Dan Monk Passes his Yachtmaster
After seventeen weeks of training at UKSA in Cowes, 20 year old Daniel Monk has passed his Professional Yachtmaster qualification with the help of The Ellen MacArthur Trust.
"Dan is one of those special, and quite rare people who not only has the ability to hang onto a dream, but against all odds to carry it through," said Ellen MacArthur, Patron of the Ellen MacArthur Trust. "There is no question that Dan is someone who will give more than hundred percent, he absolutely loves sailing! Go for it Dan, you are a true inspiration!"
Dan first sailed with the Ellen MacArthur Trust in 2003 joining other young children who were suffering or in recovery from cancer or leukaemia on a four-day trip in the Solent. In 2005 Dan returned to join the Trust as crew in the JPMorgan Asset Management Round the Island Race. A week before the race Dan was informed that his cancer had returned, undeterred Dan took part in the race two days before starting treatment. A year later and in remission, Dan returned to join the young crew onboard Scarlet Oyster and completed the 55-mile course, finishing ahead of Trust patron Ellen MacArthur, with a final placing of 236th overall out of 1,603 boats.
For Dan, sailing had become a passion. In August 2006 Dan spoke about his experiences of cancer in front of 385 people at The Ellen MacArthur Trust Ball at Skandia Cowes Week and made a decision to take on the challenging Professional Yachtmaster course. The course featured an intensive programme designed to provide all the skills and qualifications to start, or progress, a career working on sailing yachts.
“It is fantastic news that I have passed and I can't wait to get started on the trips this summer," said Daniel Monk. "It has been a long four months of training, but it will be worth it when I have the opportunity to give something back and skipper some of the trips, sharing my own experiences with the children that will join us."
Dan will once again be sailing at this year's JPMorgan Asset Management Round the Island Race on 23 June. He will be joining Team Ellen MacArthur Trust in the biggest undertaking at this event by the charity. The Trust aims to take on the Island by foot, bike and sail. Whilst their three boats will be joining the expected 1,500 boats on the water, 40 cyclists and 5 walkers will be all working together to raise awareness and money for The Trust as they take on their own route around the Isle of Wight.
Previous Page | Next Page
|