 9th - 14th March.

The cost of the course is £810 which includes all your accommodation and food.

Please call +44(0)1983 203034 for more information or to book on.

UKSA at Youth Sports Trust Conference in Telford.

noreply@blogger.com (Ciaran) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:45:00 +0000

Meet up with UKSA on stand 117 at this years Youth Sports Trust Conference in Telford, and find out about how UKSA engages youngsters in maritime activities, and increases their chance for successful employment in the leisure and tourism market.

UKSA will also be delivering a workshop on "Raising attainment and achievement through maritime training" details below.

Check out our P.E Adventure products at our website: www.uksa.org/schools

Title	W19: Improving achievement levels through maritime adventure activities
Times	13.30 - 14.30
Synopsis	Subjects covered: - Integrating curriculum into outdoor activities - How to get the best of outside the classroom teaching - Working with adventure activity providers - Myths about risk in water based activities - Badges, licenses, inspections of your activity centre - How best to deal with cover issues when taking cohorts out of class - Payment structures for getting students outside the classroom, keeping it inclusive
Deliverers:	Linda Melton, Head Teacher, The Wye Valley School and Jeremy Waitt, UKSA Schools Manager

Deckhand job

noreply@blogger.com (Ciaran) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:33:00 +0000

2 Deckhands required for a Private 100m+ motor yacht currently in the Lursen yard in Northern Germany. Itinerary will be based in the med with possibility of going to the Caribbean next winter.

Would you like to be able to apply for jobs like this?
Would you like to be able to browse these kind of job opportunities and apply for them?

...Then you need to train at UKSA. Students completing our 6 week Crew Training course would be eligible for such a position.

This job opportunity is advertised on www.yachtcareers.com - UKSA's recruitment website for the yachting industry. Access to this service is exclusively for students who have trained at UKSA. Get the UKSA advantage and find out about our unique training programmes and industry guidance.

Call us on 01983 203038

Yachting Employers confident for 2010 Season

noreply@blogger.com (Ciaran) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 11:52:00 +0000

The UKSA Industry Guidance team are reporting a steady surge in the number of new jobs being advertised on UKSA's careers portal yachtcareers.com. Anna Hudston, Industry Guidance Co-ordinator commented, "January is traditionally a quiet time of the year for new job opportunities, but this year we have seen a real surge in jobs. Lots of employers are gearing up for the Med. season, and the indication is from employers that they are very confident about the shape of the 2010 season."

Anna added, " A lot of yachts we have been dealing with have taken the opportunity for refits over the winter period and are recruiting for staff in preparation for their yacht relaunch. The majority of jobs have been for Deckhands and Stewardess positions on superyachts. Typically we have been getting one new job every day so far this month, which is great news for all our current students. This follows on from a good month in December with similar levels of new job opportunities."

We are always following the demand for new positions with a keen interest, and will continue to report to you throughout the year

Wanted: Trainee Watersports Instructors

noreply@blogger.com (Ciaran) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:42:00 +0000

UKSA is looking for 5 individuals who would like to train for a career as a watersports Instructor starting this February 2010. If you love the idea of a job working outdoors which offers the opportunity to get paid teaching stuff you love in a variety of locations worldwide then you should apply for selection to be on UKSA's Watersports Internship

Successful candidates will gain 15 weeks of training from UKSA's top level watersports instructors. They will then be invited to work at UKSA for the coming summer season gaining invaluable experience.

The price of the initial 15 weeks training £4830.

Typical earning potential for the 17 weeks paid placement is approximately £3927 (based on a 22 year old).

No previous Watersports Experience is nesessary as full training is given within the internship.

The Internship Starts 15th Feb 2010, and we still have 3 spaces available ( at time of this post)

We are looking for people who are passionate about the water, and serious about developing a career in watersports.

Want to learn more?

Call 01983 203034 or visit

http://www.uksa.org/internship

Case Study: Rory Munroe- Gap year in Watersports

noreply@blogger.com (Ciaran) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:44:00 +0000

Rory took part in a UKSA Watersports Extreme programme as part of a gap year between 6th form and College. With multiple start dates all year around, Rory started his programme in February 2009.

