I grew up in Elvina Bay, Pittwater where boats, outboards and sailing were a big part of my life into my early 20’s. My Father Terry is a very experienced sailor and has past this interest and knowledge on to me.
Much of my experience, but not limited to, has been gained sailing and skippering on my father’s sloop, a 28ft Compass, Papillion. Experience on Papillion includes numerous seasons racing the Woody Point Yacht Club Twilight series; many day trips on Pittwater and self skippered overnight trips to Coal and Candle Creek with friends. During this time I learnt to be a confident skipper, using good judgment and developing seamanship.
I gained other sailing experience as a paid deckhand and assistant skipper on a 65ft Yawl, Bibiana. Bibiana was moored in Pittwater and a typical work session involved sailing the boat to Sydney Harbour, picking up corporate clients, sailing around the harbour for a day or two and sailing back to Pittwater. I also joined the owner and others on a trip to Broughton Island. I would feel confident in skippering most boats.