Displaying items by tag: Yacht Masters

4th February 2015

Youngster Becomes One of the 'Youngest Ever' Professional Yacht Masters, Aged Just 18

#youthsailing – A young Cumbrian lad is celebrating after becoming one of the youngest ever professional yacht masters, at the tender age of 18. Former Windermere School pupil, Dominic Jackson, has passed the 'professional yacht master offshore course', delivered by the North West Sports Centre on the island of Cumbrae, in Scotland. Dominic, who is described by his family as a 'natural sailor', started learning the ropes aged 10, at the International School in Qatar.

Registered disabled, having been born with only one hand, Dominic successfully completed the gruelling 18 week course, along with two other students, sailing throughout the night and until 3am up the East Coast of the Isle of Bute, with only skill and calculation to guide him; no technical assistance was permitted. Now qualified to skipper his own yacht, Dominic looks set for a future on the waves.

"We are all immensely proud of Dominic and delighted for him that he can start building a future in the field that he loves." said his father, Chris Jackson, who runs cottage letting agency, Heart of the Lakes, with his parents, Peter and Sue. "He has worked extremely hard and his qualification is an extraordinary achievement, particularly for someone so young."

"To pass this course aged 18 is very unusual. There are not many who can do it." said Cumbrae's Professional Yacht Master Instructor, Rod Smith. "The course is very intense and involves all aspects of learning, from skippering a boat, to the theoretical elements, such as navigation and meteorological testing. Dominic was an exceptional candidate and we applaud him on his achievement. Passing this aged 18, is pretty much as young as you can get!"

Published in Youth Sailing

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.