UKSA alumni Diana Vega has been selected to help lead a team of non-professionals in racing 40,000 nautical miles around the globe as a First Mate in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, alongside fellow UKSA graduate Faith.
Joining UKSA in 2023, Diana began her career on the water as a trainee Watersports Instructor at UKSA. “I decided to train at UKSA because everywhere I have been in the world, you meet someone who trained at UKSA. It is a world class organisation.”
“Looking back at my time there a highlight was meeting the people I know today. It is surreal to me that Faith and I met during a season at UKSA and now are part of one of the most prestigious yacht races in the world. I made incredible friends for life that are scattered worldwide – I love seeing where my fellow UKSA graduates end up in the industry!”
Diana’s time spent at UKSA consisted of earning a range of qualifications preparing her to work on the water, whilst inspiring young people during her time working as one of their favourite Watersports Instructors. Once the season finished, she wanted to travel further afield and restored a sailboat before heading to the Caribbean. “I think it was two days after finishing at UKSA before my departure across the sea. I brought with me two friends I had met during my time there, dropping them off after the Bay of Biscay on Portugal, then going on to work all over the Caribbean, mostly in the West Indies, finally earning my Yachtmaster and skippering catamarans in the British Virgin Islands.”
“Whilst in the Caribbean a friend of mine, and fellow skipper, encouraged me to apply for the position of First Mate for the Clipper race. I had long admired the organisation, and realised I had accumulated the qualifications and experience that they asked for. I flew back to the UK to complete a week long interview and water trial, before taking a transatlantic crossing from The Canaries to Grenada to pass the time whilst I waited to hear back. By the time I arrived back into the Caribbean I received the good news!”
The process of earning her position as First Mate has not been without it’s challenges for Diana, and entering the maritime industry didn’t always feel achievable. “I don’t come from a privileged background and grew up in poverty. UKSA made the industry accessible for me. I think the sailing industry has long needed an entry point for those who don’t come from money, which UKSA provides. When I was younger I often felt lost and without direction, but the industry gave me a purpose and feels instinctive to me now.
“Sailing around the world obviously isn’t going to be easy, but I’m not nervous. The selection process was thorough and I believe they have chosen correctly. I will be competing alongside 9 other first mates and 10 skippers, all of whom and incredible sailors and mentors that will provide a solid support system. I just can’t wait to get racing!”
We asked Diana if she had any words of advice for someone considering a career in the maritime industry. “It isn’t always easy. I think social media makes it seem like working on boats is a dream lifestyle full of luxury and fun. Working in sailing is often demanding and tough, some days are hard and most days you face some kind of difficulty but if you have true passion for what you do, it becomes the best job in the world! It has taken me resilience and determination to get to where I am now, and I wouldn’t change what I do. I have so much fun and find joy in every day on the water!”
We can’t wait to follow Diana and Faith as they conquer the Clipper Round the World, we are sure they will do a brilliant job and wish them the best of luck
