Instruction and assessment

Do you want one-to-one training on your own boat either to improve our own skills and confidence?

Are you planning to work to do one of the RYA qualifications and want support and extra tuition on particular areas for development, either in the theory or practical parts of the syllabus?

Are you a school in need of a YMI for Yachtmaster preparation weeks or other RYA course activity?

Qualified and experienced as a RYA Yachtmaster Instructor, James can meet any requirement in training, be it ashore or on the water, to meet your own personal needs. Some of the areas where I have worked with clients before include:

• Close quarters boat handling
• Wind awareness
• Sail trimming
• Spinnaker training
• Navigation
• Passage Planning and Pilotage

Mentoring

Have you just bought a new or bigger boat and want support to develop your skills, experience and confidence to get best use of your new purchase?

Do you want to stretch your horizons in your current yacht and undertake a longer passage than you have previously attempted?

Do you want to cruise in unfamiliar waters and have the assurance of an experienced hand onboard to help you find your way around safely?

I am experienced a wide range of yachts and is able to adapt quickly to new surroundings.  I can help you find your way around an unfamiliar layout and provide solutions for the management of different rigs. Having been the skipper of some larger yachts as well, I can help you hone your skills when dealing with larger hulls that can initially be intimidating when manoeuvring in close quarters.

Having undertaken numerous long distance passages, including 5 Trans-Atlantic crossings, I have the experience to provide the essential guidance on the planning and preparation for such voyages, and also have the experience to deliver a successful and enjoyable trip for all concerned.

I have sailed in several parts of the world and enjoy exploring new destinations. In particular, I have spent four full seasons in the Caribbean and knows the more interesting, isolated and delightful islands and bays to visit.

Delivery

Are you a private owner who lacks the time to move your boat to a new area of operations for your next sailing holiday, or the confidence to undertake the necessary longer passages  involved?

Are you a Charter Company who needs to have one of your boats delivered to a particular port for the next client?

Are you a boat builder, a franchise holder or a boat agent who needs assistance to deliver a unit?

I have experience in short or long haul delivery passages with either limited support or none and have, a list of volunteers who would be willing and available to assist with a safe and competent delivery.

Charter Skipper

Are you looking for a charter boat and would like help with the process?

Do you want to cruise in the Caribbean with a guide;  someone to take responsibility for all aspects of the cruise and leave you to enjoy the experience with no concerns?

Are you a charter company that wishes to provide an experienced skipper to assist new clients to have a memorable holiday?

Chartering a yacht for the first time or with a precious young  family can be quite intimidating especially in unknown areas, I have worked many times as a charter skipper and would enable you and your crew to enjoy the sailing and the local environment with none of the usual concerns regarding boat management, navigation and safety.

Race Skipper

Do you want to experience the exhilaration of yacht racing but would prefer to have a confident and experienced skipper aboard?

Do you need help in getting the best out of your boat racing in regattas or over longer distances?

Are you looking for someone able to plan and deliver a campaign for a particular race?

Experienced in Regattas and RORC racing, I can operate as a race skipper for those seeking to enter this exciting sport. In addition I can help you to get the best out of your boat through efficient cockpit management and sail trimming. In 2009, I recently delivered a successful Fastnet campaign in a Dehler 47 that encompassed a training weekend, three RORC qualifying races and the Fastnet Race itself. I also competed in the racing Division of the ARC 2008 and undertook the Round the Island race in 2009.