Sailor 'proud' to be ferry firm's youngest bosun

Lauren Lucas has always had a passion for boats but, at 20 years old, she has scaled up her ambitions and become Wightlink Ferries' youngest ever bosun.

The job puts her third in command on board the car ferries crossing the Solent between Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Working alongside the captain, she helms the ship through the Lymington River and berths in Yarmouth Harbour.

She said becoming the company's first female bosun was a "proud moment".

Speaking to Radio Solent from the deck of MV Wight Sky, she said: "I've always loved boats.

"From school, I got my GCSEs... and stumbled across this course on the Isle of Wight at UKSA - a maritime foundation course.

"I learned how to sail, I then went on to becoming an instructor, gained certificates in lots of different areas."

When a summer job came up at Wightlink, she jumped at the opportunity and never looked back.

"And what a great decision that was," she said.

"I thought this could really open more doors for me and it really has.

"It's made my passion grow more and more."

To fulfil her dream of becoming a bridge officer, and eventually a captain, first Ms Lucas will need to gain qualifications through classroom study and months of practical experience on vessels such as cruise ships, tankers or container ships.

She is keen to highlight the help she has received from Wightlink and her colleagues, and says she hopes to return to the company when she has gained her captain's stripes.

She said: "From the day I arrived, they've helped me so much.

"If it wasn't for everyone and their support, I probably wouldn't be where I am in the company today so I'm very thankful and grateful to everybody who's helped me."

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