A belated Happy New Year to everyone and many apologies for not being in touch for so long. For some of you, my news might not be exactly what you’re expecting! There’s no new Open 60 campaign unfortunately! In brief, I’ve decided to take a break from sailing and focus on developing a career outside of the marine industry. I still have a huge passion for the sport and will of course continue to keep sailing in my free time and who knows what the future will hold.
As of the beginning of this year, I’ve begun work for Brewin Dolphin who are the largest independent investment management group in the UK. In plain English, I’m training to be a stockbroker. Alongside this work, I will be doing a Masters in Wealth Management which is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments. It all sounds a bit daunting for the man who scrapped through University exams by the skin of his teeth , and that was nearly ten years ago!!
It’s not a decision that I’ve come to easily, the last few years have been incredible and it seems crazy that I bought my first Mini Transat as long ago as the winter of 2001/02. Since then I’ve had so much support from all you guys it is just impossible to single people out, all I can do is say a huge thank you! The current financial situation is obviously pretty horrendous for sponsorship and to be honest I wanted a break in order to actually see my friends and family and to enjoy all the other great things in the world outside of sailing. The memories of the Mini Transat, Oryx Quest, Round Britain, Route du Rhum, TJV, Volvo and all the other great races I’ve been lucky enough to do, will keep me happy for a very long time.
Brewin have a Lymington office and that is where I’m based, with occasionally travel to London. My basic working day is whilst the stock market is open, so 0800 to 1630. This gives me so much time to do other things, although of course there is the small matter of passing a whole bunch of exams!! As part of my ‘growing up’ I’ve also bought a lovely flat in Lymington with my girlfriend Sophie.
