A Story for Seven Decades: Darren Nags
To celebrate our 70th Anniversary, we asked our community to share their stories – the voyages, the memories, and the moments that stayed with them. This is one of them.
By Darren Nags, Main Watch, STS Malcolm Miller, June 1985
1985
Those treasured ten days sailing as a trainee onboard Malcolm Miller in 1985 changed my life forever. I had always had an urge to go to sea, but my academic achievements wouldn’t have graced any honour rolls, and so my visions of standing on a ship’s bridge in full regalia were a far-off dream.
A very excited and nervous youngster came onboard to be welcomed by the crew; I instantly wanted to be a part of this community. For the first time in my life, I felt that I was not just another under-achieving lad not really getting anywhere, I felt that I was a member of something special. I wasn’t too sure of what that was yet, but I knew that I wanted to be part of it.
The voyage was the making of me. I learnt a lot about myself, some of which I didn’t much like and some I did, but the lessons I learnt were invaluable. In my opinion there are not many other experiences that have the ability to shape a person’s life the way that sailing on Malcolm Miller did for me and countless others.
I cannot tell what my life journey would have been like if I hadn’t taken part on that voyage with the STA, but one thing I’m certain of is that I am forever grateful to the STA/TSYT for setting me forward on a seagoing career and making my dream come true. It is a debt that I cannot ever fully repay.
There was an overwhelming sense of joy and adventure throughout my time with STA/TSYT. It was the entire STA/TSYT family that made this a reality – the PCs, volunteers, trainees, and shore staff, and the financial support that was going on behind the scenes, and of course still is. Who would not be inspired by an organisation such as this? It’s the people who make this happen and they continue to do so to this day as the charity goes from strength to strength.
So happy 70th anniversary TSYT, may you continue to change lives, inspire young people and people of all ages, and impart those values that are so important for this generation and all future generations to come.
– Darren Nags
