14 October 2023 – Simpson Bay, SXM – Leading training and education organizations in the maritime space, Ocean Racers and the Maritime School of the West Indies (MSWI), have partnered to develop a professional sailor pathway program with certifications under International Yacht Training.
The new Ocean Racers x MSWI Pro Sailor Program offers a curated selection of training and certifications designed specifically for those pursuing career paths in the sailing industry. While many maritime schools offer superyacht career programs, this Pro Sailor Program is designed for the needs of professional sailors and their teams, particularly in the niche ocean racing industry.
Since 2016, Ocean Racers has offered high-level ocean and inshore racing alongside offshore training programs to provide more access and opportunity in ocean racing. The team has welcomed hundreds of sailors from around the world to train and race with them, many of whom have gone on to pursue professional careers in the industry and placement with top teams within The Ocean Race, IMOCA and America’s Cup. Notable past crew mates include Ocean Racers Daniel Gaw, Emily Nagel, Jolbert van Dijk, Laure van Veen and Rosalin Kuiper, in addition to Sean O’Halloran, now with American Magic America’s Cup campaign.
“We are happy to be relaunching Ocean Racers with this new partnership and direction. Our mission has always been to provide more access and opportunity in ocean racing, and this joint certification program is our next step in further building these clear career pathways in our sport,” said Morgen Watson, Director of Ocean Racers. “Garth and his team at the Maritime School of the West Indies are also passionate sailors and fellow professionals, and we are very excited to be working with them for this certification program.”
The Maritime School of the West Indies is the leading certifier for IYT certifications in the world. As the maritime industry converges in the Caribbean, MSWI has leveraged the elite skill and talent in the region to further train and support the next generation of professionals in the industry. The Maritime School of the West Indies is located steps away from Simpson Bay, the leading superyacht port in the Caribbean, where Ocean Racers and their Pogo 12.50 Hermes are now also permanently based.
“At the Maritime School, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, hands-on training that equips our students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in the maritime industry” said Garth Steyn founder of the Maritime School of the West Indies. All our instructors have over 10 years’ experience sailing and working professionally in the Maritime Industry. They are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and the same levels of success that they have.”
Students have the opportunity to learn from seasoned professional sailors who have trained thousands of sailors from around the world to pursue excellence in their maritime careers. Choose from a variety of courses to satisfy offshore racing crew requirements or commercial licenses: Day Skipper, First Aid, Sea Survival, Mile Builders, Master of Yachts Theory & Practical, and Engineering 1.
“This a great collaboration between the two entities and will only benefit the students looking to certify with us. It’s the perfect blend between high performance sailing and building your sea miles which will qualify students towards their Master of Yacht 200tn and Coastal” said Garth Steyn.
In partnership with the Maritime School of the West Indies, Ocean Racers is offering Caribbean mile-builders on their Pogo 12.50 in alignment with MSWI’s Master of Yachts courses in St. Maarten. For those looking to pursue professional careers in the industry and still in need of some additional sea miles or training, students may combine their Ocean Racers mile-builder in a 3-week course package to include Master of Yachts Theory and Practical courses. At the conclusion of the 3 weeks, eligible and successful students will earn a Master of Yachts certification from IYT. Those interested in the Ocean Racers x MSWI Pro Sailor and Master of Yachts programs, you can find out more online: www.oceanracers.net/MaritimeSchool