Crew

Richard has been interested in boats from an early age (starting with toy boats in the bath). Subsequent experience was somewhat varied and includes a Mirror dinghy, various yachts and a 300 ton 3 masted topsail schooner. His catamaran sailing started about 10 years ago with a Hobie 16, bought in partnership with Charles and another friend (after a few drinks at the bar).

Richard is married with a 10 year old son, and has an ‘important’ birthday this year (although, he is very much younger than Charles). He is a Mechanical Engineering Graduate and works as a Project Engineer for Aker Kvaerner (a large Engineering organisation). Other interests include Judo (he is a 1st Dan) and skiing.
 

Charles is also interested in boats but has other hobbies too. An early sailing memory is learning capsize drill in a Bosun dinghy - these were so heavy the only way to get them over was to tie a rope to the top of the mast! Since then he has invested in a drysuit and endeavoured to keep his craft upright - the latter made more difficult by Richard’s competitive streak. Enjoys anything to do with sailing except maintenance (an Engineer is the perfect sailing partner for Charles).

Charles is also married (silver medal winner), has had all of his important birthdays and is only older than Richard physically. He works as a product manager for the Oracle Corporation and spends a lot of time on-line or on aircraft, so sailing is the perfect antidote. Other interests are good friends, food and wine (not always in that order), fitness, skiing and reading. He is an enthusiastic member of a local charity fund-raising group, see www.bandsinthebarn.com).