Luxury yachting is built on experience, skill, and an intimate relationship with the sea. Short of watching a few seasons of ‘Below Deck’, a maritime career remains out of reach for most. The Edmiston Foundation is changing that – opening doors for young people, funding world-class training, and ensuring the future of the superyacht industry is driven by talent, not just privilege.
In partnership with UKSA (UK Sailing Academy), Edmiston has already committed nearly £750,000 to support young people from their first sailing experience at age 11 through to professional superyacht qualifications. It’s a bold, long-term vision – one that is already seeing results.
From First Sail to Superyacht Careers
“This isn’t about a one-off experience; it’s about creating real career pathways. Five years in, we’re already seeing graduates working on yachts we charter.” – Alex Holden, Edmiston
The “Sea Change” programme is designed to take individuals from complete beginners to fully qualified maritime professionals. It starts with an immersive introduction to water-based activities – dinghy sailing, kayaking, windsurfing – before progressing to radar systems, navigation, and sea survival. Those with the ambition to pursue a career receive specialist superyacht training, first aid and firefighting certification, and even a one-year cadetship.
This structured approach is already transforming lives. Just five years in, some of the first participants have secured jobs as deckhands on the very yachts Edmiston charters and sells. The impact is clear: a direct route from training to employment, ensuring the industry continues to attract the best and brightest.
Strengthening the Future of Yachting
What makes this initiative different is its commitment to the full journey – not just a single training course. By covering education, accommodation, equipment, and travel costs, Edmiston and UKSA ensures that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of potential. The programme is also bringing experienced crew back to UKSA to mentor new trainees, strengthening the talent pipeline. For those in the superyacht world, this is about more than just philanthropy – it’s about investing in the future of the industry. With a growing number of alumni moving into yachting careers, Edmiston is ensuring that the next generation of crew and captains share the same deep respect for the sea that has always defined luxury yachting.
