Suzie Taylor

Lifelong-sailor, Suzie Taylor, was one of the first Trinity House RYA Yachtmaster® Scholarship awardees. The ambitious 22-year-old, started her own business when she left school, teaching dinghy sailing, powerboating and working as a freelance deckhand on sailing yachts. 

Keen to develop her career and forge a long-term future in the industry, Suzie applied for the scholarship and has used the funds to complete her RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Theory and STCW qualifications. She quickly put her new qualifications to good use, working for a local company than runs wheelchair accessible boat trips in and around Poole Harbour.

She hopes to complete further training in preparation for her RYA Yachtmaster Offshore practical examination, with a view to becoming an RYA Cruising Instructor, teaching and working on larger commercial vessels.

“Career-wise, it’s been a bit of a jump. I’ve gone from dinghies and powerboats, where I’m comfortable and confident, right ‘back to school’ learning the RYA Yachtmaster syllabus. I’m unbelievably grateful - it’s already helped me develop my career, earn more money and opened up doors that were closed to me just last summer,” says Suzie.

“Without the scholarship, opportunities and qualifications that the RYA and Trinity House have given me, I would probably still be working at the local pub!

“For anyone thinking of applying for a grant, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain – the world is your oyster!”

About the scholarship

Applications for the Trinity House RYA Yachtmaster Scholarship  are accepted on a rolling basis, with interviews being held every six months. 

Find out more about the scholarship, eligibility and selection criteria or apply now.