UKSA’s Cadetship: From Island Roots to Global Crew Futures

Shaping the Future of Yachting

For many young professionals, stepping into yachting feels like entering a world hidden in plain sight. At the forefront of preparing crew for this journey is UKSA, based on the Isle of Wight, where its flagship cadetship program has become a cornerstone of the industry.

At the heart of this initiative is Lauren Saltonstall, Industry & Careers Coordinator at UKSA. Her role connects the dots between training, career support, and crew welfare, ensuring that graduates are more than just qualified—they’re ready to thrive.

“The drive and determination of these 18-year-olds is unlike anything I’ve seen before. They know how competitive the industry is, and they are prepared to give it everything.”

A Pathway with Purpose

UKSA’s cadetship is no simple training course. Over a five-month intensive program, cadets gain not only technical skills but also the practical, social, and personal foundations required for life at sea.

From STCW training to real-world recruitment sessions, the program introduces students to the demands of the industry in a way that few traditional routes can. Saltonstall’s oversight means cadets benefit from career mentorship that doesn’t end when they leave the island. Alumni receive ongoing guidance, from CV reviews to career pivots years down the line.

“Our career service is for life. We have graduates 10 or even 20 years into the industry who still come back for advice and connections.”

Breaking Barriers and Setting Standards

One of the most notable shifts Saltonstall has observed is the rise of women in yachting—particularly on deck.

“Captains tell me time and again that female deckhands often work harder, because they feel they have to prove themselves. That drive gets noticed.”

While barriers such as cabin arrangements and owner preferences remain, the cadetship is helping female crew establish a presence in what was once a male-dominated space. Alongside this, UKSA places equal emphasis on stewarding, hospitality, and interior training, ensuring students can tailor their career paths.

Beyond the Classroom

The Isle of Wight offers a unique training ground. With challenging tides, one of the busiest shipping channels in the world, and famously changeable UK weather, cadets learn resilience as much as seamanship.

“This isn’t just about producing the best deckhand or stewardess. It’s about creating adaptable crew who understand teamwork, safety, and wellbeing from day one.”

That focus on wellbeing has become central to UKSA’s mission. In partnership with the Seafarers’ Charity, alumni now have access to support services in global hubs including Palma, Antibes, Monaco, and Antigua. This network ensures crew are never far from a familiar face or professional guidance.

Mental Health and Crew Safety

The realities of safety and mental health in yachting are not ignored. Every cadet undertakes accredited mental health and wellbeing training, giving them the tools to identify signs of distress, both in themselves and others.

“It’s about creating a culture where crew look after each other—where no one gets left behind at the bar, and everyone knows who they can call if something feels wrong.”

As the industry confronts issues from drink spiking to harassment, UKSA’s proactive stance is preparing cadets to be not only competent professionals but responsible crewmates.

UKSA at Monaco

This year, UKSA’s commitment to crew wellbeing takes center stage at the Monaco Yacht Show, where the organization joins other industry leaders in the Crew Wellbeing Bag initiative. Packed with practical tools—from mental health resources to legal and financial guidance—the project reflects a shift in priorities for the next generation of crew.

“Collaborating in Monaco shows that wellbeing isn’t just a talking point—it’s something we’re delivering directly into the hands of crew.”

Anchored in Legacy

Founded almost 40 years ago by Noel and Sylvia Lister, UKSA was built on the principle that the sea has the power to change lives. That ethos continues today, with cadets from across the UK and beyond arriving in Cowes each year to begin their journey.

For Lauren Saltonstall, what began as a part-time job in UKSA’s coffee shop has become a career of its own. Her connection to the program is both professional and personal, carrying on the legacy of her father, a former yachtmaster instructor at UKSA.

“To now be guiding cadets through the same journey my dad’s students once took—it’s a full-circle moment, and it makes this work incredibly special.”