Luke Rendell
Instructor
Luke joined Ardent with a unique background combining two aspects of his love of the sea – ocean sailing on small boats and the study of marine mammals. He has conducted research around the world, with a clear (but not exclusive!) affinity for tropical waters. A professional educator through his higher education teaching role, he brings a unique perspective to our instructor team.
"If you think you've nothing more to learn about seafaring, then you're about to learn a really important lesson! One of the joys of it is the constant challenge, the sea never stops teaching new lessons, so embrace the life-long learning it provides as a perfect antidote to complacency."
Luke joined Ardent with a unique background combining two aspects of his love of the sea – ocean sailing on small boats and the study of marine mammals. He has conducted research around the world, with a clear (but not exclusive!) affinity for tropical waters. A professional educator through his higher education teaching role, he brings a unique perspective to our instructor team.
Qualifications:
- RYA Ocean Yachtmaster (commercially endorsed)
- RYA Advanced Powerboat (commercially endorsed)
- RYA Shorebased Instructor, SRC Assessor, and Powerboat Instructor
- PhD in marine mammal science
Additional Experience:
- >50,000 miles skippering small vessels in locations between northern Chile and Cape Wrath
Instructor background:
My background and experience in education gives me a unique perspective on learning how to go to sea safely as well as an empathetic instructing style. The fulfilment I get when I help students grasp a tricky concept has long been a mainstay of my professional life and the constant supply of such moments is one of the best things about working with Ardent.
Hobbies & Interests:
I am 1/3 owner of a Contessa 26 'Whisper' based in Fife, and she brings me great joy. I'll also often be found on a bike, and am partial to a bit of cold water swimming.
Previous Trips:
To Chile and back
A major highlight of my seafaring was taking a 40 foot cutter from Fort Lauderdale FL via the Panama Canal to Arica, Chile, and after 9 months skippering research trips in Chilean waters, taking her back again to Beaufort NC.
Antigua to Halifax
A wonderful and fast passage to rescue our research vessel from a year long COVID-imposed isolation in St Lucia – I love messing about on boats so recommissioning her in such a lovely place was a real treat and the passage had some great, if leaky, sailing!
Tobermory to Mingulay
Skippering for the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust we lucked out on spring weather and spent a week surveying from Tobermory to the outer Hebrides of Mingulay and Vatersay via the cairns of Coll and the Isle of Muck in glorious weather – just one of those times where it all comes together.
