“Sailing for me started off as a hobby and then became a career. It’s now a passion, which I’ve shared with many people, including my own kids.

Like many, I started off sailing small one-person topper dinghies for pleasure. As my confidence and experience grew, I moved on to larger and more complex boats. From there I qualified as a skipper to instruct on yachts up to 24 ft. Both sailing and instructing has allowed me to sail in some amazing locations around the country and the world. I’ve seen the most spectacular sunsets and sunrises, seen dolphins in their natural habitat and unwound in the most beautiful and remote Scottish lochs.

When people hear you’re a sailor, it can conjure up romantic images of lazy days in the Mediterranean or a hardened sea captain attempting an around the world voyage. It also carries with it a certain prestige and assumptions. It can be an expensive hobby after all. But when I started at the Home Office, word got around, until I began sharing my skills with colleagues, teaching navigation theory and techniques to anyone with an interest.

In addition to my sailing, I volunteer for my local Sea Scout group, which I love, as it allows me to pass this passion on to the next eager generation of sailors.”

What sailing means to me

“For me sailing is for everyone. It doesn’t matter your age or your ability. From dinghy sailing up to yachting it can be incredibly accessible and not just for the elite, as is often assumed.

The feeling you get when you are flying along under wind power alone, with no engine noise is simply brilliant. The peace and inner calm you feel can be overwhelming. Knowing that you are making this craft move, using nature, without the need for fuel is so rewarding.

Sailing is a big part of my life, having been sailing for over 30 years now, it was inevitable that my kids would take it up and begin to love it, as I do. And that’s another great thing. As exhilarating as it can be, it can also be a calm trip around a flat lake with the family, simply enjoying time together, with no screens and no distractions.  

When I’m pushing myself to compete in races and regattas, I have had some memorable successes, including coming first in class in Round the Island races. But it’s the opportunities I get to teach others, including less able-bodied children that is the most rewarding, especially seeing their eyes light up so much, you can see they love being on the water.”

Sailing may just change your life

“You can get into sailing in a number of ways. Most simply you can try a taster experience with CSSC sailing club. Rutland Club, between Leicester and Peterborough is centrally located on a beautiful lake. But, if that’s not convenient, try popping along to your local sailing club, who’ll typically have a range of boats, large and small for beginners, novices or experts. You’ll be assured a warm welcome and most clubs offer instruction and equipment rental.

Once you get the hang of it and a taste for it, you might try for your level 1 course to learn the basics. From there you can go past level 5 to master your techniques and efficiencies.”