Mike Berrisford from the UK made a life changing decision when he decided to join the Yachtmaster Ocean Traineeship. Read Mike’s diary of his exciting sailing adventure…..
Mike Berrisford
Preparation
“I first booked the Yachtmaster course with Flying Fish in February 2007 and I've spent the last 8 months preparing for it. There has been a lot to sort out!
I left my post as a Clinical Manager in the NHS at the end of October and I did my last clinical shift on the cardiac intensive care unit last Wednesday (for a while).
My wife and children are prepared for life without me for a short time (yes, I do know how lucky I am). Kit has been purchased, bags are packed and I'm off to Cowes in the morning.
The first four weeks of the course consist of: comp crew, day skipper theory, day skipper practical and a week of safety and maintenance courses.
I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone and getting on the water.”
Fish student Lucy helming
Competent Crew in Cowes
“What a fantastic start! There were two groups on the water last week. I stayed on a Dehler 34 'Official Business' along with Steven, Gra, Freyja and Mark the Skipper.
The other group were TJ, Ben, Cath and Julian the Skipper on 'Foreign Affair'. We visited Yarmouth, Portsmouth, Hamble, Beaulieu and Lymington. We're in the classroom all next week doing Day Skipper Theory.”
