Tory Armstrong

Words of advice about the cadetship – above all, work hard and play hard

The Superyacht Cadetship is the flagship course at UKSA. Designed specifically for the superyacht industry, it is a structured 4-year programme which has been developed in consultation with the MCA and the wider industry. Ultimately, the cadets will take exams for the MCA Officer of the Watch (3000gt) Certificate of Competence. UKSA is the only place to offer such a programme.

In 2015 Tory Armstrong, now studying for Phase Five of the cadetship, had her training funded by Trinity House. Since then she has built up a great deal of training and experience which she will need when she takes her Officer of the Watch exam. Phase Five, mainly consisting of tuition in navigation and radar, is 8 weeks of academic study and preparation for the final exams which complete the cadetship.

“Right now I’m running my own watch and I am able to run the bridge and complete watches.”

Tory shares her story:

What is it like working as a Bosun on a 58m sailing yacht?

“Since being interviewed by UKSA in 2015, when I was working as a deckhand on a 27m superyacht in Italy, I’ve been promoted to Bosun on a 58m sailing yacht. Right now I’m running my own watch and I am able to run the bridge and complete watches. I have to ensure that everything’s running smoothly. The boat has two masts and is both charter and private – it’s the best boat I’ve been on since starting in the industry. It has an amazing crew with a regular itinerary – we all work well together and I’m in a really good position.

What are your plans once you finish the cadetship?

When I finish the Cadetship I won’t stop doing courses as I want to carry on pushing through. I have ten-year goals that I want to achieve so this is only the beginning for me. I would always advise other cadets to do this; make one-year, five-year and ten-year goals. I also think it’s important to be yourself. You need to stick by what you believe in and not get distracted by whatever else is going on outside your course. Above all, work hard and play hard.”

To find out more about the Superyacht Cadetship, please visit: https://uksa.org.professional-training/superyachts/superyacht-cadetship/