After working for 6 months on the government Kickstart scheme as a watersports instructor, I decided I wanted to push myself further. I dreamed of not only sailing but skippering sailing yachts. I revisited the idea of applying for the scholarship and discovered I had only 3 days to get the application and references in. I spent a day writing and rewriting my application, and I ended up pretty happy with it. So along with 3 references, and emailed it off with fingers crossed.

Latter I got a phone call asking if I would be able to attend an in-person interview in London. I arranged to travel up the night before and stay with my brother. When I arrived the building itself was intimating, so I was nervous to go in. I walked inside and although the people interviewing me were big-name sailors and high up business people, I relaxed instantly. They were super friendly and we basically had a chat about my experiences so far and what I wanted to do next. The atmosphere was relaxed and I made them laugh. I was then asked to step outside while they discussed it and told they had all agreed to support me and I had been awarded the scholarship. I was the last to be interviewed and was invited for a tour of the building.

The scholarship will fund me though:

• RYA coastal skipper practical course
• RYA Yachtmaster theory course
• RYA Yachtmaster preperation and exam
• RYA professional practices and responsibilities course
• RYA Diesel engine course

As much as these qualifications will help me, the whole interview process – travelling up to London, facing my nerves, putting myself out there, and having people respond so positively and enthusiastically really built my confidence. It will allow me to achieve my Yachtmaster and has opened my eyes to other opportunities.