Years later, having given attention to bringing up a family, he rejoined sailing both racing and cruising. He acquired a GP14 before a Flying Fifteen, and then some notoriety circumnavigating Wales with his Wanderer sailing dinghy.
RYA Yachtmaster Theory and Practical qualifications were achieved. Investment stepped up to a Southerly 105 yacht in which he circumnavigated Britain and, amongst other things sailed her down to France and Italy.
That was traded in for a new Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45DS sailing yacht. This was a beautiful boat to work with, and it took him to France, Spain, Mallorca and Minorca, as well as Italy, Corsica and Sardinia. She was transported back to the UK after he was widowed.
Based in Wales, he then cruised again to Ireland and Scotland, including the Orkneys and Hebrides. Several seasons also saw him sailing her to the Channel Islands and France, clocking thousands of miles single-handed. She was sold privately to a contented new owner in 2015.
With his advancing years, he searched for the sedan version of the much acclaimed Beneteau Swift Trawler 34, as this best followed his ethos for a “go anywhere” boat.
This proved to be so with “Sundown”.
Other on the water experiences include a 64 ft. narrowboat, and the special project 13 ft. RIB “All By Water”.