Frequently asked questions

Here are a few of the most frequent asked general questions relating to life at the UKSA. These focus primarily on career training students.

For details on youth and junior FAQs please see the questions and answers section on the schools / leisure pages.

• How do I get to UKSA?
• Do I have access to laundry facilities at UKSA?
• What storage facilities are there for students?
• How can I use your marina?
• What time is the pool available for general use?
• How can I keep in contact with the world?
• Can I receive email while at UKSA?
• How can I be contacted at UKSA?

• How do I get to UKSA?

  Red Funnel operates a direct service from Southampton to East and West Cowes. For foot passengers, the hi-speed Red Jet berths in West Cowes, and for those bringing a car, the car ferry goes to East Cowes. You can browse www.redfunnel.co.uk. On arrival in East Cowes you can take the vehicle/passenger chain ferry to West Cowes.

  Travelling by Red Jet, on foot, you buy your ticket at the Southampton terminal at Town Quay. You can reach Town Quay from the rail station on the regular free CityLink bus service.

  On arrival in West Cowes, taxis are available in the ferry taxi rank. If you want to pre-order your taxi try any of the following:-
  Gills Taxis 01983 2926788, Gange Taxis 01983 294444, Martins Taxis 01983 281111, Water Taxi 07831331717

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• Do I have access to laundry facilities at UKSA?

  There is a service wash facility available to students on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at a cost of £4.00 per load. The clothes are returned washed and dried. There are also irons that can be used by students. If you do not wish to take advantage of this service, there is a launderette in Cowes.

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• What storage facilities are there for students?

  If you wish to bring a bicycle or windsurfing / surfing kit there is specific storage for these on the Academy's site. Please make sure you ask at the main reception when you arrive. For larger items such as dinghies, there is limited space available and arrangements must be made and agreed before your arrival at the Academy.

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• How can I use your marina?

  The UKSA has full marina facilities. Generally we do not take bookings for the marina, except during Cowes Week, and the Round the Island Race. At all other times marina berthing is operated on a first come, first served basis. If you have any specific queries on availability contact the UKSA on 01983 294941. Berths are available for 44p per foot per night on a short term basis. Facilities include the use of our shower block and the bar. Meals can be purchased subject to availability. Please enquire at reception upon your arrival.

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• What time is the pool available for general use?

  Every morning 0700 to 0800
  Monday - Friday 1700-1800
  Tuesday - Saturday 1930 - 2030

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• When I am at the Academy, how can I keep in contact with the world?

  Stamps and a postal service are available at reception. Any mail should be addressed to you in person with your course code eg: Joe Bloggs Crew Training 7/1

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• Can I receive email while at UKSA?

  All students have access to the Cyber Cafe which offers a suite of Windows XP machines with broadband internet connection. In addition, in our Victory accommodation block we provide wireless internet access to those bringing their laptops. In Lister house accommodation (which is available as an upgrade) all rooms have broadband internet access points for students bringing laptops. Squaremile broadcast subscription internet access point from East cowes Marina which can be picked up at the academy and from a number of key ports across the UK. Click for details

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• How can I be contacted at UKSA?

  Most students choose to keep in touch with friends and family by mobile phone.  However if this is not possible messages for students can be taken by reception at the main switchboard (01983 294941). The reception is very busy so we ask people to keep messages to a minimum.

  The best time to contact students is between 0830-0900 or from 1800 onwards.

  All rooms in Lister House have their own telephones. There are also pay phone facilities on site.

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