Please select your home edition
Edition
RYA Membership

Could you benefit from £30,000 career boosting scholarship fund?

by Becky Gilbert-Wood 30 Jul 2020 18:30 BST
Trinity House RYA Yachtmaster Scholarship grant recipient Sarah Bagley © RYA

The RYA is once again welcoming applications for the Trinity House RYA Yachtmaster™ Scholarship, an exciting opportunity for those working, or aspiring to work in the small commercial vessel sector.

Skilled boaters who can prove their dedication to the marine industry could be eligible for a share of the annual £30,000 scholarship fund provided by Maritime charity, Trinity House.

Since its launch two years ago, the scholarship has seen grants awarded to 12 deserving individuals, aiding career progression through opportunities for further training.

Making a difference

"The grant has opened up a whole new sector of work that a couple of years ago I would never have dreamed of going for," explains RYA Instructor, Sarah Bagley who has been working in the watersports industry for more than ten years.

Since being awarded the grant in November 2018 Sarah has completed the RYA Sea Survival course and is currently working through the RYA Yachtmaster shorebased course and building the sea miles and experience required to take the RYA Yachtmaster™ Offshore exam.

"Once I pass my RYA Yachtmaster™, I hope to work as a skipper taking young disadvantaged groups out, skippering for wildlife trips and marine research boats around Pembrokeshire," Sarah continued.

"Having these qualifications will really help me progress in the industry, creating broader job opportunities, particularly in the winter months when most windsurfing and dinghy work comes to a halt.

"For anyone thinking about applying, go for it! This is a great opportunity to kick start your career within the marine industry."

Richard Falk, RYA Director of Training and Qualifications, said: "It's very encouraging to see the impact the grants are already having, particularly for those like Sarah with years of experience in dinghy sailing and other watersports.

"We are delighted to be working with Trinity House for a third year to invest in future talent and give back to the industry."

It could be you

The next round of applications for the Trinity House RYA Yachtmaster™ Scholarship close on Friday 11 September 2020.

To apply, candidates must be able to demonstrate a high level of commitment and achievement in the industry, as well as a clear intention to work within the small commercial vessel sector. Those keen to enter the industry will be able to show a history of excellence in studies, or in leisure boating activity.

Applications should be supported by an endorsement from the principal of one of the RYA's vast network of RYA recognised training centres, where candidates will have shown exceptional boating, navigation and/or leadership skills. Principals can also nominate suitable candidates.

For more information, eligibility, selection criteria and applications visit rya.org.uk/go/TrinityHouse.

To find out more about RYA training schemes and courses visit rya.org.uk/training.

Related Articles

Musto renews British Sailing Team partnership
Expanding backing across the wider RYA with Musto becoming an Official Partner Musto, the world's leading sailing brand, has renewed its partnership with the British Sailing Team for another four years, extending support through to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Posted on 13 Sep
The RYA 150 Podcast launched
150 years. 12 Episodes. One remarkable community. As part of its 150th Anniversary celebrations, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is launching a brand-new 12-part podcast series with the first episode live on Tuesday 23 September. Posted on 11 Sep
Next RYA Connected Webinar: Welfare Officers
Why you need one and how to recruit, develop and make the most of them Whether you're running youth sessions, supporting adult sailors, or simply passionate about your club's future, this RYA Connected webinar is important to you. Posted on 13 Aug
Next RYA Connected Webinar: Keeping Sailing Safe
Creating Policies and Getting Criminal Records Checks Right Join us on Monday the 28th July at 7pm for our next Connected Webinar - Keeping Sailing Safe: Creating Policies and Getting Criminal Records Checks Right. Posted on 18 Jul
iQFOiL Worlds coming to Weymouth in 2026
First time for UK to host a major championship in the class The world's top Olympic windsurfing talents will showcase high-performance hydrofoil racing on UK waters next year as the RYA has been confirmed as host for the 2026 iQFOiL World Championship. Posted on 14 Jul
Next RYA Connected Webinar on 23rd June
Securing funding and finance for your club If you're interested in securing funding or finance to enable investment for capital infrastructure projects then we think you will want to know about this webinar... Posted on 13 Jun
Celebrating 20 years of OnBoard
One of the UK's largest grassroots programs dedicated to getting children aged 8–18 out on the water OnBoard is celebrating 20 years of impact—having already introduced more than 1.3 million young people to the transformative experience of sailing and windsurfing. Posted on 9 Jun
RYA named Official Community Impact Partner
Connecting the local community, children and groups in Portsmouth with the water. As excitement builds ahead of the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth this July, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is proud to be named the event's Official Community Impact Partner. Posted on 7 Jun
New British Sailing Talent Academies open
Four Academy host venues announced as programme applications open up The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is proud to announce the launch of four new British Sailing Talent Academies as part of its commitment to developing the next generation of high-performance sailors. Posted on 4 Jun
Nominations now open for the 2026 RYA Awards
Celebrate the people and organisations making a difference in our boating community The instructor who sparks confidence in new sailors. The person who quietly keeps things running behind the scenes. The young volunteer who turns up with a smile, rain or shine. Posted on 2 Jun