Applications open for Apprentice Préparateur Programme 2014/15

Artemis Offshore Academy, Cowes, Isle of Wight. Artemis Offshore Academy

Skipper Ed Hill talks British préparateur Aaron Cooper through the repairs needed on his boat. © Ocean Images

Following the success of its first Préparateur apprenticeship, the Academy are once again looking to recruit a British trainee préparateur for the 2015 Class Figaro season. An invaluable opportunity for the right applicant, the programme combines tuition from industry professionals and hands-on experience with the Artemis squad to put talented individuals on the pathway to becoming a skilled and professional préparateur: 'We are pleased with the success of the first préparateur programme and have found a real talent in Sam Jacklin – who continues into his second year with the Academy as Junior Préparateur. It has always been the aim of the Academy to not only develop British solo sailing talent, but to support the infrastructure that goes with it. The role of a préparateur is similar to that of a pro golfer’s caddy, where they can significantly effect the performance of their skipper by being their skilled technician, also being their friend, advisor and confidant. It is an impactful role, and the best préparateurs become highly sort after,' said Artemis Offshore Academy Project Director Charles Darbyshire.

The Artemis Offshore Academy Solitaire du Figaro sailors and shore team. © Ocean Images

The trials, running between 20th and 21st November, will give invited applicants a chance to show their ability to work as a team, their technical skills, their planning, preparation and individual skills, and most importantly their ability to learn. Hopeful préparateurs will also assist the Artemis Offshore Academy squad and with boat maintenance and preparation for the duration of the trials and live with the squad in the team house: 'Preparation is key to the success of any sailing campaign and the role of a professional ‘préparateur’ can be taken from the translation of the French word meaning ‘to prepare’,' Sam Jacklin explained, the first préparateur to pass through the programme. 'A vital cog in an offshore racing team, it is the job of the ‘préparateur’ to prepare and repair the boat for competition and to maintain its upkeep through the racing season. A well-respected career on the French shorthanded racing circuit, the skipper trusts his préparateur to ready the boat for racing as he would do himself. It is our job to relieve unnecessary stresses with the boat and allow the sailor to focus on rest, recuperation and course preparation during competition.'

Selected as a trainee préparateur in 2013, Sam fully embraced the intensive training opportunity and the challenges it presented. From arduous four day drives to collect boat parts to 0400hrs starts and repairs amid racing, Sam applied his ‘can do’ attitude to every task and very quickly became an invaluable member of the Artemis Offshore Academy team. One year on and with an ever-improving skill set, Sam now works full time as the Academy’s junior Préparateur and is entrusted with day to day maintenance tasks onboard the Academy’s five boat Figaro fleet: 'Being a part of this summer’s Solitaire du Figaro eight British boat support programme has given me plenty of experience and plenty challenges, I’ve faced all kinds of breakages and malfunctions onboard. Because of this I have learned so much about the boats in a relatively short amount of time, and it has led me to be as efficient as I can be. This hands on experience has left me with a good working knowledge of the boats – but there is always more to learn. A good relationship with the sailors is essential. Knowing them well means I can work closely with them on their boats, and also I know how they like to set up and prepare their boats. Building a trust and enabling the sailors to have confidence in me is how I get the best job I can do done,' Sam concluded.

The relationship between sailor and préparateur is key to the success of the sailor's season. © Artemis Offshore Academy

To read more on Sam's experience, click here. If you’d like to follow in Sam’s footsteps and apply for the Academy’s trainee préparateur position, click here.

As the number of British sailors competing on the French Class Figaro continues to grow, the Academy looks to further develop its structured British shore team already working alongside the squad. Whether you excel on the water or with Sikaflex on the pontoon, the Artemis Offshore Academy are dedicated to providing British talent with a leg up into the world of professional offshore racing.

Applications close on Wednesday 12th November.