While our boats may be berthed during lockdown, our volunteers remain the lifeblood of what we do, flying the flag for OYT Scotland. We’re giving you the chance to meet our volunteers in our daily “Meet the OYT Scotland Volunteers” spotlight.
Today’s volunteer: William Miller
⛵ Q: How long have you been a volunteer with OYTS and what is your role as a volunteer?
A: I have been a volunteer for just over a year and on my last youth voyage qualified as a watch leader.
⛵ Q: What and with whom was your first sailing experience & what made you come back for more?
A: My first sailing experience was at college with a few mates but that was a few years ago. The lure of the mountains kept me away from boats and the fact that my father always told me “don’t go near the water until you can swim!” I had often fancied sailing in something traditional (when I was 8 wanted to be a pirate…still do) So four years ago I went round the Canaries in a west country trading ketch, that got me hooked on sailing
⛵Q: How did you get into volunteering with OYT Scotland?
A: Sheer chance – my wife had been seriously ill (she is better now) and in a gap in her treatment I popped down to the boat show, talked to the OYT Scotland staff there and that was it, I was hooked.
⛵ Q: Proudest or most memorable sailing moment?
A: My proudest sailing moment, sailing from UK waters to North Africa… actually not very far really 12 miles from Gibraltar.
⛵ Q: What is your favourite part of being a volunteer with OYT Scotland?
A: I have worked with young people for most of my life and I never tire of seeing young people realise how much they can achieve, to be a part of this “emotional growth” is a tremendous honour and I get to go sailing.
⛵ Q: If you were a boat, what kind of boat would you be and why?
A: Probably a submarine as I am still not that good on the tops of the waves.