Naomi Gregory

Designed in consultation with the MCA, UKSA’s Superyacht Cadetship equips graduates with a realistic understanding of the elite superyacht industry. Our cadets are employed in all areas of the sector, from private performance racing superyachts to the largest, most high-profile motor vessels.

Naomi Gregory, 22, had been trying to get into the industry for four years.

“I initially looked at the Cadetship but simply couldn’t afford it. However, funding from Seafarers UK and the TK foundation enabled me to be able to enter an industry I thought was far beyond my grasp. I must also thank the Finance and Funding Team at UKSA who set the ball rolling.

Between September and December …

… I have changed and grown so much as a person. In the first week I completed my STCW training which was really fun. The personal survival techniques were my favourite part – we were in the pool practising how to cope with different scenarios in the life raft. I did struggle with firefighting. Wearing the breathing apparatus and making my way through a burning building was terrifying. No matter how many times I got close to saying ‘get me out of here’, I didn’t. I kept going and made it through. I had such a sense of achievement.

My first sea phase …

… was an opportunity to get my first taste of crew bonding. I learned so much about myself, the others on the yacht, and life on the boat. By the second sea phase I felt a huge increase in my confidence and my abilities.

When I was doing Skipper …

… I thought that theory-based work in the classroom would seem like a foreign language. However, the practical skills I had developed made the theory click into place once we were back on dry land.

I’m not very good with heights …

… but I managed to get myself up and do the rig checks. I push myself to achieve new things every day.

“Being surrounded by a great bunch of people can get you through anything.”

When the time came to do passages …

… we experienced rough seas with 2m high waves. When you’re in gusting wind and can’t hear what crew is shouting at you it becomes a very high-pressure environment, especially when mixed with sleep deprivation. We made it through, however, and my crew and I had never been closer.

What also helped me …

… was reflecting on my situation; sailing and chasing the sun down the horizon, the sunrise over the sea and the brightest night sky littered with millions of stars. The beautiful moments I had made me really value my time at sea. I can honestly say that I’ve never felt happier.

Begin your own journey …

• Find out more about the Superyacht Cadetship programme
• Read more inspiring stories from cadetship graduates