ABOUT THE SKIPPER

I was born under the sign of Pisces; so being on water is very prominent in my life.

Growing up in the Lancashire countryside near the Lancaster canal gave me the opportunity to own a boat from a young age. Starting with a canoe, then a dinghy and onto a small cruiser, earning the money from our local boatyard cleaning and helping repair and maintain boats, it was a great time.

On my 30th birthday everything was suddenly brought to the fore. As a treat from my girlfriend and parents the family and some friends enjoyed the “Sail n Dine” experience, what a wonderful evening. Next day Dad treated me to my first real sailing lesson with John and Judie aboard “Excalibur”.

The beginning of a friendship and my dream of a life of sailing.

In no time at all and after several more lessons I bought my own yacht “Twilight II” a 24-foot Jeanneau Sun Odyssey. Dad and I spent every spare hour sailing the length and breadth of Windermere gaining experience in every weather condition from being rugged up with thick socks and layers of sweaters in thick snow, to shorts and shirts in the height of summer.
On the theory side I have been studying for the last two years obtaining my yacht master certificate, which although extremely difficult at times has also been very rewarding and satisfying.

Whilst all this has been going on I have slowly but surely decided I am ready for a change of career, after 14 years in the very competitive car industry it is now time for me to pursue a career in sailing. Through the continued friendship, guidance and encouragement from John and Judie and the help my family have always given, (especially Mum’s cooking skills that I am working to perfect!), I now feel ready to take up the challenge of “Sail n Dine” and take over from John and Judie. I will be cooking locally sourced food from Lancashire and Cumbria served with specially selected fine wines. I look forward to welcoming new friends, sailing and entertaining on Lake Windermere from May 2008 on my magnificent new yacht “Maddie Too”.

Qualifications:

RYA Dayskipper shorebased
RYA /MCA Shorebased Coastal skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore
SLDC Full lake boatmans licence
STCW First aid
Level 2 award in food safety in catering