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Monthly Archives

November 2017

Nov 28

Meet our Skippers: Gail Wright

By Core Info

If you took part in one of our weekend sailing experiences to Salcombe or Fowey earlier this year, it is likely that you would have met Gail. She also skippered most of our bespoke sailing experiences during 2018, too. Next in the hot-seat for our “Meet our Skippers” series – Gail Wright.

When did you first get the sailing bug?

Sailing in the BVI’s 16 years ago. I had sailed previously, but this was sailing in such a beautiful place that it made me want to do more. It was lovely to sail from island to island and enjoy the Caribbean.

What is your finest sailing memory?

Sailing to Cape Town after 33 days at sea. The coastline is so rugged and it was really special to see after not sighting land for over a month. The last 3 days of the journey were really rough, and I was tired but elated to have sailed all that way and experience big seas and rough weather. We crossed the equator and dateline and saw some incredible wildlife – dolphins fishing and a mass of pilot whales gliding past the yacht, which was a really amazing experience. I learnt so much about ocean sailing and a lot about myself as well.

What is your favourite sailing destination on the south-west coast?

Tricky one…Fowey or Dartmouth? I love both of these places; they both have good pubs and great food. Fabulous harbours to sail into…it’s got to be Fowey! A great location for a weekend sailing experience.

What is your ‘go-to’ sailing meal when you are on the go?

Cottage pie with sweet potato topping, preferably made in advance so you can just put it in the oven and it is ready when you come into the harbour.

Force 3 or Force 5?

Force 5 – as long as it’s going in the right direction! Put a reef in, keep an on on the wind and enjoy the sail!

Nov 21

Meet our skippers: Mick Chantler

By Core Info

Our skippers are the people we rely on to help you make the most of your day or weekend sail. At Devon Sailing Experiences, we have been putting them in the hot-seat over the past few weeks so you can learn a little more about them.

Next up – Mick Chantler.

When did you first get the sailing bug?

After a very autocratic introduction to sailing courtesy of the Royal Navy in the ’70s which almost put me off for life, I eventually got to see the more relaxed and rewarding side to sailing some 10 years later – again, courtesy of the Royal Navy, but in a different environment and mindset. I have never looked back.

What is your finest sailing memory?

My finest sailing memory was quite recent – delivering a yacht with the owners onboard from Plymouth to Whitehaven in Cumbria. A very satisfying and rewarding trip and lots learnt by all onboard. I learn something new every time I go to sea – the learning curve keeps going up.

What is your favourite sailing destination in the south-west?

My favourite places to visit are all west of Plymouth, but probably top of my list is Polperro. I prefer smaller ports which are a little more challenging to get into, and therefore quieter at the height of the season.

What is your ‘go-to’ sailing meal when you are on the go?

My go-to meal whilst sailing has to be simple and hearty – a 2-pot dish like meat pie with smash, tinned veg and extra gravy – yum! (Ok – maybe 3 pots!)

Force 3 or Force 5?

I prefer sailing in a stiffer breeze like a Force 5 with the wind over your shoulder. More exhilarating than a gentle breeze and you can really get the boat going. Ideal to reach a weekend sail destination.

Nov 13

Meet our skippers: Mike Eggins

By Core Info
If you have ever experienced one of our sailing days from Plymouth, you will have probably met Mike. This week, it is his turn in the hot seat in our series of interviews with the skippers.

When did you first get the sailing bug?
Like most people living near the coast, I got into dingy racing as a kid. Whilst getting into sailing was always an aspiration, my career as a marine engineer in the Royal Navy often precluded the free time. It wasn’t until I found myself running the outboard motor workshop at the RN seamanship school that I really had the opportunity to get back into the sport. I was soon teaching both sailing and powerboating to naval recruits, where I discovered a really enjoyable skill set.

What is your finest sailing memory?
It was with a naval yacht that I had one of my best sailing experiences – helming a Challenge 67 from Majorca to Barcelona in a good Force 10 blow when everyone else turned in with mal de mer. But sometimes there is as much enjoyment in the first time the engine is switched off and you start to feel the boat lifting under sail alone. One of the beauties of sailing is that there are always small pleasures to be had for everyone involved in the process – whether it is hoisting a spinnaker well, learning a bowline or just managing to make a cup of tea on one of DSE’s sailing days.

What is your favourite sailing destination on the south-west coast?
I have to say Fowey. It is the quintessential Cornish town which always provides a great welcome. Also, as a Cornishman, it would be disloyal to recommend anywhere east of the Tamar!

What is your ‘go-to’ sailing meal when you are on the go?
There is a lot to be said for the traditional Royal Navy meal Pot Mess. The ingredients are not a closely guarded secret – it consists of a suitable selection of tinned foods left to slow cook on the hob. My personal twist is the addition of marmite and ketchup to the gravy mix.

Force 3 or Force 5?
I suppose the answer to that one is always going to be force 3. It’s great to have experience of sailing in heavier weather, but it’s also nice when it stops.
Nov 07

Meet our skippers: Trevor Kirkin

By Core Info

Want to know more about the skipper who you sailed to Salcombe with? Are you interested in knowing about what drives your day sail skipper to do what they do so well? We’ve asked our Devon Sailing Experiences skippers a few questions to help you learn more about them and will be blogging their responses over the next few weeks.

First up – Trevor Kirkin.

When did you first get the sailing bug?
Rowing my uncle’s 8’ clinker-built tender around Bosham harbour is my first, fond memory of boating and this quickly led to racing our 12′ Firefly on the Thames in London, with my father.

What is your finest sailing memory?
It was just a short hop from Duquesa (near Marbella) to Gibraltar, which brought a brilliant few days of coastal sailing to an end, but it ended in great hilarity! Motoring past Catalan Bay – a very light breeze was on the nose – thoughts of cool beers ashore growing stronger, we approached Europa Point and, with no warning, the Rock’s notoriously turbulent airflow gave us 35 knots wind over the deck for about 10 minutes or so. This Force 8, in the uncharacteristic brilliant sunshine, succeeded in utterly drenching the helmsman (me) in spray to the great amusement of my chums under the spray-hood! However, with an ambient temperature of 28 degrees C, my tee-shirt and shorts were crisp and dry by the time we came alongside half-an-hour later!
What is your favourite sailing destination on the south-west coast?
It’s a toss-up between Salcombe and Newton Ferrers, but on balance, the former wins! The approach to Salcombe is glorious; the welcome (from the Harbourmaster’s staff) is always warm and helpful; the fairway, The Bag and Normandy Jetty (out-of-season) options cover most weather eventualities; the (new) SYC ablutions are luxurious and the choice of restaurants/pubs is broad. What more could you ask for? Well, actually, anything other than a strong southerly when clearing The Bar on departure!


What is your ‘go-to’ sailing meal when you are on the go?
Assuming we’re stationary, it’s Spag Bog (made in advance and heated up while the pasta cooks) with a glass of Syrah or Chianti. If on the move, fresh rolls or baguettes with cheese (no pickle) or paté, followed by Rombouts-style (proper) coffee. (The filter bit normally stays in the mug if made in the sink!)

Force 3 or Force 5? Call me soft, but Force 3 is enough! You can use any sail combination you like and there’s scope for un-forecasted 10-knot gusts without it getting too uncomfortable.
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