James Boast Awarded Bursary By UKSA and Trinity House

Congratulation to Shanklin lad, James Boast, who has just won a Trinity House bursary. Best of luck James. Ed

James BoastYouth maritime charity UKSA has awarded a prestigious Trinity House bursary to James Boast of Shanklin, who will join the charity’s Yachting Cadetship training programme this autumn.

Former Sandown High School pupil James, (19), is one of four candidates who made it through the tough selection process to qualify for £20,000 funding from Trinity House, the charity which supports the “future leaders of superyachting” as part of its Professional Yachtsman Bursary Scheme (PYBS).

James, who is a volunteer with the Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat service, is a sailing and watersports enthusiast who is determined to carve a career as a Skipper in the global superyacht industry. It’s a thriving jobs market which offers many careers opportunities in attractive locations such as the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Australia.

Worked hard to achieve ambitions
The eldest of five children, James has worked hard to gain the necessary academic and sporting qualifications to achieve his ambitions and pass the selection process, earning an impressive string of community sports leadership awards and even qualifying as an FA referee.

Emma Baggett, UKSA’s Industry Liaison and Cadetship co-ordinator, says: “James impressed the panel with his incredible range of interests and achievements. He has a totally positive attitude to life and has embraced all the opportunities that have come his way, including his time as a lifeboat volunteer. With his very mature, professional work ethic and cheerful grin, we can see him being a popular and effective crew member.”

Ambition to work on superyachts
James says, “It’s always been an ambition of mine to work on superyachts since a young age after sailing with friends. This inspired me to look for a career on a professional stage. The opportunity to study for a Foundation Degree in Yachting Science and the chance to travel is what appeals to me, along with the opportunity to learn about other cultures and work with people with a common interest.”