Watersports Extreme is changing!

The updated Watersports Extreme course can now be taken as a 22-week or 30-week programme, and is designed for those who want to take their passion for watersports to the ultimate level by investing in a long term future as a watersports professional instructing and managing watersports worldwide.

Both programmes encompass all of the core skills and basic instructor training you need to become a top instructor. The 30-week programme takes your instructing to the next level with the Advanced Instructor programme thrown into the mix.

Looking for a flexible programme? With the help of our Course Advisors, you also have the freedom to build your own programme tailored to suit you.

There are also some important updates to our other watersports modules. Please see the UKSA website for details.

For more information about the Watersports Extreme course, click here. Alternatively, you can call one of our Course Advisors on +44 (0) 1983 203038.

Isle Swim for Kids postponed

Richard Beardsall's swim around the Island has been postponed due to weather conditions. Please check back to the blog to get updates on this project

To support this uniquely Island based project, email: fundraising@uksa.org or visit Richard's Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/medinahouseschool

Yachting Podcast Special: Interview with Ron Holland

An interview with world class super yacht designer Ron Holland. We talk to Ron about how he got into sailing, how he got into designing boats, and discuss some of the design challenges in designing and building the biggest superyachts on the planet.

Rob, Yachting Cadetship 2009, is Deckhand on MY Lady Marina

On completion of his first phase of training on the UKSA Yachting Cadetship, Rob has secured a position as deckhand aboard 65m MY Lady Marina for his initial work phase.

Rob joins Steven and Sam who both recently completed a Crew Training course at UKSA. They are all cruising the Mediterranean this Summer before going to the yard for the Winter.

Steve, Ocean Graduate 2007, is Deckhand on MSY Islander

Steven left his previous career as a Graphic Designer back in 2007 to train on the Ocean Graduate course at UKSA. Following his course, Steven secured a position as Deckhand and flew out to join Motor Sail Yacht Islander in Jacksonville, USA. This yacht will be cruising the USA.

Christian & Marianne, Ocean Graduate and Professional Yachtmaster 2007, couples position on MY Sonador

Following their training back in 2007, and with extensive previous experience under their belts, Husband and Wife, Christian and Marianne gained a couples position for the summer season aboard Fairline 78, MY Sonador - Christian as Captain and Marianne as Cook/Stew/Deckhand. MY Sonador is currently cruising Spain, France, Italy, Corsica and Sardinia.

Kate, Essential Marine Hospitality 2009, is Junior Stewardess on 54m MY Maraya

With extensive previous experience racing both dinghies and yachts, and cruising the coastal waters of New Zealand from an early age, Kate came to UKSA to gain the professional qualifications required of a top-level stewardess/deckhand. Kate has now secured a position as Junior Stewardess aboard a 50m charter yacht, MY Maraya, which is currently cruising the Med and heading for the Carribbean for the Winter.

Take a tour this summer

Great news... You don't have to travel to Cowes to view UKSA's facilities. You can take our virtual tour instead.

We created this tour a year ago, but the front end wasn't very user friendly, so we dusted it off and placed all the tours into this nice map so you can get an idea of where you are in relation to all the other buildings. We hope you enjoy it, and encourage anyone to have a good dig around before they visit us at UKSA.

Visit the tour at www.uksa.org/virtualtour

Either click on the hot spots on the map, or click on the area titles in the grey box on the left hand side to select the tour area. And make sure you then click through to the full screen virtual tours ( its much more than just the thumbnail images on the map pop ups!)

enjoy..... virtually:-)

UKSA Launches new logo and branding

UKSA today unveiled its new logo and branding. The new logo sports a new design for the UKSA, and introduces a Seabird into the mix, with the strapline "Changing Lives".

Niamh Cullen, UKSA's Marketing Director comments " We started looking at our brand just over a year ago. The work UKSA is involved with has changed quite radically over the last few years, and we wanted a brand that represented who we are and what we do."

The new logo and strap line will be rolled out over the coming 12 months as we gradually replace marketing literature and signage around the site and clothing.

Click on the player below to hear a full interview on our new branding and up and coming events at uksa

Try something new at Sainsbury's in West Cowes

The new Sainsbury's store in West Cowes have chosen UKSA as Charity of the Year for the forthcoming year.

This is a great achievement especially for awareness about our charitable work which it will bring, and we are able to have our collection boxes in-store at every check out. If you haven't found the new store just yet its easy to find. It's pretty much opposite The Anchor, just up from Tiffins

So if you're visiting this summer, try something new, pop in to Sainsbury's, and donate any loose change you have weighing you down to UKSA!!

UKSA pair row into World Record Books!

Well, after 102 days, 13 hours and 40 minutes, Andrew Delaney and Guy Watts rowed into the record books by being the youngest and the first pair to complete the 3136 miles across the Indian Ocean from Western Australia to Mauritius.

The pair trained at UKSA back in February, covering ocean theory, first aid and sea survival skills to prepare them for their race. Andrew commented on their achievement;

WE MADE IT! Wow, we are totally overwhelmed by the support we have had during the race it kept us going every stroke. Walking is a bit tricky and both are a little lighter than when we started some 100+ days ago. To get those World Records is the icing on the Angel Cake that was waiting for me at the finish!

That was the toughest challenge we have ever attempted and to win is an indescribable feeling. We are having a well deserved beer here in Mauritius and will update you tomorrow when I stop tripping over my own feet!

A big big thanks to Jem & Tim for their enduring commitment, time and passion to the project & especially for believing in us when we where at our lowest. You won us the race! Again a big thanks to everyone who has supported us and contributed to this blog.

Goodnight & thanks from Mauritius

Andy

To read more about their time at sea and to support their chosen male cancer charity Orchid, go to www.indianoceanrace.com

Congratulations boys!