UKSA’s Watersports Extreme is a combined programme of training modules designed to take anyone from complete beginner up to an instructor level in popular watersports.The programme is designed for people wanting to make a career in watersports, which offers fantastic opportunities for travel and work worldwide.With large portions of time training overseas in some amazing venues, it is a popular option for Gappers looking for a fun, rewarding, and stimulating experience.

Rory ‘s learned to teach Kayaking, Dinghy sailing, Windsurfing and Kitesurfing.The programme included 10 weeks training at UKSA's bases in Egypt where Rory perfected his Windsurfing and Kitesurfing skills.

While living and training in Egypt there are a whole host of opportunities to soak up the local sights and culture, and the wind and beach conditions are perfect for mastering watersports. Rory commented, “ This was a fantastic experience to find out what you want to do and have a new enthusiasm for other sports.”

Rory has returned to College this year to complete his Engineering studies and inspired by his time at UKSA, is hoping to study Maritime Studies at University. Although now wanting to focus on his Academic studies, since completing his training Rory has been offered work with Mark Warner for the 2010 peak season in Greece, which should make for some interesting holiday / vacation work

Spinlock's Deckvest transforms safety at UKSA

noreply@blogger.com (Ciaran) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:56:00 +0000

UKSA PRINCIPAL JON ELY relates how Deckvest has helped transform Personal Safety Training at UKSA, the world’s largest RYA Training Centre.

“UKSA were initially approached by Spinlock with an invitation for our yachting instructors to try out their new lifejacket harness. We were happy to help and before long all our cruising instructors were happily wearing the new lifejackets.

We soon extended this to all students at UKSA, replacing all existing lifejackets stowed onboard UKSA’s fleet. This solution was simple and radical, with the MCA giving special permission to remove all of the jackets currently onboard and replace them with new Deckvests issued to each individual crew member. For certain courses, every student was issued with a Deckvest and made responsible for checking it, wearing it on the water and then returning it in good condition on the last day.

This initiative is now in its third year and has worked even more successfully than we anticipated. All students now take ownership of their own safety under UKSA’s guidance from the first day of their course. They each learn the importance of wearing a properly fitted and fully-specified life jacket, as well as clipping on and caring for the equipment, far more quickly and effectively than when the equipment was issued onboard. Newly qualified students increasingly decide to buy Deckvest life jackets and safety lines from the UKSA shop at the end of their course.

UKSA has found this to be far simpler and more reliable than the previous arrangement for maintaining and servicing equipment stowed onboard. The Deckvest investment has been repaid many times over in time and cost savings.

UKSA now has a crew of instructors and students that are all equipped with the same high specification protection, and they look and feel like a team of professionals.

Because of this very successful experience and the resulting servicing and maintenance time savings at the world’s largest RYA training centre, UKSA supports the RYA 2010 initiative to make the Spinlock Deckvest available to their global instructor network.”

Free Dinghy Instructor Training at UKSA

noreply@blogger.com (Ciaran) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:53:00 +0000

UKSA are providing free Instructor training for young people on the Isle of Wight aged between 16 - 25 years old.

To be eligible for the course, participants must have the following;

// A permanent resident on the Isle of Wight aged 16-25 years old
// Powerboat Level 2
// RYA First Aid
// Be able to complete an RYA Dinghy Instructor pre-entry assessment

Dates of course 12th - 16th April 2010 Plus, 14 days throughout the summer

Just six funded places are available.

The training includes a Dinghy Instructors course and 14 days work experience at UKSA during the summer, assisting young sailors.

If you would like to know more, or you would like to apply please contact: chris.frisby@uksa.org or call 294941

New Commercial Yachtmaster course date...

noreply@blogger.com (Kirsty Dyer) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:10:00 +0000

Due to the extremely high demand for our 12 week Commercial Yachtmaster course we have now released spaces on a new course starting on the 1st March.

We're only able to run very limited numbers on this date, so please contact us asap if you're interested.

Call the Course Advisory Team on +44(0)1983 203038 for more information or to reserve your place.

Are you medically fit for a career in yachting ?

noreply@blogger.com (Ciaran) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:59:00 +0000

If you are considering a career at sea, getting your overall medical fitness checked out is essential. At UKSA we recommend to all our prospective students that they should take the recommended doctors medicals before committing to a training programme.

