John started racing dinghies in 1959 at Stone Sailing Club on the River Blackwater in Essex. His father built the 3 International Cadets which John raced until the age of 14 when he took over the helm of their Shearwater catamaran (the development cat of its time). At age 20 John became National Champion for 2 years running. He also introduced the spinnaker to the class and designed the spinnaker chute used by any cat these days flying a spinnaker.
John and his wife Hillary have owned and raced several keelboats including a Club 19, Sigma 33, MG335 and a Jeanneau Sunfast 40 which they cruised extensively, including twice around Ireland, trips to the Bay of Biscay and north and west to the Scottish Islands. They have also owned several racing catamarans over the years including an F18 and an A Class.
Following ‘retirement’ John held a position as Events Convenor at Largs sailing Club in Scotland, organising both National and International events. John has since been awarded an Honorary life membership to the club.
John is a qualified RYA Yachtmaster. He has managed and maintained a Jeanneau 53 including running skippered charters. He brings a wealth of sales and sailing experience to YOTI and now calls Manly, Brisbane home.
QLD