Making landfall on St Kilda has to be one of my highlights. The conditions were just right we were in the right place to make the trip the crew of Sea Cadets were up for the challenge. All the cards were in our favour and St Kilda didn't disappoint. It is one of the most stunning places you can ever get to and it is only 60NM out to sea.

Whilst I was Chief instructor for the MSSC Offshore I was given the task of replacing the two ageing Tradewind 35 yachts. I selected and visited various European boatyards and worked with shipwrights to design a new layout until I came across the Rustler Yard in Falmouth. We settled on 2 Rusler 42 cutter rigged yachts which I am very proud of. They are currently taking Sea Cadets on offshore voyages as we speak and will continue to do so for years to come.

Virgo

Unfortunately, I am between yachts at the moment, my last yacht was a 45’ teak Twin engine Motor yacht ‘Virgo’ which was my not only my hobby but also my home.

They are both a wicked and beautiful destination. Massive tidal ranges mixed with countless wrecks, rocks, and reefs make navigation very challenging yet very rewarding. There are weeks of cruising exploring all the nooks and crannies to be had. Dropping anchor to take in the wildlife and scenery is a never-ending joy. Once ashore the towns and villages are just as enjoyable with a fascinating history and superb architecture.

While teaching a Coastal Skipper course out in the Canaries we were on a passage from Tenerife to Lanzarote. At about the midpoint of the voyage a pod of sperm whales came within 100 m of the yacht. I have seen many cetaceans but this moment was the finest and one that has stuck in my memory more than any.