If you want to commercially endorse your RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certification then you need to complete either an ML5 Medical ( available from your GP) or an ENG1 medical examination. Should you have any aspirations to work on yachts over 16m then we advise that the ENG1 medical is the better of the two to opt for.

The ENG 1 medical is only available from GPs who are registered with the MCA. You can find the list of doctors approved to do ENG1 medicals here.

Find out more about commercial endorsements for RYA certification here or contact a UKSA Course Adviser on +44(0)1983 203038 if you are concerned or would like more information on the factors that may prevent you from passing the medical.

Case Study: Gareth Cox

noreply@blogger.com (Ciaran) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:55:00 +0000

A graphic designer with a real passion for racing and yachts, Gareth completed UKSA's Crew Training programme in 2009.

Since leaving UKSA he has completed a few deliveries and recently gained a job as deckhand on a 39m motor yacht in Toulon, which will be crossing the Atlantic to the Caribbean for the winter.

Case Study: John Morton

noreply@blogger.com (Ciaran) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:53:00 +0000

After 20 years experience in the telecommunications industry working as a transmission engineer, John chose to retrain with UKSA for a new carer in marine engineering. He successfully completed UKSA's Professional Yacht Engineer training.

His first job on leaving UKSA was as 2nd Engineer on a 50m private / charter yacht cruising Croatia, Montenegro and Greece. They then returned to Venice to pick up the owner and do it all over again before crossing the Atlantic for a Caribbean season.

Case Study: Chris Hill

noreply@blogger.com (Ciaran) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:49:00 +0000

Chris came to UKSA with a background in Event Management and Hospitality. After completing UKSA's motor yacht training his first job after UKSA was Bosun on a 37m MY Benetti Classic which had a busy itinerary in the Med.

Chris has recently landed a job as Junior Yacht Broker with Power to Sail.

Five more spaces released for the January Commercial Yachtmaster...

noreply@blogger.com (Kirsty Dyer) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:03:00 +0000

Due to a very high demand for places on our 11th January Commercial Yachtmaster course we have managed to release five more places!

The 12 week January Commercial Yachtmaster finishes on the 4th April which is the perfect time to head down to the Med to find work whilst all the yachts are crewing up for the season. Training in the Solent over the winter months is a fantastic training ground to prepare you for a career in the yachting industry.

We are currently taking deposits for the waiting list and once we reach the minimum number required we will be able to confirm the additional crew.

Call us on +44(0)1983 203038 if you're interested in snapping up one of the last five places on this course...

Yachting Podcast Interviews Halcyon Yacht Charters

noreply@blogger.com (Ciaran) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:49:00 +0000

This month we bring you an interview with Halcyon Yacht Charter's Annette Corder. We talk with Annette about working on halcyon, a luxury 95ft wooden ketch built in the 1920's and recently restored to her former glory.

Listen to the podcast and find out more about working on a busy charter yacht.

>>get the podcast

Merry Christmas from UKSA!

noreply@blogger.com (Ciaran) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:47:00 +0000

As a gift from us to you...

Reserve your place on a Yachting Career or Watersports Career training course and receive a discount of £100 if you book before Christmas!

Offer ends Friday 18th December, call +44(0)1983 203038 for more information or to reserve your place.

Kitesurfing Promo

noreply@blogger.com (Ciaran) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:58:00 +0000

Looking to find out what UKSA offers want to be kitesurfing professionals? Check out our latest Youtube movie. and if you like it.... please rate it on YouTube and add a comment :-)

If you enjoy this and are inspired to find out more, you should also check out our interview with Jeremy Waitt, who walks us through some of the great benefits offered by UKSA's Kitesurf training in Abu Soma.

>Find out more about UKSA Kitesurf Instructor Training

Interview with Jeremy Waitt on Kitesurf training in Abu Soma, Egypt

noreply@blogger.com (Ciaran) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:51:00 +0000

This week we finally got to work on the footage from this seasons Kitesurfing in Egypt. This Interview with Jeremy Waitt gives a great insight into what is on offer on our 6 weeks of modules that lead to BKSA Kitesurfing Instructor certification.

