Superyacht Cadetship Graduate Stories

Set sail for a fantastic career

Thinking about an alternative to university? Maybe becoming a captain of a superyacht is your ultimate dream? We have so many aspirational stories to tempt you towards signing up to this fantastic career.

A young man looking out to sea

Joe Burnip – Phase 1

Joe began his UKSA journey when he was 8 years old with H20 clubs. He fell in love with yachting and returned to UKSA many times prior to starting his Cadetship.

  • Before the course: Marketing Assistant
  • After the course: Secured a role onboard a 50-metre vessel currently based in Monaco
My advice

“If I was to advise someone about the Cadetship, I’d say come for an open day, talk to students and find out all you can. You have nothing to lose.”

A smiling female

Laura Ellis – Phase 3

Meet Laura Ellis. She’s studying for our Superyacht Cadetship and taking our Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science. She’s already worked on two sailing yachts, sailed across the Atlantic and raced in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

  • Before the course: Dinghy instructor
  • After the course: Sailed across the Atlantic on a 39ft yacht
My advice

“My advice to someone studying at UKSA is to make friends and chat to more experienced yacht crew at the bar. When finding a job in the superyacht industry it is all about contacts and who you know. Also, to have fun and enjoy your time at UKSA sailing with your crew and socializing.”

A young man standing onboard a yacht

Oliver Garton – Phase 5

Ollie Garton is currently studying phase 3 of his five-phase cadetship. Phase 3 involves building on the cadet’s working experience and provides the first steps to gain their Officer of the Watch (Yachts less than 3000gt) qualification.

  • Before the course: Office salesman
  • After the course: Dock walking in Antibes
My advice

“Bring the biggest microfiber quick drying towel you can find! Sleep as much as you can. Be prepared to make lots of new friends. Get ready to lean a lot from some really experienced instructors.”