Bermudian Tristan Loescher has completed an internationally recognised yachting instructor course as part of his professional development at the America’s Cup Endeavour programme.

Loescher, a full-time member of the AC Endeavour team, travelled to Britain last month to complete the Royal Yachting Association’s instructor training course. This training, which was funded by the America’s Cup, is an important part of his development and a key milestone for the AC Endeavour programme.

One of the key goals of the programme is to ensure a long-lasting legacy of sailing talent in Bermuda who can pass on the skills they learn to future generations.

Loescher, along with 11 other course attendees from across Britain, took part in the seven-day intensive programme. The course started with a pre-skills assessment to ensure that all the candidates were competent in their own ability, followed by a week of coaching and student/instructor development.

“I’m delighted to have completed the course,” Loescher said. “It’s given me the opportunity to improve my own personal development and I learnt so much throughout the week. Now I’m even more passionate about giving back to my local community.

Loescher’s trip to Britain also gave him a new-found appreciation for the waters of Bermuda.

“After taking a dip in the cold waters of the UK, it is even more clear to me how fortunate we are here in Bermuda and that we should make the most of our natural climate,” he said. “The America’s Cup has been an enormous support by helping cover the costs of the course, and without them I would not have received this qualification, so I want to say thanks to them for helping me so much.”

Tom Herbert-Evans, the America’s Cup community sailing manager, said: “We truly believe in creating strength in depth within our team. Tristan’s qualification is not only important to his own personal growth, but also for the safety and quality of the AC Endeavour community programme.

“He has been a great member of our team and we are looking forward to the day that he starts working towards his next qualification.”

Before the course, the America’s Cup also paid for Loescher and other Bermudian coaches to help them complete their first aid, powerboat and safety boat courses, helping raise the standards of sailing in Bermuda. This is a key goal of the AC Endeavour programme, and part of the America’s Cup’s commitment to leaving a positive, lasting legacy wherever it can around the world.