Please tell us a bit about yourself
After a 30-year career in aviation I hung up my shepherd’s crook for the skies and turned my gaze back towards the water.
I have always been drawn to water, be it swimming, white water kayaking or sailing. Over the years, I have turned my passions into a profession becoming a RYA Yacht Master, Cruising Instructor, and a White Water Coach. I have sailed for various sailing projects as a Skipper over the past 10 years, and in 2021 I was recruited by TSYT before being promoted to Skipper in 2023.
Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust
As Skipper, I feel grateful to develop all that sail with TSYT. At the same time, I enjoy the challenge of delivering the sailing programme and empowering all crew in their sail training experience.
What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?
Every voyage for me is memorable as the young people who sail with TSYT arrive from various backgrounds and I always remember the looks on their Day 1 faces!
“omg am I going to do this, pull on that and climb up the mast?”, some stating “I can’t do that.”
By the end of the week, the transformation I see is priceless. Happy, smiling faces and a newfound confidence. For some of these young people, it’s truly life changing. This brings a smile to my face, and I say to myself ‘job done”.
What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?
Sailing opens the minds and hearts to all who sail on board with TSYT. Every day is a school for all, even for the sea staff. Being at sea is a great leveller, it helps to breakdown everyday barriers. This allows all to come together as a team and develop the individual at the same time. Be it a simple deck task, cooking , helming or the complexity of night navigation.
Please describe your job in three words
Challenging. Rewarding. Fun.
If you were famous, what would you be famous for?
As I enjoy dancing, I would take Dad dancing to a new infamous level!
