SailAfrica sends all-girls squad for training in Spain

Marine Inspirations Programme in Palma, Spain

Four Sail Africa girls from the ‘Train to Win girls’ team’ were invited to go to Palma in Spain for a 10-day experience of the Super-yacht industry, sponsored by Marine Inspirations. Marine Inspirations is a charitable mentoring programme established to introduce the prospect of a maritime career to youngsters from disadvantaged or less-advantaged backgrounds.

The girls put together this report…

Jetting off to Spain

30 September was a day to remember. It was the day Sail Africa gave us the opportunity to jet off to Spain for the journey of a lifetime. To get off the plane in Palma de Mallorca and realise that the other side of the world exists is firstly amazing. You only ever hear about all these places, and to think you are now in one of those places. Simply at a loss for words.

While in Spain, we got to explore all the different companies involved in the super-yachting industry. Just to mention a few: MasterYachts Headquarters, OmniAccess, VIP Service School, Echo Marine Services, Offshore Medical Supply. We met the most amazing people and to able to keep in touch with them is an honour.

Sunita Henkeman’s view:

The best part of my Spain trip was visiting OmniAccess. OmniAccess is a marine network solution. They provide internet access via satellite to yachts. You pick up your phone, message someone on the other side of the world, but have you ever thought how it’s possible? The behind the scenes of OmniAccess is quite fascinating.

I was asked what was the worst part of my trip. Honestly it was leaving. I absolutely loved Palma and every single aspect of yachting we got to see.

Before going to Spain, I was confused when it came to my career choice. I wanted to become a mechanical engineer, because it was the only thing that interested me at the time. But after seeing the wide variety of maritime careers, my eyes opened and my mind-set broadened. Thanks to Marine Inspirations I know exactly where I’m headed.

One thing I definitely learned was that through determination and hard work you can achieve the goal you set for yourself, even if it takes some time.

Nomkhosi Mbatha’s view:

For me, the best part of my trip was being exposed to different maritime activities every day. This was the best part because I somehow felt like every day I was given a chance to try new things and see where my interest lies. For example I remember this one time we went to meet up with a stewardess and after that day I thought being a stewardess is something I can consider doing in the near future but after visiting OmniAccess and looking at what they do, my whole interest shifted even though I don’t think I’m fit for it but I loved it.

The worst part was having to come back to the boat whether early or late, chilling on deck to talk to family and friends back in South Africa, while having to deal with weak WiFi.

What I learned is that it’s best not only to look near but always project your eyes into the future and what you can do best, then you will always be happy. I’m saying this because I always thought being a navigator is the only best thing I can be, but after being introduced into different fields in maritime I was able to look far and see myself being something else.

Nicolene Henkeman’s view:

Except for having the opportunity to fly to Spain for a maritime programme, I personally say that the best part of my trip was being able to see all the different aspects of yachting. I never knew that there were so many fields involved. Two of my favourite places we visited were MasterYachts and OmniAccess. I found these fascinating due to the fact that I want to go into yacht management. MasterYachts was the perfect place to see exactly what I want to achieve one day. OmniAccess on the other hand, really took my breath away, it was the most amazing thing to see how boats are tracked by satellite and how it’s possible to send internet connectivity to yachts miles offshore.

Worst part? I had to think really hard about this question. I think the worst part of my trip was realising that, because I loved every single company we visited, was to make a decision and see where exactly I want to place myself in the maritime sector. Thanks to this programme, I now know exactly what I want to do.

I’ve personally learned quite a lot. One thing I learned after listening to everyone’s life story and how they got to where they are today, is that you shouldn’t let people stop you from achieving your dreams. Another thing I’ve realised is that no matter where you are, whether it’s sailing on an L26 in Durban harbour or working on a 121ft super yacht, teamwork is key. If you work as one, you will achieve lots more.

Thandolwethu Thwala’s view:

Going to Spain was like a dream come true to me because I’ve always wanted to be out of South Africa and explore other parts of the world. Not only did it help me a lot, but it helped my fellow peers to believe more in the maritime industry. I also got to know more about the maritime industry and the interesting job opportunities found in this industry.

What I learned was that maritime is very broad in terms of careers. The main careers I knew were being a doctor or an engineer, I never knew that you can go work on a big ship for months, sometimes even years. I was exposed to an interesting world of the maritime industry and this has been a blessing for me, due to many kids in South Africa not getting opportunities like this. Not only did I learn about maritime, I also developed communication skills and also a few Spanish words.

I’m so grateful to Sail Africa and Marine Inspirations for believing in me and for giving me this opportunity. Having people like them is a blessing, never to resist. Keep on inspiring hidden talents and dreams of South African kids.