I've been skipper for four seasons. My role is partly operational - ensuring the boat is seaworthy - but I'm also involved in running courses. Everyone on the boat works with young people.
We sail the west coast of Scotland and visit other Fairbridge centres, picking up groups to crew the boat. The young people come to us when their workers think they have specific goals we can help with. We take no more than three from each centre, to ensure the crew of up to 12 is an eclectic mix.
Being away from home gives the young people a chance to reflect on their long-term goals. They may have a confidence issue we can help them with. This is a working boat, so there is always plenty to do - if they don't help raise the sail we can't go anywhere. By the end of the week they can be navigating the boat.
As well as the usual courses for working with young people I've had to undertake quite a few training courses, such as Yachtmaster instructor, radio, firefighting and advanced medical care. I also have to maintain the engines and pumps. Over winter, the job switches to maintenance. Juggling different tasks is one of the job's biggest challenges.
We will speak to the young people's development workers about the goals being set and feed back on how things have gone. It's important we don't send young people back with no opportunity to follow up on the work we have done.
Next year we are taking the Spirit of Fairbridge on the Tall Ships race to Maloy in Norway. We will be crewing the boat with people who have been on it before so we are looking for individuals who will really benefit from the experience.
