Club Marine scholarships awarded

Club Marine, Australia’s largest provider of recreational boating insurance, together with the Australian Maritime College (AMC) in Launceston, Tasmania, is proud to announce the winners of its Club Marine Scholarships for students studying at the National Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics.

Club Marine Victoria State Manager, Ross Lambrick, announced the recipients of the one-year scholarships, which provide financial support to the students as well as invaluable networking opportunities within the industry.

Congratulations to Hamish Lyons, from Invermay, Victoria, and Reuben Kent from Inverloch, Victoria, who were awarded Club Marine Scholarships. Both are studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering in Naval Architecture.

Hamish Lyons was selected on the basis of outstanding academic performance in secondary schooling in Ballarat. He has a track record of varied achievements in sport, music and leadership skills at secondary school, and has completed work experience with engineering companies in his secondary years and beyond.

"I’m so grateful to receive this scholarship from Club Marine," he said. “The vision and foresight the company has for the industry is evident in its generosity in supporting Reuben and I, and I’m thrilled to be affiliated with such an organisation. The scholarship greatly relieves the pressure to work part time and, by extension, will enable me to achieve my best at university, studying more and with less stress.”

Fellow scholarship recipient, Reuben Kent was selected because of his academic performance during his wooden boatbuilding apprenticeship and the award he received from Victoria University of Outstanding Apprentice of the Year 2010, as well as various achievements and leadership skills, and his fascination with designs in vessels from superyachts to classics. Also considered were Kent’s financial constraints in moving to Tasmania and returning to study on a Centrelink payment, and his commitment to returning to study as a mature-age person to gain an engineering degree.

"I have a passion for the ocean and man’s involvement with it. After leaving school, I completed an apprenticeship in traditional boatbuilding and there developed an interest in the design of small craft,” Kent said.

"The Club Marine Scholarship has helped me to focus my full attention on my studies. As a mature-age student moving from interstate, I am extremely grateful for the help Club Marine has provided, which has greatly eased the pressures of returning to university."

For further information about the AMC or the Club Marine Scholarships, go to: www.amc.edu.au.

Photo: Club Marine Victoria State Manager, Ross Lambrick (left) with Hamish Lyons (centre) and Reuben Kent.