Please tell us a bit about yourself
I started sailing as a teenager in small boats, and when I was 16 I was offered a place on board a large sail training voyage. I was immediately hooked, and this was the start of a 17-year long career as a professional sailor! Over the next few years the boats I worked on got bigger and bigger, and I started working for Challenge Business (the organisers of the BT Global Challenge) as one of their skippers in 1998. I had the privilege to race as the skipper of one of twelve Challenger 72s in the 2000 – 2001 BT Global Challenge round the world race. This was the first race that this fleet of boats took part in, and I was lucky enough to have skippered one when they were brand new. I am the only female skipper ever to win a leg of this race, and we also won the trophy for the first yacht round Cape Horn. I ended up working for Challenge Business for 7 years and have covered many miles on these fantastic boats. Throughout my sailing career I have always been involved in training and teaching crews to sail and enjoy their time at sea. I moved away from professional sailing in 2005 as I needed a bit of a break. I then spent the next part of my working life specialising in leadership and management training for business, before returning to professional sailing a few years ago. Now, my sailing is all about giving something back through working in the Sail Training world. That one trip when I was 16 changed my life in so many positive ways, and it’s great to be able to offer the same opportunities to young people from a variety of backgrounds. You never know – a voyage with Tall Ships Youth Trust could be as life-changing as that first trip was for me!
Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust
My role at Tall Ships Youth Trust is to look after the crew who join our voyages, to make sure they get the most out of their time on board. With the rest of the team, I am responsible for the safety of the boat and crew, and also to make sure that the experience is enjoyable and fun. It’s also really important to be flexible – so that we can adapt to changing weather and other circumstances to keep everyone smiling and learning!
What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?
I’ve had so many memorable moments. A couple that really stand out are sailing amongst a large pod of dolphins for several hours, and also watching crews who had never sailed before organising sail hoists and drops with no input from the crew after only a few days on board. And then of course the many stunning sunrises and sunsets!
What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?
Anyone can come and sail these amazing boats! So do come and join us for a voyage.
Please describe your job in three words
Rewarding, life-changing and fun
If you were famous, what would you be famous for?
Facilitating some life-changing experiences for people who never thought they could do this!
