Lewis Coppinger

Before coming to UKSA, Lewis was finishing his A’ levels and trying to figure out what to do at university. After conducting some research online, it became clear to him that UKSA was the only institution offering a Superyacht Cadetship training programme.

Lewis used a work development loan from the government to fund the first phase of his cadetship. He then successfully applied for the Slater Fund from the Marine Society. His time at UKSA remains a highly positive experience for him. He appreciates the friendly and like-minded staff and students, and he cherishes many fond memories of his time on the Isle of Wight.

“Sailing to St. Malo France on my first Cadetship is a particular fond memory of mine. I’ve gone from not really knowing what I wanted to do to being launched into a career which I love. My life really is unrecognisable from before I came to UKSA.”

Lewis’s career progression includes the following positions:

• Deckhand on a 37-meter charter motor yacht cruising the Mediterranean.
• Deckhand on a private 47-meter motor yacht cruising the east coast of the USA and the Bahamas. Promoted to bosun on the same 47-meter private yacht with the same itinerary.
• Lead captain at a sail charter company in the Great Lakes, Canada.
• Re-joined a 47-meter private yacht as Chief Officer, cruising Greece and the south of France. Joined another 47-meter private yacht as Second Officer, cruising the Caribbean.
• In 2023, Lewis joined a 50-meter charter yacht, sailing from Greece to Italy, then to the Caribbean, and back to Italy.

Lewis emphasises the immense value UKSA brought to the beginning of his career, even helping him to find his first position before completing his Yachtmaster. Since then, UKSA has provided ongoing support whenever he needed it.

Following his cadetship, he is now in the process of progressing his career by completing his MCA Chief Mate Modules. He plans to obtain his Chief Mate’s certificate, continue working as an officer in the industry, and gaining the necessary sea time to sit for his Masters certificate.

“I particularly like UKSA’s well-structured and organised approach. It feels more like going to university than your typical sailing centre.”

From deckhand to officer

The UKSA Superyacht Cadetship is a structured four-year programme designed to train the future officers of the superyacht industry.

• Find out more about UKSA’s Superyacht Cadetship Programme