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February 2018

Meet our Skippers: Tim Sunderland

By Core Info

Introducing our new Chief Instructor – Tim Sunderland.

As you are probably aware, we have now launched our RYA training courses to begin in September 2018. Tim, former part-owner of the successful Brixham Sea School, will become our Chief Instructor. Here, he gives us a bit of background about what drives him as a yachtsman.

When did you first get the sailing bug?
I first got the bug many years ago when a friend, who used to sail 1m class model yachts, asked me if I fancied a weekend racing a 40ft yacht from Falmouth to Plymouth with the rest of the Club. How could I resist? After the first weekend, I was hooked, although it took a while to get more time on the water than twice a year. I no longer race, but if two boats of the same length are heading the same direction….?

What is your finest sailing memory?
Running out of the Thames estuary in the winter with a clear night and a very fresh breeze off the starboard quarter then passing the madness of Dover heading towards Brixham on a delivery. So many stars to look at and interesting tidal gates to get through – a great trip with good friends and great food.

What is your favourite sailing destination on the south-west coast?
Anywhere from Brixham to Mousehole really. I love the variety of ports along this section of some of Britain’s most stunning coastline – from small ports to the busy Fishing centres of Brixham, Plymouth or Newlyn.

What is your ‘go-to’ sailing meal when you are on the go?
It has to be, a good homemade – from scratch, no jars – Lasagne. Even on a 2-burner and a dodgy oven type cooker that is fitted to most yachts, it is a welcome meal that you can go back to when you’re peckish

Force 3 or Force 5?
A bit like the others, love a F5 off the rear quarter for the speed of getting somewhere. But then again, you can’t beat a good windward sail in a F4 to get the adrenaline going.