Chloe Bailey

UKSA’s Superyacht Cadetship is a four-year programme which combines academic study with practical paid work on superyachts. Graduates will be equipped with both knowledge and a realistic understanding of the industry they are entering into. The typical Cadet is aged between 18 and 25 and is determined to succeed in the maritime industry.

Before UKSA, Chloe Bailey had little knowledge of sailing.

“The Cadetship was a completely new challenge for me. Over the past two months I’ve learned the practical side of sailing, navigation, engineering and even firefighting!

I haven’t been in a classroom …

… for over 8 years and I struggled at first; now I’ve settled in and I’m thoroughly enjoying learning and putting what I’ve learned into practice!

I left school at 16 with good GCSEs …

… but mainstream schooling wasn’t for me, so my Mum and I headed to India! We spent a year exploring Asia, Australia and New Zealand and since then I’ve travelled all over the globe, making new friends and having incredible experiences.

I reached a point where I wanted a new career …

… but had no idea what I wanted to do. Last year I was given the chance to work seven days onboard a stationary sailing yacht in Ibiza, and while working as a deckhand I realised it was something I’d like to do again. However, when I applied to work on a superyacht I was unsuccessful as I had no qualifications. After some research into the superyacht industry I discovered UKSA’s Superyacht Cadetship.

I knew I couldn’t afford the Cadetship …

… so when I found out about funding I was over the moon. Seafarers UK helped me kickstart a lifetime career in the maritime industry and I will be forever grateful. So far I’ve been extremely lucky in my life but the opportunities offered by Seafarers and UKSA hold first place.

On our first sea phase we hit waves of 3-4 metres …

… which sent our boat leaning side to side. I was on the helm for most of the crossing which was great. Last week we returned from our 9-day Farr trip. We managed 900 miles in total and spent a night in Cherbourg. On our way back we attended a DSC call to a boat with engine failure and towed the lone sailor back to Hamble. This was something off syllabus and showed us a real-life situation.

I kept everyone’s spirits high with my best rendition of an old sea shanty!

I’ve loved cooking vegan meals for the crew …

… as I miss being in the kitchen when ashore. I get on really well with my crew; I’m with four boys and we work well together as a team. It has been great watching our crew bonding and developing sailing skills together. We’ve also had fantastic instructors who have shared their knowledge and tested us too!

Today I passed my Applied Engine Course (AEC) …

… which I am very happy with! I’m also up-to-date with the foundation degree assignments. The course has been a lot of hard work but I’ve enjoyed learning new subjects which will benefit me in the future. I would take a dual-role position (deckhand/engineer) onboard if offered as I enjoy working with tools – I once had a job fixing go-karts.

With Seafarers’ support …

… I have been given the opportunity of a lifetime. I would like to say a huge thankyou to them for sponsoring me and other people on this course.”

Find out more …

• UKSA’s Superyacht Cadetship