Growing up in the North of England I spent every weekend of the summer out on the cold lakes of the Lake District, learning how to sail – and more importantly, how not to fall out!
When did you turn boating into a career?
As soon as I finished school I moved down to the south of England to begin building the miles and experience needed to complete my commercial yacht licence. At 18 I was the youngest person at the time to hold the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore.
Where to next?
From there I hopped on a plane to Greece, where I lead flotillas of 12 boats around the islands. After a few years I became an instructor for the RYA teaching Day Skipper courses to groups and families. For the last 4 years I have been working as a captain of a 70ft charter catamaran with my partner (chef), running week-long all inclusive charters between the Caribbean and mediteranean.
Now you’re here in New Zealand, what do you get up to when you’re not out teaching?
Sailing, surfing – anything on the water! After living on boats for the last 10+ years its great to be able to enjoy sailing as a hobby again! I’m really enjoying getting involved with harbour racing – especially rum racing, which is made even better when I can go home at the end of the day! New Zealand is a great play ground for exploring both on and off the water so that’s exactly what I plan to do!