The Nottage Young Sailor’s Bursary
The Nottage Maritime Institute was founded in 1896 with a bequest from Captain Charles Nottage, a successful racing yacht owner who employed crews from the fishing and yachting communities alongside the river Colne in Essex. He wanted to acknowledge and encourage the skills of those employed in the yachting and seafaring industries by founding an Institute “where yachtsmen and sailors could, if they desired, improve themselves in navigation primarily, or make up their deficient skills generally”.
Over the past 125 years the Nottage has taught courses in many marine subjects to thousands of people who sail the seas professionally or for pleasure. The Nottage is an RYA-recognised training centre and offers several RYA courses in subjects that are invaluable for leisure sailors, and essential for people who are aiming for a career at sea and who are gaining qualifications to further that aim. There is now a world of professional sailing, reminiscent of the early 20thC, involving large sailing and motor yachts and other vessels of all sizes. There is a demand for professional crew at all levels, and many young people aspire to this profession.
To align with Captain Nottage’s original bequest aims and to support and encourage young people starting out on a career at sea, the Nottage now offers an annual “Young Sailor’s Bursary”, in the form of 50% off any RYA course within its curriculum.
To apply for the Bursary the applicant must be aged under 26, and wish to take one of the Nottage courses with the aim of moving up their career ladder in professional sailing. The applicant must be working, or have worked, in a marine environment, and should offer evidence of their intention to work in the yachting or marine industry. Application should be in writing and should, if possible, include a reference from someone with whom the applicant has worked, or for whom they wish to work.
If you would like to apply, please send your aplpication to:
The Nottage Maritime Institute
The Quay
Wivenhoe
Colchester
Essex
CO7 9BX
