Yachting Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Chief Instructors who will have a responsibility for standards and quality control throughout Australia across three training schemes.
Chris Goldacre will be responsible for the Get Into Small Boat Sailing program while Martin Silk will handle the National Powerboat scheme and Safety and Sea Survival Course.
Yachting Australia's Participation and Training Manager, Chris Kameen, said that Goldacre and Silk will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the roles and will be welcome additions to the organisation.
“Chris and Martin have both worked across a number of areas in the yachting industry and this experience will be vital in providing the highest quality product for those taking part in Yachting Australia's training schemes and programs,” said Kameen.
“The Chief Instructor positions are very important within Yachting Australia's participation and training program with Chris and Martin to be responsible for standards and quality control in their relevant schemes across the country,” he said.
Goldacre has more than 20 years experience in training at a variety of levels and a number of disciplines including dinghies, windsurfers, powerboats and instructor training. Goldacre will head up the Get Into Small Boat Sailing scheme nationally with specific responsibilities for program delivery in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.
“Instructors and Training Centres around the country are doing a great job introducing people of all ages to the sport of sailing and have done so for many years,” said Goldacre. “I'm hoping to make this job a little easier by providing instructor training that better reflects the importance of the on-water aspects of the program.”
“I am sure that the provision of a standardised, internationally recognised instructor training across Australia will both enhance the quality of our instructors and make the transfer of instructors between Training Centres a lot easier,” he added.
Silk brings to the Chief Instructor role a wide range of experience including a career in the Army, ten years teaching and training crews for the Clipper Round the World race. Silk's role will see him manage the National Powerboat scheme and the Safety and Sea Survival Course across Australia and specifically in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.
“My initial goal is to get all schools focused on 'why we are here'. Training is here to enhance the sport, especially in making it as safe as possible,” said Silk. “I want to access the best ideas for moving the schemes forward in the interests of the customers. We need to ensure training addresses not only current issues but also future trends and is as hands-on as possible.”
“Yachting, whether power or sail, can be a risky business and it's our business to deliver best practice. Instructors and Schools need to remain ahead of the game, be open to change, and work together in the further development of the scheme,” he said.
