TIME TO MAKE MY DEPARTURE

am slipping my mooring after 21 years afloat with Classic Boat. As the owner (right), an 8-ton Gauntlet yacht, it’s been a joy to sail at weekends and then arrive at work on Monday mornings to lay out pages, selecting pictures of the most gorgeous boats in the world – a dream come true. However, I am not alone. Over the years I have been amazed by the number of people who want to restore and care for classic boats and make their dreams come true as well. If I had to put my finger on what it is about traditional wooden boats that is so alluring to this fraternity of fascinating and knowledgeable people, I’d say it’s this: the skill and craftsmanship that went into the design and construction of things so fit for purpose that they still work beautifully – often after many years; and that each classic boat is individual, something to cherish in an age of mass production. Though I will be leaving the magazine, it’s a world in which I will most certainly remain.