PICTURES: Nairn young talent sails for great adventure as after taking dream role on explorer vessel in Canada
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A NAIRN young sailing talent has landed a dream role after embarking on a superyacht cadetship course.
Holly Barnard (24), was offered a second mate on board Pangaea’s SV Sea Dragon, a role which saw her flying out to British Columbia in Canada to join the crew in June this year.
Ms Barnard, who was awarded funding to undertake her professional training at United Kingdom Sailin Academy (UKSA)'s superyacht cadetship course – which she started i September 2021 – said that in her new job “every day is an adventure”.
She said: “Exploring unknown territories, meeting wildlife and being able to sail to areas only accessible by boat is pretty spectacular. I’ve always loved being on and in the ocean, so living and working on it is a dream come true. I love travelling and discovering new places and cultures and being able to share these experiences with our guests and making their time on board unforgettable.
“I’m constantly building my broad skill set, solving different problems and learning from my colleagues’ experiences. My instructor background has enabled me to effectively teach guests how to safely handle a large vessel and teach basic navigation. I’m also proud that I’ve become a bit savvy when it comes to plumbing, deck repairs and maintenance.”
Ms Barnard learned to sail recreationally as a child and developed a love for watersports.
She eventually rediscovered her love of sailing, dropping out of university to begin instructing windsurfing and sailing full time.
Ms Barnard is currently working through phase 2 of the UKSA Superyacht Cadetship Programme, which requires candidates to be out in the workplace or at sea, whereas phases 1, 3 and 5 are land based.
She is aiming to complete all five phases in the next 18 months.
To complete her training at UKSA , she benefitted from Trinity House’s bursary fund which allows students to access careers in the yachting industry regardless of their situation.
Detailing where she’s been since joining the crew, Ms Barnard said: “I joined the boat in Victoria B.C, where we sailed North through the infamous Inside Passage to Ketchikan, Alaska. Shaped by the staggering forces of massive glaciers millions of years ago, the Inside Passage stretches 500 miles along the Pacific Ocean and is full of hidden and untouched inlets. We’ve been so lucky to explore trails only accessed by local bears, wolves, swum in natural hot springs, waterfalls and glacier waters, we’ve even eaten dinner on beaches only populated by seals, otters and seabirds. I’ve felt so lucky to have seen such a vast array of wildlife too. From breaching pods of humpback whales and orcas, to porpoises, bears and their cubs as well as eagles diving for fish and swimming with wild salmon the length of my leg.
“It is challenging spending long lengths of time away from family and friends and sometimes we’re without a phone signal for weeks at a time. Due to a strict itinerary and time schedule it’s hard to sail past places that you would like to explore more of, but I have made a note of the places I’d like to revisit, and one day I will return. For now, I’m thankful to have very supportive family and friends despite missing those special occasions and am getting the opportunity to travel the world and live my dream.”
Holly had followed the work of Pangaea Exploration and ‘eXXpedition’ for a number of years via social media, and it was through its Instagram account that Ms Barnard found the second mate position on the 72ft Sea Dragon, a 90,000lb displacement steel hulled sailing vessel built in the UK in 2000.
Following an online interview, she was offered the position on the spot and flew out to Victoria, British Columbia the following month where she began deck maintenance the following day.
James Potipher, cadetship manager at UKSA said: “Hearing a story like Holly’s is what it’s all about at UKSA and seeing students fulfil their potential and leave us fully equipped to take on maritime roles they’ve trained for is the ultimate reward. We’re always welcoming back former students who have gone on to do great things and join us again to further their knowledge for their next adventure. The funding from Trinity House was crucial in Holly being able to complete her course and the funding options we have available ensure there are no barriers for students who want to pursue a career on the water.”
