Interview
“ Sailing doesn ’ t need to be an expensive sport and that ’ s part of what our role is about – breaking down the barriers and showing people that it can be for everyone , not just the rich and famous ”.
Ben and Dee Caffari professional clients , youth groups and young apprentices at the same time . “ We ’ re very excited about it , as we will improve the quality of the experience we offer to change people ’ s lives . We are currently in preliminary discussions with architects and look forward to sharing our vision with the local community .” says Ben . And , as a world-class maritime training organisation – the only one of its kind in the world , in fact – it has a certain standard to maintain . To promote and support the plans , UKSA will be running special events during Cowes Week to be attended by their patron of 25 years , the Princess Royal , HRH Princess Anne , as well as holding an official celebration at Trinity House in London , on October 12th . The Princess ’ s own children , Zara and Peter , have been among the thousands of youngsters who have benefitted from UKSA ’ s invaluable training and experience on the Solent . Other famous sailors who started out there include Dee Caffari , who originally went to UKSA when she was a schoolteacher , and ended up qualifying as a professional skipper - before becoming in 2006 the first woman to sail solo and nonstop around the world in both directions . Now an MBE and an ambassador for UKSA , she is involved with several competitive sailing campaigns and is a presenter and commentator on the sport on TV and in the media . Other success stories include the countless youngsters from difficult or challenging backgrounds who have found self-confidence and a sense of purpose and vocation by attending courses . One of them , Sam Shorten , who attended via Job Centre Plus , went on to train as a watersports instructor and now works successfully in the industry . Says Ben : “ The water is unique in the way it can put people into an unfamiliar environment where they have to really think about trusting what they are being told – and that can be a big thing , especially for youngsters who might have been let down in the past . “ It takes them out of their comfort zone and they learn to harness the environment . That challenges their resilience and decision-making , and ultimately builds confidence ”. Ben says UKSA is also unique in having such a vast range of people in the same place – from end-of-career professionals to nervous beginners on the water . “ It makes for a very aspirational , and inspirational culture ” he says . “ It ’ s one we ’ re very proud of , and one we ’ re really looking forward to building on , as we start to plan ahead for the next 30 years !”
Dee Caffari and UKSA ’ s female ambassadors
For more information on UKSA ’ s range of courses and activities , see the website , www . uksa . org
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