Francis Casson, Atlantic Crossing 2006:
"My trip from Lymington to Antigua on board Black Arrow was a rich, rewarding, challenging, and exciting time.
My prior ocean sailing experience was quite limited but I learnt a massive amount and soon became an integral member of the crew. Simon is exactly what you want in a skipper: Massively experienced with unquestionable judgement, calm yet decisive in a crisis, and good humoured afterwards. In addition to the sailing there was plenty of time to see new places and have fun.
My top tip: Pick up some of the super strong seasickness tablets they sell in Spain!"
Peter McGrath, RYA yachtmaster offshore:
''...Simon's instruction on a 67 foot Challenge yacht was the most memorable 1300 miles of my sailing career.
He doesn't just teach sailing, he teaches true seamanship and has a relentless emphasis on safety aboard the yacht. 'Every time I step aboard a yacht I remember Simon's emphatic: 'If you sail for long enough, one day a yacht will try to sink on you...
'That's one of the most valuable thoughts I keep in my head whether I'm out for an afternoon potter out of my home harbour or leading a night watch on a 70 foot Ocean Youth Trust boat.''
Sarah Leyland, age:14, RYA Competent Crew
After a week of Simon's own boat instruction with her mother, three brothers and sister:
''I thought the way Simon taught us was really good. It wasn't like he was telling us what to do on a teacher-pupil level, he showed so you thought, ‘yeah I could do that’. I really enjoyed doing short turns. We all had a go at it, and now I know if I ever really had to use it, I’m sure I could. It was my first time on the boat as crew and there was loads of stuff to do. Before we set off, Simon would tell Mum what we were going to do and then she’d pass instructions on to us.''
