Case Studies

Katie Sewell

Katie completed her Superyacht Cadetship with UKSA in 2020. After working at sea for several years, including an Atlantic crossing, Katie moved into a shore-based role in the marine industry. Thanks to their training and experience, shehas built a successful career both on and off the water.

“I couldn’t have got to where I am today without the experienceand qualifications gained during my time at UKSA, as well as the respect thatcomes with having trained at UKSA.”

“I was lucky enough to secure my first job on a superyacht before I had even finished the Superyacht Cadetship. As it was only a temporary job, I stayed for six months, then remained in Palma and had to go dockwalking. Luckily, I wasinvited for a trial day sail onboard a small motor yacht. I ended up staying therefor two seasons, completing day trips around Mallorca for a private family. Between the seasons, during my time back at home, I attended UKSA for Phase 2of my training and continued my studies (virtually over Zoom during lockdown)with Falmouth Marine School to achieve my HND in Operational Yacht Science from Plymouth University.”

“The course was great fun, and an eye-opener into how the industry works. Only a week after the course I was offered a stewardess/diver position on a scuba diving liveaboard in the Bahamas.”

“After the season ended, I returned home and looked for a job in the UK for the winter while also seeking to secure a full-time role onboard a vessel. With more experience under my belt, and while working as a sailmaker for OneSails South in Hamble, I was able to be more selective about which yacht I worked on. I was offered a full-time position as First Mate on a sailing yacht, something I had always aspired to. During my time onboard the superyacht, I completed three seasons for a private family, both in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.”

“Crossing the Atlantic was an incredible experience and a personal milestone I was thrilled to tick off my bucket list. After spending a lot of time away from my family and partner, and with the yacht about to go into a 10-month refit, I decided to move back home and settle into a shore-based lifestyle.”

I worked for Contender UK, a company dealing in sailcloth and boat hardware, as a Sales Assistant and Customer Support Representative. After almost a year, I was headhunted by Wessex Resins & Adhesives to become their Technical, Exhibitions, and Events Assistant. After nearly six months with the company, I’m loving everyday and thoroughly enjoy providing technical support for WEST SYSTEM Epoxy products and others. Keep a lookout for me at UK boat shows and maritime exhibitions! I’ve used the money I saved from working on superyachts to start my own small business, making bags from used sailcloth, and was also able to get a mortgage on a house that my partner and I moved into this year. All the hard work has paid off. Although I no longer work on superyachts day to day, I’m still very much part of the industry, and I couldn’t have got to where I am today without the experience and qualifications gained during my time at UKSA, as well as the respect that comes with having trained at UKSA.”

We asked India what her plans for the next step in her career was to which she explained, “I will be returning to UKSA to complete my Chief Mate modules in January 2025, until then I am enjoying a break from studying for my OOW modules.”

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