A new Caribbean Crew Scholarship, for local youngsters seeking to pursue careers in the superyacht industry has been launched.
The programme was officially launched at Antigua Charter Show 2024. It was developed by Burgess Yachts in collaboration with the Antigua & Barbuda Sailing Association and Ondeck Training Maritime.
The scholarship aims to provide a chance for talented sailors in the Caribbean. Especially those wanting to pursue a maritime career but may lack the resources, contacts and opportunities to make that happen.
The Scholarship will provide talented Caribbean nationals, aged 18-25, with the qualifications, training, and career development opportunities needed to succeed in the superyacht sector.
The scholarship covers the cost of essential training, including STCW courses, and PDSD (Proficiency in Designated Security Duties). It offers mentorship, networking opportunities, and industry connections. These will help recipients secure full time roles. And it will enable them to navigate their way through a professional, successful and fun career at sea.
Currently, two scholarship recipients have been selected with the goal of securing employment during the winter yachting season 24/25. These candidates, chosen for their passion and potential, are completing their courses at Ondeck Maritime Training. They will then embark on their superyacht careers with placement support from Burgess and its network of industry partners.
Commitment and passion
This year’s candidates, Jahmarly Edwards and Junella King were both selected by the Antigua & Barbuda Sailing Association. They demonstrated ongoing commitment and passion for sailing and the ocean.
Jahmarly Edwards commented, “Seeing the real effects this project is having on the community is encouraging. Being a part of it makes me proud!” Followed by Junella, adding, “I have such gratitude to the consistent hard work that has been contributed to create such an instrumental, positive impact within the growth and diversity of the community. I am just so grateful to be a part of it.”
Ian Armstrong, Senior Partner and Managing Director at Burgess, announced the programme. He said, “We are incredibly excited to have launched the Caribbean Crew Scholarship and to see our first two recipients complete their training. This initiative is an important step in increasing diversity within the superyacht industry. And it opens opportunities for young professionals from the Caribbean. However, this is just the beginning. To truly make an impact, we need more industry leaders – including yacht captains and businesses – to join this network. We want them to contribute to the future growth of the programme. By working together, we can help create a more inclusive, diverse, and skilled workforce for the superyacht industry.”
Chance to give back
Jamie Small, Sales Broker, Burgess adds, “Every winter Caribbean communities welcome visiting yachts and their crews with open arms. Many of them now call this home. This is the chance to give back to the local communities. With the help of likeminded yachting businesses, we want to train young aspiring talent, to give them a leg up into the yachting industry. So, this is a big shout out to all Captains and friends who have ever experienced the Caribbean’s hospitality. Help us give these candidates their first break! We all have a story of how we started in yachting. Now you get a chance to be part of someone else’s story!”
Get involved
Burgess is calling on captains, yacht owners, and other businesses within the yachting sector to get involved in the scholarship programme. They can do so by offering additional training, career opportunities, and mentorship to future recipients. The brokerage is hopeful that more industry partners will help build on the success of the scholarship and contribute to the long-term development of diverse talent in the industry.
Georgina Menheneott, is a Partner and Head of ESG at Burgess. She says, “We also really hope that once established in Antigua this is a model we can replicate and take further afield to other areas where yachting can increase its positive impact.”
One of the key partners of the Caribbean Crew Scholarship is Ondeck Training Maritime, who will cover half the costs with Burgess. And they will provide the necessary maritime training and certification for recipients.
Peter Anthony, is the Owner and Director of Ondeck Maritime Training. He said, “We’re delighted to be part of the Caribbean Crew Scholarship and to help shape the careers of future superyacht crew members.” He added “The Caribbean has an abundance of untapped talent. And this scholarship provides them with the qualifications they need but also opens doors to a global network of industry leaders. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have on both the recipients and the superyacht industry as a whole.”
The scholarship programme is now accepting applications for its next round, with a focus on helping young people from across the Caribbean enter the superyacht industry.