Looking to crew for Delivery, Mile building, or Mechanic/Deckhand position. Very flexible.
Hi. My name is Dave and I've just retired from my last job as a lecturer and tutor with the University of the Highlands and Islands. Originally from England, I now live happily on the Isle of Skye on the West coast of Scotland.
I have been sailing coastal waters in my home waters around the Hebrides for 20 years. I learned how to sail on dinghies, and have since sailed my own yachts, usually single handed or occasionally short handed to the Inner and Outer Isles, out to St Kilda and down to the Clyde and Ireland.
I am an RYA Coastal Skipper with Yachtmaster Offshore Theory. I am also a qualified Commercial Powerboat (Advanced) skipper with a current STCW 95. I'm interested in finding a position as a Delivery Crew, Mile building, Competent Crew or Deckhand. I'm mechanically minded and know my way round an inboard or outboard engine.
I have a background in mechanics, computing (operating, not programming), writing, medicine (as a dentist), teaching and travel.
I'm not a fan of the Scottish Winter and would love to get away to warm climes if I can.
I'm planning an Atlantic crossing with a friend in 2021 and would like to get blue water experience before then.
I'm open to learn and happy to work shifts and watches and don't complain about being woken up at 2 in the morning to stand my watch. I can work alone, or as a part of a crew.
I just love sailing. I can cook, work below in a seaway, pull ropes, trim sails, keep watch, navigate, passage plan, pilot in close waters and now I'm retired, I just want to become the best seaman I can.
I just love being in, on and around yachts. I'm generally a quiet person, and not so much a party animal, but am quick to join in when the sun goes down and the lights come on. I really don't feel the age my birth certificate tells me I am and almost all my friends are ten years younger than me. I'm learning the guitar and annoying my partner by trying to sing. If I really want to annoy her, I get the harmonica out, because I'm really bad at playing that.
I have a lifelong interest in wildlife, especially birds. and I had a part time job (pre-Covid) as a powerboat skipper, taking groups of 12 around the islands in a 600 Hp RIB to introduce them to the birds on the sea cliffs and the cetaceans we are so lucky to have in our waters. I loved that job.
I'm pretty independent and my partner is indecently happy with my plans to get away over winter, but if things turn sour during a voyage and we have to part company for any reason, I can always find my own way home. Let's face it. Not everyone will get on with everyone else, despite all best intentions!
On a happier note, I am very tolerant, and I hope pretty unannoying. I do snore, I am told. But I've never heard it, so I treat that as a rumour, and I ALWAYS bring my own toothbrush.
I'm happy to Skype, or videoconference, and chat informally. I'm not looking for a charter position, where I pay a set amount a week to sail, but would much prefer to split sailing costs and I can find my own way to the boat.
Not sure If I've missed anything. If I have, just ask!
Close