Edmiston & UKSA: Supporting Young Talent in the Maritime Industry 

At Edmiston, we firmly believe the future of yachting depends on investing in the next generation. Through the Edmiston Foundation’s partnership with UKSA’s Sea Change programme, we are committed to providing access and opportunities to everyone, ensuring that passion and potential—not background—determine a young person’s path in the maritime industry. 

By offering funding, mentorship, and unique experiences, we are proud to have supported talented individuals like Adame Ahmed, helping him build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to thrive. From his first days at UKSA to captaining a yacht on the Côte d’Azur, Adame’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved with the right support. 

To celebrate his achievements and inspire others, we sat down with Adame to hear about his experiences, the lessons he’s learned, and his aspirations for the future. 

Discovering a passion for yachting 

Adame’s journey into yachting began with an introduction to the industry that changed everything. He shares how his passion was sparked and what it was like connecting with the Edmiston Foundation and UKSA for the first time. 

Q. How did you first come into contact with Edmiston? 

A. I first came into contact with Edmiston through UKSA, where I was a Sea Change student proudly funded by them. Their branding was everywhere on campus, but my first real interaction was at Trinity House, where I delivered a speech in front of Princess Anne and many yacht brokers about how UKSA had shaped my future. Jamie Edmiston and Alex Holden were there and speaking with them afterwards led to an incredible opportunity—they invited me to represent Edmiston at their stand and on their tenders at the Monaco Yacht Show. It was surreal, seeing superyachts in real life for the first time, and it made me even more determined to join the industry. 

Building skills and confidence 

Training and support were key to Adame’s growth. Through Edmiston’s funding and mentorship, he was able to develop the skills, confidence, and experience needed to step into the world of professional yachting. 

Q. What has Edmiston done to support your yachting career? 

A. Edmiston has been amazing, funding my AEC1 and AEC2 engineering courses, which sparked my interest in engineering. They also supported me through the Sea Change programme and during my Yachtmaster Offshore course. When I reached out to Alex Holden during my Yachtmaster training to thank him, he introduced me to Chris Andreason. Speaking with Chris about my goals was incredible, and just before I passed my Yachtmaster exam, he had already organised an internship at Feadship in the Netherlands. The day after I passed, I was on a flight there. 

At Feadship, I gained invaluable experience, learning new skills and witnessing the construction of superyachts up close. After the internship, Chris introduced me to a Captain looking for crew, which led to my first role on a 60m yacht in Italy. None of this would have been possible without the support of the Edmiston team, especially Alex and Chris. 

Facing challenges on the path to success 

No journey comes without obstacles. Adame opens up about the setbacks he encountered and the resilience that helped him overcome them. 

Q. Have you faced any setbacks or challenges? How did you overcome them? 

A. There were plenty of challenges, especially learning something completely new. I struggled at times but always asked questions because I knew people genuinely wanted to help me grow. One of the biggest challenges was finding out I was colour blind during my ENG1 medical, which meant I couldn’t pursue the Superyacht Cadetship. I was devastated. But instead of giving up, I gathered the course heads at UKSA and we discussed other options. We decided on the Yachtmaster Offshore course instead. 

Ironically, during my Yachtmaster training, I navigated at night and in bad weather with no issues seeing lights. I passed with flying colours, proving to myself that my colour blindness wasn’t a barrier in real conditions. Although the MCA restriction remains, I learned the importance of adaptability and having a plan B, C, or even D. That mindset helped me keep moving forward. 

Highlights and achievements 

From learning the ropes at UKSA to unforgettable experiences at Feadship, Adame looks back on the key moments that have shaped his journey so far. 

Q. Talk us through the UKSA programmes you completed—how did they help you advance? 

A. I started with the Sea Change programme, which gave me a solid foundation in seamanship, navigation, and leadership. It also helped me develop resilience and a clear direction. I then continued with further education, where I deepened my technical knowledge, refined safety and navigation skills, and became a dinghy instructor. The biggest challenge was the Yachtmaster Offshore course, which really tested my leadership and boat-handling skills under pressure. These programmes gave me the qualifications and confidence I needed to take on bigger roles, including working on a 60m yacht and now captaining Nick Edmiston’s Eagle 44 in Saint-Tropez. 

Q. What do you enjoy most about working in yachting, and what’s your favourite part of the job? 

A. The teamwork and sense of family are what I enjoy most. You spend so much time with your crew that they become your second family, and that bond is really special. I also love that every day is different, and you constantly have to think on your feet, adapting to different situations and finding the best way to tackle an issue.  

Looking ahead 

As his experience grows, Adame shares his hopes for the future and offers advice for others who want to follow a similar path. 

Q. What are your future career aspirations and goals? 

A. I want to stay close to the water, whether as a Captain, engineer, or in another yachting role, and I’d love to keep representing Edmiston as I progress. I believe in taking every opportunity while making thoughtful choices about the future. Yachting has already taken me further than I could have imagined, and I’m excited to see where it leads next. 

Q. What advice would you give to young people thinking about a yachting career? 

A. Be yourself and be honest. Work hard, be adaptable, and don’t take harsh feedback personally—use it to grow. Respect is earned through reliability and willingness to learn. Good manners and professionalism go a long way. There’s a fine line between good and bad ego, so stay humble and let your work speak for itself. 

This September, in a full-circle moment, Adame will be supporting Edmiston at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show.  

Our Ongoing Commitment 

At Edmiston, we are proud of everything Adame has achieved and remain dedicated to fostering the next generation of yachting professionals through continued support and opportunity. 

If you would like to help create more opportunities for talented young people like Adame, please consider supporting the Edmiston Foundation. Your donation can help fund vital training, mentorship, and experiences that open doors to life-changing careers in the maritime industry. 

To make a donation, please visit the UKSA website today.