Martin Parr Sail Guru

Professionally - A kind of make it happen person! A lifelong appetite for all things nautical, ocean sailing, navigation and meteorology.

From a sailing perspective, I hold a full RYA Yachtmaster Offfshore Certificate and the RYA Ocean Yachtmaster theory qualification, but ex naval navigator, including vhf and long-range radio certificates. I started sailing in 1954 and have been sailing solo since 1963. My passion for ocean sailing and routing and meteorology is well known, including a gold medal presented to me by both the French and Canadian authorities in 2008 for undertaking this work (free of charge), in taking 60 yachts in both directions from La Rochelle – Quebec – La Rochelle. Known as the Grande Traversée de l'Atlantique, this was part of the festivities celebrating the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec. This included taking a number of yachts through the eye of a massive hurricane Bertha in real time.

With plenty of free time since residing on the banks of the Firth of Forth, I am giving back a lifetime’s sailing experience to assist boat owners /skippers, etc with any sailing requirements they may have. This can be at any time during the 7-day week and for any duration, from day sailing to passage making, to delivery whether it be coastal, offshore or ocean if short-handed, etc.

For tutoring, the essence is to tutor owners on their yachts and for them to understand both their and their boats capabilities. Much is undertaken while passage making.

I have met and discussed with many boat owners over the years, who intend to undertake great voyages and a vast percentage are not prepared. My strength is to share my experience to allow owners achieve their ambitions while on passage.