This year’s crew is racing on Pete’s restored Cutlass 27 ‘Windchat’. We’ve sailed together for the last 5 years but this is the first time we’ve ventured on to an owned boat and downsized below 37′ for the race itself.
Pete ‘The Knot’ May – Skipper
Likes to think of himself (that’s him on the left) as a really good ‘natural’ sailor, who could have been in the Olympics if he’d taken it up sooner – or wasn’t so well packed with ballast. When not sailing, he’s busy day dreaming about sailing and fantasising about his abilities thereof.
Sailing history – several bare back trips to Turkey – generally what lacks in wind is made up for with Raki and diving off the bow into gorgeous blue waters. Has also chartered several boats on the Solent, including skippering one around the island in May 2012 (and running aground!) It’s all about learning from the experiences, he likes to think. Writes occasionally on this blog
Sailing ambitions – having restored his father’s 27′ yacht Windchat he’s looking forward to the maiden voyage after it was handed over to him. Generally mucking about on boats as much as possible.
Paul Blacknell – Crew
I caught the sailing bug in 2010 and have grabbed every opportunity to sail since. Soon after my family trained as Competent Crew and we bareboat chartered in the Ionian islands in 2011 having an outstanding time and in Croatia in 2014. In 2013, I passed my Yachtmaster Coastal exam in Plymouth. I’ve crewed on Nomad 1 in all the Round the Island races since 2011 and vow to enter in each of my remaining years.
Other ambitions? Well, having completed a few channel crossings I’d like to take on more ambitious deliveries perhaps to the Mediterranean. I think I’m also up for the Fastnet.
Bob Munday – Crew
Got the bug whilst traveling in Australia and spent far longer than planned in the Whitsundays sailing retired Maxi yachts in a truly stunning environment whist allegedly working.
Recent experience is a little closer to home having qualified as Day Skipper in the Solent and subsequently enjoying many bareboat charters and weekend trips in the Solent and along the south coast.
Really looking forward to my fifth consecutive RTIR and beating the time set in 2012. My ambitions are now simply to somehow find more time for sailing…
Andy Keleher – Crew
I started sailing 5 years ago after a recommendation from a friend. My wife and I both got the bug, and passed as Day Skippers within the year. We then spent a summer bareboating in Greece and loved it. This will be my third RTIR. I have lost the last two to our skipper and am looking forward to a win this year. If you can’t beat them, join them!