What is Maritime Connection?
It is a multipurpose maritime training centre teaching sailing, powerboating and related subjects at all levels. It is an RYA Training Centre.
Meet the People
The Principal of the school is Bob Johnston, a former Physical Education teacher and Outdoor Education specialist. Bob was involved in coaching Physical Education at a high level in a number of disciplines before an interest in mountaineering, sailing and kayaking led to a full-time involvement in this field. He holds many governing body qualifications, is Principal of the Centre, and holds the qualifications of RYA Yachtmaster Instructor/Examiner (Ocean) Sail and Power and Powerboat Trainer. He is a member of the Royal Institute of Navigation. A keen photographer and amateur ornithologist, he can often be found researching articles on Scottish Islands and Lighthouses, of which he has an extensive knowledge. In his spare time he acts as Operations Manager at Troon Lifeboat Station.
Bob Yarr is Chief Instructor, and he too, is a Yachtmaster Instructor with a wealth of cruising experience gained over many years sailing in near European waters, Scandinavia and the Baltic. A qualified Naval Architect, Bob spent most of his time employed in marine developments worldwide with one of the major International Oil Companies. He remains a member of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects, the Institute of Marine Engineers,Science and Technology and he is also a Chartered Engineer. Team building and corporate events are Bob’s speciality. He owns Saro’s Gyda, a Bowman 40, a classic blue water thoroughbred that is just a pleasure to sail.
From time to time they employ other instructors as required, all of whom are very experienced sailors, capable of teaching practical skills in an effective manner. Each one brings to the centre an expertise gained from a wealth of practical experience in small craft.
