A former officer of the Spirit of Bermuda has been named the 2013 Sail Training Captain of the Year at the International Sail Training Conference in Denmark.

Captain Sarah Robinson, who served as First Officer for the Spirit of Bermuda between 2006 and 2008, now captains the STS Leeuwin II of Western Australia.

The award is considered the highest accolade that can be achieved by a professional in the sail training industry worldwide.

Capt Robinson said: “I consider myself a product of sail training and it has given me amazing opportunities that I hope I can pass on to young people and open their eyes to what they can do if they put their mind to it and work hard.

“Going to sea is not for everyone but the skills people gained from a voyage are skills they need in everyday life,”

Capt Robinson became involved in tall ship sailing at the age of 14 when she sailed as a sea cadet trainee on the British Square Rigger TS Royalist.

When the Spirit of Bermuda began service in 2006, Capt Chris Blake selected Capt Robinson as his first choice to serve as First Officer.

Founder and Executive Director of the Bermuda Sloop Foundation Malcolm Kirkland said: “We wanted to start with the best in the world, to set the standard, and Sarah was part of that team.

“Hundreds of young Bermudians will remember life at sea under Sarah. She is a humble, calm competent leader of the first order”

Captain Mario Swainson, a former First Officer on the Spirit of Bermuda who trained under Capt Robinson in both Bermuda and Western Australia, said: “Sarah is really good at motivating the crew, and very approachable. She gives very clear instructions on how she wants things done and, even though she can be firm at times, she is always fair.”