Please tell us a bit about yourself
I was born in Ipswich and lived in Reading in my younger years, before moving abroad to live in Brussels and Paris.
I then moved back to Cardiff to complete a degree in Product Design and to learn how to fend for myself. Once completing my degree, I yearned to go travelling and see the world, though I had always sailed as a boy on the east coast it was from Gosport my adventure began.
I joined a fleet of large yachts as a nipper (2nd mate), from there my first voyage was down to the Canaries and across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. Alongside my adventure, I worked through all the RYA qualifications to become a freelance skipper. Having spent years involved in many races and corporate events, I was ready for something different.
I’ve now been a Skipper with Tall ships Youth Trust since July 2011 and can happily say it’s been the most rewarding and fulfilling role I’ve done.
When I am not working I spend as much time as I can with my family, normally on a boat! I also like to keep fit or ride my motorbike.
Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust
As a Skipper I’m brought in to offer an amazing experience onboard our fleet, be it along the coast or across the Atlantic. My role is to inspire and encourage everyone to work together as a crew to create something that is unforgettable.
What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?
There have been so many moments that it’s hard to pick one. With so many young people coming through and literally changing their lives as the voyage goes on, from conquering fears of heights, fears of water, seeing things for the first time like the sea, beach and dolphins or leaning domestic life skills.
One of those moments was when I sailed with a group of young offenders of which one had been arrested the day before the voyage, by the end of day one, I saw this young person open his eyes to the world to what he could achieve and by the end of the week it was my privilege to offer him an award for his outstanding work and effort during the voyage. Better than this, was the feedback we received from the young person and his family and how he had chosen to go back to school to improve his life and that of his mum’s.
What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?
Tall ships Youth Trust is a big family of which everyone is warmly welcomed into and supported through their individual journey. From voyage crew and volunteers to Mates, Skippers and shoreside support, up to the CEO — all clearly have a passion and drive to make a difference to as many young people as possible.
Please describe your job in three words
Fulfilling
Journey
Investment
If you were famous, what would you be famous for?
I am famous, the amazing acrobatic MONKEY!
