Boatfolk stories: Eddy Young

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

From a young age I was able to enjoy a boat that we shared as a family, weather it was sea fishing off the coast or boating on the Norfolk boards, this was our weekend activity as a kid. Nothing has changed really, just the locations. Boating from an early age has influenced my role and career in the marine industry.

When and why did you choose to work at our marina?

My fist job leaving school was at the marina, working as a marine engineer. I had been repairing and using boats years before this, so it made perfect sense to get into the boating industry.

Tell us one thing that most people don’t know about you?

Back in 2005 I converted and modified an Audi 80 to run on pure vegetable oil (yes, the exhaust smelled like a chip shop!) it was featured in the local paper too. I’ve also modified a VW Golf and my fishing boat to run on alcohol!

When and how did you get into the marine industry/boating?

As a career choice in 1997, I went to Shetland to the North Atlantic Fisheries College to get a Boat Masters, Sea Survival and VHF Licence. The café at the college did the best battered Skate wings and chips!

What is a typical workday like?

There is no typical workday at Rhu, last week we were digging a 15m drainage channel in the yard, the week before we were lifting a £1.2m pilot boat.

What’s a common question you get from customers?

“What anti-foul paint works well on the Clyde?”  - to which I would say, VC offshore!

What do you like most about your job?

Every day is different.

What’s been your fondest memory as an employee of ours?

We hosted the 8 Metre Centennial World Championship 2007, with more than 30 very expensive racing yachts in our care. From high tech full carbon-fibre hulls to 100+ year old wooden classics.  

What do you like to do when you aren’t working?

Design and working on engineering projects (basically making lots of noise in the garage!)

Who or what is your biggest inspiration and why?

Probably Ayrton Senna da Silva who was a Brazilian racing driver who won the Formula One World Drivers' Championship in 1988, 1990 and 1991. Why? Because of his skill, dedication, determination, self-control, mental and physical strength… and rather unusual driving style.

What is the one thing that makes you feel the most alive?

Driving race cars.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Don’t sell the Golf.

Would you recommend getting afloat to a friend or family member and why?

Definitely! Boating can be an activity for all ages and abilities, anything to get you outdoors and distract you from social media and modern tech for five minutes is a good thing.

Boating can be deemed an expensive hobby/sport, what would your tips be for someone who is looking to get afloat?

I would recommend hiring a boat or doing a short training course with a sea school. Even small sailing dinghies and fishing boats can give you the confidence and basic skills to work your way to your own boat.