ANTIGUANICE YACHTING INSIDER NEWSLETTER

Our ‘Many Faces of Yachting in Antigua’ series continues, this time featuring Logan Knight, Chief Instructor at Ondeck in Antigua. Logan was born and raised in Antigua, and has spent all his life around boats. Logan studied in Gibraltar to gain his RYA Yachtmasters in 2002, and then went back to school in the UK in 2008 to become a RYA & MCA Instructor.

What is your role in the yachting community in Antigua?
I am the Chief Instructor at Ondeck in Antigua and the main instructor on 80% of RYA and MCA courses, including the STCW 10 and other maritime training courses.

How long have you been in that role?
About 7 years now.

Is this your first role in the yachting industry? If not, what previous roles have you had?
I started off in Watersports at various resorts, including as Aquatics Director at Blue Halcyon before it closed. I then worked with Wadadli Cats and tried to become a Captain. I went away to school in Gibraltar for my Yachtmasters and then came home, where I did 9 deliveries crossing the Atlantic, 4 times as Captain and 5 as crew. I then started with Ondeck in Antigua in 2006 as a skipper, and after returning to school in the UK to become an instructor, I’m now the Chief Instructor on Ondeck.

What interested you in the yachting industry originally?
I always loved boats. I loved walking the docks and watching yachts ever since I was young. I remember floating out in a fridge from Redcliffe Quay and getting in a lot of trouble for that when I was little. I’ve always loved the sea and wanted to be a captain.

What is one of your most memorable moments during your time in this field?
Probably my first time seeing a blanket sky while crossing the Atlantic. It’s when you see stars from horizon to horizon, and only seen on a clear night. That’s definitely a memorable moment for me.

What is the highlight of the yachting year for you?
Antigua’s Race Week used to be my favourite, and still is one that I love, but recently the RORC Caribbean 600 has become my favourite. The RORC 600 has grown to see top of the line yachts competing and world class racers that I’ve watched for years and will only continue to grow.

Does yachting form part of your leisure activities?
Yes, definitely. I have a boat that was damaged in the hurricane last year so I’m spending my free time fixing it up to get back on the water.

What do you think can be added or worked on to improve the yachting environment in Antigua?
I would like to see more locals in high positions in yachting, like as Skippers and Captains, instead of working as varnishers or day work, aiming for higher positions on yachts.

What is your advice to someone wanting to start in the yachting field in Antigua?
Make sure you are in it for the love of the sea and sailing rather than a financial aspect. Go out sailing and enjoy the sound of the wind and waves and be sure you love it for the right reasons before you start.