Princess Royal Opens UKSA's New Maritime Education Centre In East Cowes

UKSA has officially opened its new maritime education centre at the historic Victoria Barracks in East Cowes, marking a major milestone in the charity's mission to inspire young people and develop the next generation of maritime professionals.

The transformed site will provide additional capacity for education, training and skills development, enabling UKSA to support more young people and adults into maritime careers.

It will also offer improved facilities to help children and families connect with and enjoy the sea.

The centre was formally opened on Monday by UKSA's Royal Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, who was accompanied by Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.

The project is the result of several years of planning and partnership between UKSA and the Isle of Wight Council, supported through a combination of public funding, charitable donations and philanthropic backing.

Catherine Dixon, Chief Executive of UKSA, said:

"The opening of Victoria Barracks is a landmark moment for UKSA and for the future of maritime education. This new centre significantly expands our ability to inspire and support children, young people and adults, helping them develop the skills, qualifications and confidence they need to thrive.

"We are deeply grateful to the supporters, donors, funders and partners who have helped make this vision a reality. Together, we have brought an important historic building back into use and created a lasting asset that will benefit generations to come.

"Victoria Barracks will help more people experience the transformational power of the sea, opening up opportunities and widening access to maritime education and careers for people from all backgrounds."

UKSA says the new centre will play a key role in tackling skills shortages across the maritime sector by increasing access to training and maritime experiences.

The charity hopes Victoria Barracks will help more children and young people build confidence, gain qualifications and discover career opportunities on the water.