When John hoisted his flag as the SASC’s 43rd Commodore he did so in a mood of pragmatism, determined to respect the club’s proud traditions whilst bringing calm and reason to bear when divisive issues arose and ensuring members had their say on proposed changes.

“…I intend to preserve what we have while keeping a weather eye out for anything that threatens our collective enjoyment of sailing and the SASC.” (SASC News, August 2007)

During his 40 years of Amateurs membership, 22 of them as a Director, he’s never lost sight of why the club exists – “Sailing, sailing, sailing, nothing but sailing, God it’s good, how lucky are we…?” (SASC News, August 2008)

A vastly experienced yachtsman, having won 3 season gold medals during a long and successful Amateurs racing career, and logged thousands of offshore racing and cruising miles, John also remains ever wary of any bureaucratic moves to curb the freedom and enjoyment of the sport.

His beautifully built and fastidiously maintained Ranger class gaffer, Vanity (A2), bears eloquent testimony to his and the club’s shared ethos – a love of well-found yachts expertly handled by accomplished sailors.

A regular working bee volunteer, John also pens the exquisite marine illustrations which grace many SASC publications and finds the time to participate in one of the Amateurs lesser-known pursuits – trout fishing.

He’s talking with Ian Macintosh.