Noss Marine Academy on the River Dart, has today launched and named its latest yacht, a Sigma 38 offshore One Design, ‘Aspiration’, formerly Yeoman XXVIII as sailed by numerous Royals.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward and King Constantine of Greece have all previously raced ‘Aspiration’, including the 1993 Queen’s Cup at Cowes Week.

South Devon College Marine Academy, with over 80 students based at Noss Marina, now has two yachts for students’ use. The students are already sailing ‘Endeavour’, a Beneteau Oceanis 381 cruising yacht, provided by Noss Marina, that has taken part in the Dartmouth Royal Regatta.

‘Aspiration’ will be entered for cross channel races and local regattas.

In a ceremony staged today by South Devon College’s Noss Marine Academy, in partnership with Noss Marina, Commodore Jake Moores of the Britannia Royal Naval College at Dartmouth officiated at the naming of the Aspiration, carried out by Foundation Degree student Claire Smith.

The Noss Marine Academy is an excellent centre for water-based outdoor education and training. It offers a range of full time and part time courses, recognised nationally by the outdoor and water sports industry. This includes the Foundation Degree in Yacht Operations.

South Devon College is an approved training centre for The Royal Yachting Association (RYA), British Canoe Union (BCU) and The UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC) courses, and is also one of only eight RS Academies in the country (RS are a sailing boat manufacturer). There is an an extensive enrichment programme which will enable learners to undertake residentials, trips and visits, work-placements and further essential vocational qualifications to maximise employability.

Other Marine-based courses, including Marine Engineering, are also available at the College’s Noss Marina site. South Devon College run a number of Marine Academy, Marine Engineering, and Marine-related courses, all based at Noss Marina, for more information call free on 08000 380 123 or visit www.southdevon.ac.uk.

Photo 1: South Devon College Foundation Degree student Claire Smith officially names ‘Aspiration’ with the help of a bottle of Champagne. “’I name this yacht Aspiration and may she bring fair winds and good fortune to all who sail on her.’ (Photo: Mike Ford)

Photo 2: Aspiration sets sail for the first time with her sister ship Endeavour complete with South Devon College Noss Marine Academy students on board. (Photo: Simon Culley)