Richard is your professional skipper and host with an enthusiastic welcome for both beginners and experienced sailors. Guest feedback says that he is calm in all situations and patient with guests at all levels of sailing experience.

He is an RYA Yachtmaster® Instructor with Commercial Endorsement, holds a Ship’s Captains Medical Certificate and is licensed to teach sailing at all levels and safely in all situations.

Having retired in his mid fifties from managing an international company in the education field, he now indulges a lifetime passion for sailing which has seen him sail a variety of boats in many areas including the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Biscay, Brittany and Cornwall as well as thousands of miles off Western and Northern Scotland.

• If you want to learn more about sailing he is keen to help.
• If you are taking an RYA course he will enjoy coaching you.
• If you simply want to enjoy the sensation of being on the water and under sail, that’s fine too.
• If you want to find new places and see the wildlife he is happy to explore and share his local knowledge.

Over the years he has worked (and lived) in many different regions and countries and has enjoyed getting along with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures.

He is also your cook and host. Using recipes developed with his wife, also a keen sailor, onboard meals win considerable praise from guests, most of whom come back for more.

From October 2010, we introduce Steve Scott as Chief Instructor and as “Back up” skipper for Richard. Steve has thousands of miles under his keel both in his own yachts and as Skipper/ Instructor for New Horizon Sailing. Until recently he was a partner within New Horizon Sailing with his 44ft Moody yacht sailing in Ireland, Scotland and Norway. Guest feedback has always noted both his experience and teaching skills as well as his easy going ability to combine a crew of strangers and create for them a memorable holiday.

Cruise numbers marked with a suffix “S” will be hosted by Steve which will give Richard a little more time at home and also familiarize Steve with the operation of Stormdancer should it ever be necessary to provide a back-up skipper. It will also give returning guests and trainees the opportunity to sail with, and learn from, a different skipper without giving up the benefits of sailing on this lovely yacht.

Steve also provides own-boat tuition on behalf of New Horizon Sailing and here is the most recent guest feedback about him: “Steve was an absolute star and we thoroughly enjoyed his company.He is an excellent instructor. He has given us a huge list of suggestions that we will have to go through and implement as we feel we need/ can afford.”

These are some of the comments about Richard from guests (others are to be found on different pages of the site).

“Made to feel welcome from the very start to the “bitter end”. I just can’t imagine not coming back. It’s been fantastic. The whole experience - tuition, accommodation, sailing, and the food – far exceeded all my expectations!! Thank you Richard.”
Alan,Cumbria, 2008

“Truly professional and great fun.” “A real talent for teaching and managing people.”
Nella, Beginner, Beziers, 2008

“Superb Chef. Inspires confidence and builds self esteem. Another brilliant experience”
Mike, Experienced sailor, Sheffield, 2007

“Has been great for boosting my confidence. Richard is always very calm. He doesn’t interfere but will stop you making a hash of things.”
Rachel, Cambridge, 2007

“Thank you once again for an excellent week. It was a wonderful way for us to celebrate our 30th Wedding anniversary - and the dinner you put on (just part of the normal fare!) certainly lived up to the occasion. The scenery was stunning, the food delicious, the boat wonderfully organised and elegant, and you pitched the trip at just the right balance between sailing, tuition and sightseeing. It was a great week!”
Richard, Sussex, 2009

“His laid back manner belies the totally professional approach he has to all aspects of seamanship.”
Richard, Kent, 2006

“Great Stuff! Terrific hospitality!”
Jem, First time sailor, Newcastle, 2006