Eve's Skippers

Skipper Profile – James Mackenzie

I have just returned from 4 years travelling and working my way around the north Atlantic on my own boat. I have spent most of the last few years in the Caribbean working as a furniture maker while still finding time to get in a lot of sailing. Including five Atlantic crossings one single handed, 3 Antigua Classics, a Fastnet race, 2 Caribbean 600mile offshore races and numerous small boat races and not to forget a few trips about the islands in my own boat when there was time!

I learnt the ropes of a gaff rig prior to my travels when I spent 6 years working for Trinity Sailing as mate and then skipper of Provident a 90ft gaff ketch. Since then the gaff rig has always drawn me back, as much as I love going fast in modern race boats my real passion lies in the beauty and peace of sailing a traditional boat, as it should be sailed. This is what draws me to Eve, a beautiful boat of a size that can be ‘played’ with, where you can really get to know the crew. All this in a sailing ground that allows me to indulge my love of exploring small anchorages and harbours.

My Passions

Gliding silently and smoothly into a small anchorage, dropping anchor, and sharing a glass of wine while the sun sets. I’m rarely happier than when playing with a boat, working out how to get yourself into that elusive anchorage under sail, or alongside the quay under sail or oar without a bowsprit based mishap! Some of Eve’s crew have already found out that she can be rowed easily, a wonderful way to arrive, despite the slightly harder work! My passion for traditional sailing extends to navigation, while offshore my sextant is a constant and trusted companion.

 
Im particularly interested in running trips with the aim of not using the engine at all for propulsion, working out how to get everywhere by sail, oar and warp! I already have a list of places I want to get to and tricks I want to try on Eve for the coming season. If you want to know where you will have to come sailing and see, once I’ve made her a sculling oar there should be no stopping us !

Pure Wind Power Challenge Voyages with James in 2012

Eve of St Mawes NEW Summer 2012 programme

Skipper Profile - Debbie Purser

I went on a tall ship when I was 18, after a difficult decision to drop out of university, and the experience changed my life.  I became heavily involved in sail training and youth work with young people on tall ships and large ocean going yachts.  I did go back to university, but a love of the sea was ever present, and eventually it got me !

I met Adam on a tall ship in Scotland and we began to explore ways to create adventure sailing on tall ships and traditional boats for adults - not just disadvantaged youths.  Many years later we created Classic sailing together to provide just that and I am still very proud of what we have achieved in the last 15 years and the choice of vessels and destinations we now offer for anybody with a spirit of adventure (and if you think you have'nt got one - we'll find it)

In the early days I would skipper Eve every other week and run the office for the week in between. I don't spend as much time skippering Eve now as there are heaps of other exciting sailing experiences that need promoting through our website. When I do find myself on Eve as skipper - once or twice a month -  I really appreciate how special it is to be based in Cornwall with a gorgeuos looking boat, nice company and go exploring this stunning coastline.

Passions

I am currently developing Artists voyages on Eve and maybe Bessie Ellen, investigating voyages to Iceland and Greenland and developing  a marine photography voyage with photography lecturer Tony Hopewell. Love walking our dog Rio on the beaches of the Roseland.

I did a tri-athlon last year and was almost last, so training to do better this year (mid life crisis).

Skipper Profile - Adam Purser

Skipper Profile - Lara Caine

Skipper Profile - Paddy

Skipper Profile - Ian McGlynn