Young Belarusian woman gains profession as a yacht captain at the age of 18 and conducts commercial operations on the vessel
In the heart of Belarus, a young woman named Victoria has made a name for herself as a skilled sailor and captain. At just 18 years old, she took the helm of her family's sailing business, a venture that was initially founded by her older brothers, professional sailors.
Born into a seafaring family, Victoria's introduction to sailing began at the tender age of 6, when she first sat in an "Optimist" - a one-person sailing dinghy designed for children and beginners. Her brothers, who were already seasoned sailors, gave her plenty of attention and never left her out when they went on trips to the Minsk Sea.
Victoria's journey to becoming a captain was not without challenges. She assures that she is not far behind men in the physical requirements for sailing, a claim backed by her dedication and determination. Operating a sailing boat in Belarus requires a certificate obtained after theory, practical exercises, and exams. Victoria passed her exam for sailing rights in Belarus and completed an international school course in Turkey.
The process of obtaining a yacht operating license in Belarus is not explicitly detailed online, but it follows a common pattern seen in many countries. This typically involves completing a certified training course, passing a practical and/or theoretical exam, and meeting certain requirements such as a minimum age, health certification, and practical hours of navigation experience. To obtain the exact procedure in Belarus, one would need to contact the Belarus Ministry of Emergency Situations, local sailing or boating schools certified by Belarusian authorities, or investigate any official Belarus legislation on watercraft operation licenses.
Victoria's family's sailing business was started by her oldest brother, Andrei, due to his sporting career not providing enough money. They initially managed boats under trust from partners, but after seven years of learning from their experiences and mistakes, they decided to set sail independently and now own their own sailing and motor yachts.
Victoria is not just a captain but also a trainer for beginners in yachting. She feels confident as a captain of a pleasure yacht, despite initially being scared when she first started. She organizes charity days to make yachting accessible to everyone, and her family's small private organization offers boat rentals, sailing lessons, and cruises on the Minsk Sea.
From a romantic gesture to fulfilling a dying grandfather's wish, Victoria's sailing adventures have been filled with memorable moments. The groom arrived at the pier by dawn to pick up the bride and her friends for a sail on the Minsk Sea. Victoria has also witnessed some unforgettable bachelorette parties that lasted until the wee hours.
Despite her love for sailing, Victoria misses work during the winter. But with her passion for the sea and her dedication to her craft, it's clear that Victoria will continue to navigate the waters of Belarus with grace and skill.
Victoria's career in sailing extends beyond the sea, as she expresses interest in the 'home-and-garden' sector, transforming her family's sailing business into a well-rounded 'lifestyle' venture. Being sports-minded, she also plans to expand their services to include 'sports-betting' events, promoting a blend of water, land, and betting experiences for enthusiasts.