Sailing Instructor Earns International Designation
Bermudian Tristan Loescher has completed an internationally recognized yachting instructor course as part of his professional development at the America’s Cup Endeavour program.
Mr Loescher, a full-time member of the AC Endeavour team, travelled to the UK this July to complete the Royal Yachting Association’s Instructor training course. This training, which was funded by the America’s Cup, is an important part of his development and a key milestone for the AC Endeavour program.
One of the key goals of the program is to ensure a long-lasting legacy of sailing talent in Bermuda who can pass on the skills they learn to future generations.
Mr Loescher, along with 11 other course attendees from across the UK, took part in the seven- day intensive program, which broke down the art of instruction into a palatable format.
The course started with a pre-skills assessment to ensure that all the candidates were competent in their own ability, followed by a week of coaching and student/instructor development.
Photo by Austin Wong/ACEA:
Mr Loescher said: “I’m delighted to have completed the course. It’s given me the opportunity to improve my own personal development and I learnt so much throughout the week. Now I’m even more passionate about giving back to my local community.
He also talked about how lucky he is to have returned to the waters of Bermuda after his course, saying “After taking a dip in the cold waters of the UK, it is even more clear to me how fortunate we are here in Bermuda and that we should make the most of our natural climate.
“The America’s Cup has been an enormous support by helping cover the costs of the course and without them I would not have received this qualification, so I want to say thanks to them for helping me so much.”
Tom Herbert-Evans, Community Sailing Manager, America’s Cup Event Authority [ACEA] said: “We truly believe in creating strength in depth within our team.
“Tristan’s qualification is not only important to his own personal growth, but also for the safety and quality of the AC Endeavour community program. He has been a great member of our team and we are looking forward to the day that he starts working towards his next qualification.”
Prior to the course, the America’s Cup also funded Tristan and other Bermudian coaches to help them complete their First Aid, Powerboat and Safety Boat courses, helping raise the standards of sailing in Bermuda.
This is a key goal of the AC Endeavour program, and part of the America’s Cup’s commitment to leave a “positive, lasting legacy wherever it can around the world.”
Well done Tristan! Big up You!
Grats Tux!