Sailing Biography

I was sailing yachts before I could walk.  

My early teenage years saw me single handedly sailing the engineless family cruiser / racer and race campaigning a Contender dingy.  

Self sufficiency and budget constraints meant that I honed my boat maintenance, yacht repair and sail making skills during these early years, along with developing exemplary seamanship. 


Race Sailing and Yacht Management Career Highlights

  • Co-author of Race Winner, a trimmers guide to maximise boat performance
  • Whitbread Round the World Race (now Volvo Ocean Race) bowman and sail maker
  • Team member for the construction of composite 80’ IOR offshore maxi, working alongside principle builder; Green Marine in Lymington UK
  • Sail making internships with Hood, Sobstad and NH Sails. Race development of early 3D technology.
  • Yacht Charter manager for charter fleet of ten; 32-56’ yachts
  • Multiple Transaltlantics
  • Rebuild of the now classic 1970's Admirals Cup 1 Tonner "Trisch Tratsch" 
  • Extensive Race Experience in UK, Mediterranean, USA, Hong Kong and Australia / New Zealand including:
    Team GB Commodores Cup
    Multiple Off-shore races includes Fastnets, Middle Sea and Sydney Hobarts
  • Panerai Classic Regatta Cannes 2011 1st in Marconi class
  • Monaco Classic Regatta 2011 1st in Marconi classs
  • Les Voiles de St Tropez 2011 1st in Marconi class
  • Panerai Classic Regatta Cannes 2010 1st in Marconi class
  • Sigma 33 Nationals, Scottish Series Class and Overall Series winner
  • Swan European and Guernsey Regatta class winner
  • RYA "Yacht Master Offshore"  
  • Completed North West Passage (Arctic) 2013 West to East on 33' GRP boat - one of three such successful trips in the year
  • Member of  the Ocean Crusing Club, Royal Western Yacht Club, International Association of Cape Horners, Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club and Life Member of the Army Sailing Association
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Three generations of Nicolson Family sailors!

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Wet Decks in the South Atlantic, Whitbread
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Leonore, ex Dennis Connor's Cotton Blossom.
Panerai Classics, Cannes
1st in Class