Cowes-based sailing charity, UKSA, has announced a new collaboration with the team behind the award-winning Little Gloster Restaurant and Rooms.
As a result of the new partnership, UKSA has launched 2 new facilities in its training centre; a fully equipped cabin/dining room, alongside the superyacht galley and laundry room, giving students a comprehensive superyacht simulation experience.
The collaboration will see Ben and Holly Cooke run the SY interior training of the students that have signed up for the immersive 21 day UKSA Superyacht course.
The Superyacht Hospitality course is a unique programme designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to work as a steward/stewardess in the fast-growing superyacht sector with a focus on going above & beyond industry expectations.
As part of the course, students will be trained by Ben & Holly to deliver exceptional levels of service and will leave fully appreciating the attention to detail expected onboard 7-star luxury vessels, which will set them apart from other international candidates applying for the same roles.
Over their time with Ben and Holly, they will be introduced to the world of high-end hospitality including wine and cocktail appreciation (including practical and theory-based learning), laundry and housekeeping skills, event planning, service skills (including silver service), floristry and The Little Gloster’s Super Yacht 101 – a superyacht service philosophy developed by The Little Gloster for the course specifically, as well as other practical essentials to succeed with onboard employment.
Students also receive qualifications including Food Safety, Fire Prevention and First Aid.
Chris Frisby, Director of Training and Operations at UKSA, comments:
“The new collaboration with Ben and Holly further enhances our course and gives students a unique and rounded learning experience from experienced hospitality experts. The world’s most luxurious superyachts require the very best crew, and we believe this new collaboration will give our students the edge.”
Originally from the Isle of Wight, Ben completed some of his own Super Yacht Training at UKSA, undertaking the Competent Crew course before completing his powerboat licence and superyacht ticket, whilst in his 20s.
Holly Cooke comments:
“We are absolutely delighted to begin a new collaboration with UKSA and impart our knowledge of the luxury hospitality sector to students. Crew will be expected to deliver exceptional levels of service and focus on the finer details, setting themselves apart from the competition.
“Our aim is for students to leave the course, brimming with confidence and the skills to step aboard their first super yacht with the right attitude and skillset to succeed.
“It’s not just about making a great cappuccino; it’s about making the perfect cappuccino.”
Unless rules have changed ,or don’t apply to those vessels envisaged,,a ” Sea Safety Certificate ” needs to be obtained . MCA STCW 95 regulation V1/ STCW Code section A-V1/Para 2.1.1.This is for ” Personal Survival Techniques”before being employed at sea .The knowledge of how and what to do in a possible emergency situation of abandonment of the vessel .This covers how to leave the vessel, life jackets ,boarding a life raft,survival routines etc etc .The course can be taken at RNLI in Poole,or other accredited establishments .