HWDT Welcomes New Boat Manager
Earlier this month, we welcomed another new face to the HWDT team! Emma Burgess, a local lass who has previously worked for the Trust as First Mate, and then additionally as Boat Manager in 2011 and 2012, has now joined us again as our new Boat Manager in 2018.
“I studied Marine Biology at university and have always had a fascination for the sea. Having seen the ocean on a wider scale I am increasingly aware of the pressures the marine environment is faced with, and the need to further understand this environment to improve our knowledge of how to conserve what there is left, and the importance of increasing the awareness of others.”
Previously, Emma has sailed across the Pacific, and worked on a traditionally built 77’ sailing vessel as First Mate, focused on sail training for young people from the North Sea to the south coast of England and the Channel Islands. Despite wild wintery winds, Emma gained her RYA Yacht master Offshore ticket in the Firth of Clyde.
For the past two years, Emma has been based in Hong Kong, working as First Mate and Relief Skipper for Outward Bound Hong Kong on board their 67’ Challenge vessel, sail training ‘second chance’ programmes and young people.
“In Hong Kong I spent time educating our sail training participants on the unavoidable issue of marine litter. Being part of HWDT gives me the opportunity to be an integral part of making a difference for the future. Some of the most beautiful, challenging and rewarding sailing I have experienced is on the West Coast of Scotland, and the wildlife has so much to attribute to this experience. I grew up on the Isle of Mull and it is fantastic to give something back to the area I have learnt so much from.”
Now having over 26,000nm of sailing experience and endless hours of ongoing maintenance on a variety of vessels, it is a pleasure to once more have Emma on board Silurian and in the HWDT team.