Students from 14 Isle of Wight schools learnt more about the 'oceans of opportunities' - on both land and sea - at the annual Maritime Careers Fair last week (Thursday), hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron Foundation. Several Island companies were on hand giving visitors information on marine careers including BAE Systems and Clare Lallow. Isle of Wight College was offering apprenticeships and career courses with flexible options, both in the main college and at their CECAMM centre at Osborne. Island Ribs, fresh from their appearance at the Southampton International Boat Show, had two examples of their production ribs on view. Flying Fish, based in Cowes Yacht Haven, specialises in providing training for those wishing to participate in water sports or follow careers in yachting and superyacht careers worldwide. For those wanting to travel the world there was the chance to obtain information on careers on board, or even becoming a captain with Princess Cruises. under their cadet scheme. Wight Shipyard, based in East Cowes, is Europe's leading high-speed vessel producer. In addition to delivering Red Jets 6 and 7 to Red Funnel, they have also supplied Clipper Boats for use on the River Thames. Richardson's Yacht Service was established in 1988 and is based at Island Harbour Marina. A local family-run enterprise, it builds and services yachts and has a one-stop regime for all craft up to 50 tonnes. Cowes Harbour Commission is the statutory harbour authority for Cowes Harbour, whilst Cowes Harbour is the commercial arm of the CHC and runs Shepards Marina, which includes the Sugar Store facility. Ocean Coats Marine Service, founded in 2005, is based in East Cowes. It has extensive experience in spray and brush painting seagoing vessels. Sir Ben Ainsley asked the company to paint his Sail GP entry 'Rita'. On the RYS Haven, a number of vessels were moored including Hugo Peel's award-winning powerboat H400 Thunderstreak - once owned by the legendary Tommy Sopwith. When the pupils from the Free School visited, Hugo asked them, “What does this boat mean to you”? One boy answered, “Vroom”. That was the cue for owner/ driver Hugo to open the throttles and demonstrate what a racing powerboat sounds like, perhaps the inspiration for some of the young people to go into powerboat racing or building. All the companies or organisations were offering advice on Marine careers with some offering apprenticeships. For young people interested in a career on or connected with the sea the RYS Foundation is there to help, contact them on info@rysfoundation.org.uk.