Fleet Captains

I am delighted to tell you that we have appointed two Fleet Captains for areas of the south coast. Iain Muspratt will be looking after the area from, and including, Poole Harbour to Southampton Water and Tim Bizzey will look after the area east of Southampton Water (including the Hamble) to, and including, Chichester Harbour.

The role of Fleet Captain is to bring the activities of the Club closer to members and to ensure that members’ concerns are heard and expectations met. In practice this will mean that Iain and Tim will be communicating with members in their areas to ensure that they are aware of upcoming Club events on and off the water, perhaps organising local events throughout the year and generally making sure that the Club is staying closely in touch with its members. They will be seeking to include all members not just those who regularly attend rallies or go to the Club.

You may find Iain and Tim on the water, Tim’s boat Storm Petrel  is berthed at Southsea marina. He first learnt to sail in a pram dinghy in Poole Harbour more years ago than he cares to remember. Progressing to sail with his brother in Fireflies, Enterprises and Wayfarers and, in the 70s and 80s, moving up to cruisers. Tim joined the Club in 2002 and bought a quarter share in a Bavaria 37, Toy Box, on which he attended many of the Club’s rallies and gave many new members the opportunity to taste sailing for the first time. He passed his Yachtmaster Offshore in 2005. Tim recently married long-standing Club member Anne with whom he has bought Storm Petrel. (Visit Tim's blog)

Iain’s boat Isis of Salcombe (Visit Iain's sailing page) is berthed at Berthon marina in Lymington. Iain also started sailing in dinghies in the 70s progressing to larger cruising yachts in the 90s and buying his first yacht in 1997 based in Turkey. Isis, also originally based in Turkey was moved to the east coast in 2006 before moving again to her present home in Lymington in 2008. Iain has covered more than 14,000 miles in the Med as well more northerly and colder waters and passed his Yachtmaster Offshore in 2006. He describes himself as more cruiser than racer and is keen to continue encouraging members to sail in good company and enjoy the Club.

You can contact Iain here  and Tim here . You may want to tell them what your cruising plans are for 2010 or let them know if you have moved your home port – any news of members’ activities would be welcome.

David Roache
VC South Coast
4th December 2009