Interview: Superyacht Scholarship Winner - Trystan Irwin

The four winners of the Superyacht Scholarship Competition, launched by Alison Rentoul, The Crew Coach, were announced in a live webinar in March, chosen from a total of 263 applicants from all over the world. We recently caught up with each of them to find out how they got involved and what winning will mean for their career hopes going forward.
 

Trystan Irwin: South Africa, Engineer 

 

What inspired you to join the yachting industry?

I have a passion for engineering as well as being an outdoor enthusiast, I am also a huge boating fan. Combining these brought me to my decision to join the industry.

How did you learn about the Scholarship competition?

A very good friend of mine had seen it posted somewhere and sent me the link to the web page of the application.

What training courses have you done and what are your thoughts on the current courses on offer?

I have accomplished my STCW95 as well as my Powerboat Level 2, personal watercraft license and diesel engines course. I look forward to doing my AEC as all the courses I have finished have vastly broadened my knowledge.

If applicable, which courses have been most beneficial to you?

I know that my AEC will be highly beneficial to me so I look forward to using it. As of now my personal watercraft course was of the most benefit as I had never ridden a jetski before.

Do you feel up to the task or do you think gaining experience first is imperative?

I feel that gaining as much experience as possible in my position is imperative as a lot of engineering comes from experience.

What is the biggest issue affecting crew at the moment in your opinion?

I feel as if the biggest issue affecting crew is that unfortunately there is no abundance of jobs, although that should push you that much harder to prove yourself.

What has been your greatest experience on a boat so far?

I haven't experienced as much as I would have liked to so far, however, once at around 3am in the morning when I was about to do a rinse down before the guests woke up, I was standing on the main aft deck looking at all the fish shining with the underwater lights when suddenly a dorado (mahi mahi) swam up and jumped out the water while attacking its prey. AMAZING!!!

Do you have a favourite yacht?

At this point in time I don’t however it will be a difficult choice as there are some stunning yachts out there.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

I enjoy rebuilding cars it’s a great passion of mine, as well as photography and editing.

Which three objects would you take to your desert island?

I'd take a lighter.

What is your favourite book or film about the sea?

The Perfect Storm.

What do you plan to be doing in five years?

I wish to still be in the yachting industry five years from now and hopefully many years after that tool.

What is your motto?

It’s a short one but it’s sentimental to me:

Don’t let anyone stop YOU from chasing YOUR dreams.

Related article:
Superyacht Scholarship Winners Announced