Jake Hutchinson

Jake, a former tyre technician, mechanic, and race truck driver for an international motorbike racing team in the World Superbike Championship, transitioned into the maritime industry after studying Marine Biology at Bangor University. He shares his experience in pursuing his Yachtmaster Offshore qualification at UKSA.

Jake first discovered UKSA while doing his Day Skipper qualification in the Solent with another company. He was drawn to UKSA’s Yachtmaster Offshore program due to its comprehensive nature, the institution’s location, accommodation options, and the multitude of qualifications and tickets included in the course.

Despite having limited sailing experience at the time, Jake believed that UKSA was the ideal place to learn and become a Yachtmaster.

“After researching the various options and courses and speaking with staff at the UKSA, I felt that the Yachtmaster Offshore programme was the ideal way to make my career transition, especially with the small amount of sailing experience I had at that time.”

Before enrolling in the Yachtmaster course, Jake had about 500 nautical miles of sailing experience, primarily at
the basic competent crew level. His previous experience included a delivery from the Isle of Mull to Stornoway on
Lewis and obtaining his Day Skipper qualification

Currently, Jake serves as a First Mate and engineer on a conservation sailing yacht in Scotland, working with the
Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, a non-profit charity. He has also worked on a Challenge 72 vessel based in
the Pacific, with voyages to Hawaii, French Polynesia, Alaska, and Canada.

“This season I am working as a First Mate and engineer on a conservation sailing yacht in Scotland, for a non-profit charity called the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust.””

Jake’s daily duties onboard vary significantly. He is jointly responsible for sailing the vessel and undertakes maintenance and repairs.

Additionally, he spends time in the galley, assisting the science officer with deploying a hydrophone for acoustic recordings and participating in surveying efforts.

Given the presence of volunteer teams with varying levels of boating experience, Jake conducts safety and domestic briefings to ensure everyone’s well-being. The yacht explores the Hebrides, with opportunities for shore visits using a tender.

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