Real Life: Initially served an apprenticeship as a shipwright and continued in that trade until joining the Fire Service. Served 30 years in the fire service until retirement in the early 90s to establish and become Principal of an RYA Training Centre, and a charter boat operator using a 31’ Botnia Targa. Some of the more interesting charters include, a six week bird survey for a government agency, television news coverage of several water based events and television serials and films.
Have been on or under the water for the last 52 years.
A BSAC 1st Class Diver and an Advanced Instructor and the South West Regional Coach for 5 years. A keen motorcyclist owning a 900cc Triumph. Singer in a shanty crew - The Old Gaffers.
Current distraction is an 8 month old Irish Setter bitch.
ISAF/RYA Qualifications: Yachtmaster Instructor (power); Advanced Powerboat instructor; VHF/SRC instructor/assessor; ICC; First Aid; Sea Survival; Commercially endorsed.
Race Management Experience: Have been involved with race management for many years mainly for keelboat cruiser racing and multihulls and for the past 4 years for dinghies and boards.
Major Events: IFDS World Championships, 2011; ISAF Sailing World Cup Events x 2 (Sail for Gold, 2010-2011); RYA Youth National Championships 2010; Royal Dart Regatta x 4 (2008-2011).
Sailing and Racing Experience: 20 minutes in an Enterprise 25 years ago!