Yacht Management and Race Sailing Testimonials
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ARC+ 2017
Richard Nicolson joined us for the ARC + on board our Discovery 55. Prior to our journey he played a major part in the plans checking our lists of kit and spares as well as advising on the most suitable safety equipment. Immediately upon arrival in Las Palmas he set to work resolving all kinds of boat issues, finding and resolving electrical faults, fixing the heaters, mast and rigging inspections, servicing all types of equipment, liaising with on shore engineers and then the real work started... organising the crew, teaching the beginners, encouraging the more nervous and consulting on the plans for the crossing. His expertise and quiet confidence during the sail was invaluable, he was a pleasure to have on board, and his presence was huge asset. Cameron Stewart, Owner Sigma 33 Survey Richard Nicolson carried out a purchase survey on a Sigma 33 for me at Berthon in Lymington. As an experienced yacht owner I knew the yacht had issues, Richard not only ensured these items were thoroughly inspected but he advised on corrective actions and completed a thorough report with advisory notes. The survey ensured I bought a yacht at an excellent price and I knew what I had to do to bring her up to scratch. As a result I am happy yacht owner and have recommended Richard and Ian Nicolson to other prospective owners who have engaged their services. Jon Nash, Owner 2017 Offshore Preparation J109: Richard provided invaluable service helping to maintain and prepare my J109 for the 2017 season. Not only could he fix any problem on our boat, he helped train the crew and made himself available when necessary, even when personally inconvenient. It is no exaggeration to say that we could not have been able to sail the Fastnet without his assistance. I am very happy to provide this reference. Chris Preston. J109 'Jubilee' February 2018 Rolex Middle Sea Race 2016: "I have never taken over a better prepared charter race boat. Not only was she perfectly race prepared, but everything on board was located as you would expect it to be if you had done it yourself. Richard Nicolson has an eye for detail and ensures both me, and my clients expectations are delivered plus some. For example he tuned the new rig every day from handover to race start early in the morning before we were on board training to optimise it for us." Andy Middleton. Performance Yacht Racing. November 2016 North West Passage 2013 - West to East Expedition "I met Richard whilst sailing the North West Passage. This was a challenging expedition on a well ‘used’ Westerly Discus built in the 1980’s. I was very impressed with Richard’s professional attitude to both the expedition itself and the care given to Dodo's Delight. Several equipment failures happened during the expedition and Richard was their offering the skipper sound advice and fixing the part; be it engine, masthead, anchor winch or anything else. He is a true mister fix it. When he was on watch, he ran the deck efficiently and effectively ensuring the yacht was sailing to its optimum. By checking the rigging regularly he was able to prevent equipment failures; an example being that the mast foot bolt was found to be missing the end nut. His previous sailing experiences were of great value to the rest of the crew, which I am sure was a major contribution to the successful outcome of completing the passage unassisted. It would be a privileged to go sailing with Richard. I would be very fortunate indeed if he was in my crew!" Karen Melling RYA Yachtmaster Instructor North West Passage 2013 - West to East Expedition "Richard is an ideal man to have on a boat. He has been sailing all his life and is a skilful sailor, with a vast experience of boats, racing and cruising, both big and small, maintaining, preparing and sailing them. Also he has sailed in many and differing parts of the world, including undertaking the Whitbread, and now having added the North West Passage to his experience. He also has considerable technical skills covering a vast range. I doubt whether we would have been one of the only three yachts to complete this year’s difficult west to east North West Passage without his technical skills. I particularly appreciated the fact that in spite of being more than well qualified to do so, he never once tried to usurp my position as skipper. As there was no question of rivalry I often asked his opinion or advice and lent heavily on his skills. I have no hesitation at all in strongly recommending Richard Nicolson for whatever role in the sailing world." Reverend Bob Shepton S/Y Dodo’s Delight Blue Water Medal, Tilman Medal, Goldsmith Medal for Exploration, Barton Cup, Vasey Vase Little Britain Cup "Levolux annually participate in the Little Britain Challenge Cup http://www.littlebritain.co.uk, the construction industry regatta aboard a chartered 44’ yacht. The event, allows us to thank customers and introduce new clients whilst competing in challenging yacht racing. Many of the crew only take to the water for this event or are first time sailors. In order to ensure safety, enjoyment and introduce the required element of competitiveness we have for a number of years used Richard Nicolson as crew boss and overall “safe keeper” for our customers and employees. His professionalism, sympathetic crew “management” and enthusiasm enable Levolux to return year on year. Of equal importance we need someone who understands yacht management and can carry out maintenance should the need arise during the week to ensure no race is missed. Richard together with the yacht owners, ensure we never miss a start gun." David P Gordon Sales & Marketing Director www.levolux.com 2010-2017 J109 "I bought Jarhead, a 2004 J-109 in the winter of 2010. Jarhead had been laid up on the hard for a good six months, and it quickly became apparent that she needed a lot of work. Not only was her rig bent, most of her electronics shot, her safety equipment outdated, lifelines, halyards, sheets, winches, anything possibly required to make her sail fast were in urgent need of attention. And it showed in her race results: we’d celebrate if we didn’t come last. Then at Cowes Week 2010 I had the good fortune that Richard Nicolson answered my advert on RORC’s website requesting crew. It was evident immediately that he was exactly what Jarhead needed, an expert sailor who not only had an intimate knowledge of inshore racing, but was vastly experienced when it came to offshore racing. I immediately offered him the job of bringing Jarhead up to scratch for the forthcoming 2011 RORC Fastnet campaign that I intended to compete in. Fortunately for me he took the job and Jarhead is now a completely different proposition. We consistently place in the top two J-109’s offshore and currently, at the time of writing, are standing third overall in IRC 3. I hold no doubts as to why this has come about. When Jarhead crosses the start line at the Royal Yacht Squadron I’m safe in the knowledge that not only is she provisioned and best equipped for the tasks she will face out on the open ocean, that any damage or mishaps we do incur, will be managed and controlled and then swiftly rectified upon our return, but that I have a crew member who can inspire those around him when the going get toughs, and cares equally strongly about the well being of the crew. He is the complete sailor; the captain in all but name, and my one regret at writing this recommendation is that it will be to my detriment if you employ him!" Greg Nasmyth (owner of Jarhead) 23/05/11 Whitbread Round the World Race “Richard Nicolson was one of my crew during the 1989/90 Whitbread Round the World Race in the maxi SATQUOTE BRITISH DEFENDER. Throughout the race he displayed professionalism of the highest order, a skilled helmsman and trimmer he also has a thorough understanding of rigging, spars, carbon and glass construction and has the ability to carry our seagoing repairs. Ashore he is a hard worker and well versed in preparing a yacht for any race or cruise no matter the distance/time involved. Finally but by no means any less importantly, he is a great human being to have in a boat." Commander Colin Watkins RN Skipper Satquote British Defender 1989/90. Classic 1 Tonner 1986 "In 1986 I bought a 1971 McGruer Admirals Cup yacht. It needed a significant refit prior to transatlantic return to my home post of Marblehead. Richard joined us at Falmouth Boat Construction in Cornwall and turned out to be mature, pleasant, competent and detail oriented. He worked hard helping to get the boat ready and be a key part of the delivery crew. He is a natural sailor, a good shipmate and is abundantly qualified and will do it well." Tony Solley Tenants Harbor, Maine, USA Business Deal “Thanks for your assistance with the recent sale of one of our boats, communications were very good and it was a pleasure to do business with you.” Kind Regards Ian Sharlot Powerboat Sales Ltd http://www.ribs4u.co.uk/ |
 Southern Ocean, Whitbread
 Marblehead Harbour
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