If you want a qualification that leads to interesting and stimulating work, plus the opportunity to travel... this is it!

Leisure Yachting Special offers November/December 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Ciaran) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:21:00 +0000

Great news, we are now offering 1/3rd off the cost of the programmes below. This special offer is valid for bookings made after the 12th November 2009 and is subject to availability.

- Day Skipper Theory and Practical Sail 26th November - 4th December. Normally £820pp . . . now just £546pp.

- Day Skipper Theory and Practical Power 14th - 22nd November. Normally £1095pp . . . now just £730pp.

- Short Range Radio 13th November. Normally £105pp . . . now just £70pp.

- Mile Builder 16th - 29th November. Normally £1030pp . . . now just £686pp.

- Elementary First Aid 17th November. Normally £105pp . . . now just £70pp.

- Personal Survival Techniques 21st November. Normally £105pp . . . now just £70pp.

- Diesel Engine Maintainence 21st November. Normally £105pp . . . now just £70pp.

- Cruising Instructor 30th November - 4th December. Normally £515pp . . . now just £343pp.

- Mile Builder 20th November - 13th December. Normally £1030pp . . . now just £686pp.

- Yachtmaster/Coastal Skipper prep and exam 12th December - 18th December. Normally £650pp . . . now just £433pp.

The above offers cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. If you would like to book yourself or any of your friends or family onto any of the above, please call the UKSA Careers Advisors on 01983 203034 and ask for 'UKSA Blog Offer Nov/Dec 09' at the time of booking. Upon quotation, your course advisor will ask you to e-mail a code to them; if you don't ask when you book we cant do you a deal!

Don't miss "Four Dimensions'

noreply@blogger.com (Ciaran) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:47:00 +0000

Four Dimensions is the hottest windsurfing movie around at the moment, featuring some of the most cutting edge freestyle windsurfers, in some of the best locations worldwide.

With an awesome soundtrack, and super hot footage, watching this movie is guaranteed to make you itch to get on the water. The movie also shows some in-depth rider profiles, where each of the riders talk about their inspirations, and background of the sport, as well as other riders talking about them.

Look out for Gollito’s insane freestyle riding and Marcillio Browne’s unique ability in wave sailing. Here’s a link to the trailer, but get on and watch the whole movie too.

We just had to share this with you.

Case Study - Josh Stickland

noreply@blogger.com (Ciaran) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:42:00 +0000

Josh came to UKSA to take part in The Prince's Trust 'Get Into Maritime' programme in 2008. Having undertaken numerous unskilled jobs from the age of 15 in order to support his family, Josh recognised the opportunities within the maritime sector and also his own abilities at the activities he undertook on the water.

Through the autumn and winter of 2008 Josh trained with UKSA to become a watersports instructor. His relentlessly positive approach saw him excel through his training and receive his qualifications.

In 2009 Josh has worked as a watersports instructor at UKSA and contributed hugely to a great variety of young people with his instructional skill and zest for life and learning. The young people he has worked with have all been influenced by his endless positivity.  After working and saving hard, Josh is planning to travel to NZ this Autumn. Not having been on holiday since the age of 11 his recent experiences with The Prince's Trust and UKSA have given him the confidence to embark on this adventure. UKSA is delighted that Josh will be returning to work with us for the 2010 season.

Would you like to follow in Josh’s footsteps and swap that dead end job to work outdoors in a fun, dynamic and rewarding career?

Contact a UKSA Course Adviser for further details on how you can train to become a watersports instructor. Tel 01983 203034

UKSA Features on BBC's Flog It

noreply@blogger.com (Ciaran) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:16:00 +0000

This was filmed way back in the summer but was aired on BBC2 this week. Flog It came to the Isle of Wight, and they simply had to feature on our very own sailing antique Gipsy Moth IV.

They did a great history of the boat which we think can't be missed, so we are posting a link on the blog. As Richard Baggett mentions, Gipsy Moth IV is available for charter. Find out more about Chartering Gipsy Moth IV here

If you missed it, check out this BBC iPlayer link which we have fast forwarded to the Gipsy Moth IV section. Thanks BBC :-)

View UKSA History of Gipsy Moth IV Flog it film