My background

Sail Mahone Bay provided a range of sailing opportunities including rentals, corporate training and lessons. In 2004 we became a CYA / Sail Canada Member School.

 Over the 20 summer seasons approximately 3500 people participated in Sail Mahone Bay programmes. 

The teaching boat was an Achilles 7m racer / cruiser, an excellent boat for Introductory, Sail Canada and skills development courses.

Other options provided by Sail Mahone Bay included lessons on client's boats, teaching Pleasure Craft Operator Courses and organising workshops  at the Halifax Boat Show and other venues.

In 1972 Mike moved to England and was hired as an Instructor by the Inner London Education Authority at a new sailing centre in North London. 

There were incredible opportunities to sail in the U.K. and when he left Wales in 1994 his instructional experience included:

• Helping to establish dinghy training programmes for the ILEA and the London Borough of Haringey school students. (photo top right)

• Setting up a coastal sailing base for Haringey in Essex.

• Worked at the National Sailing Centre, Cowes, Isle of Wight as a seasonal instructor.

• 15 years at Dolygaer Outdoor Education Centre, Brecon Beacons, South Wales as Deputy Head and Instructor. 

• I/C sailing and windsurfing programmes but also led kayaking, caving, rock climbing and mountain walking groups. The sailing base (left) was located on Pontsticill reservoir.  Also tidal courses were run on the Gower Coast and in Milford Haven, West Wales.

• Royal Yachting Association qualifications held:

  • Dinghy Instructor and Senior Instructor

  • Keelboat Instructor

  • Coach/Examiner for Dinghy Instructors

  • Windsurfing Instructor Level 2

  • Powerboat Instructor

  • First Aid Trainer

  • In addition he held the position of RYA Regional National Coach for Wales from 1984 - 87.