Hello everyone, originally from Scotland, I have lived most of my life out in the world and am in the process of leaving my current base in Thailand. Due to my travels, I have a lot of humorous stories which I'm happy to share with interested people. Experience also taught me to be grateful for what I have.

I move through life with a pragmatic optimism and a hopeful soul. It has been my privilege and joy to explore, and learn from many people, countries and cultures. Now I am slowing down a little and working out how to be less nomadic and considering where to create a base and join a community, which isn't easy, particularly after the insanity that was Brexit.

Having started in hospitality, most of my life has been spent in education. No, not teaching English as most people assume, but first teaching primary, then in curriculum leadership and teacher training. My current work is part-time and mainly virtual, although at times I am invited to give workshops or consultancy in schools in different locations, which I often turn into a slightly longer trip. After so many years of being 'controlled by the bell' love the flexible nature of my current work, and it keeps me motivated with purposed too.

My preference is for a healthy lifestyle with the occasional naughty 'treat' (ice-cream is my downfall), I have a passion for cooking with flavour. My food is very soulful. There are few things better than watching a sunset in silence, then following on with a tasty meal and stimulating conversation. I've been told many times that I am a good listener. I've also been told that I am funny.

I'm solution orientated, and hence rarely complain, rather looking to make improvements or bridge any misunderstanding.

I truly love to be on and in the water and am happy both at anchor or managing the boat in strong winds. I'm a reader so I bring my head torch and, if luggage allows, actual print books.

clean & tidydiligentdiscreeteasy-goingfit & healthyfriendlyorganisedrespectfultrustworthyconfident swimmerrarely/unlikely seasickgood listenerno body piercingsno facial piercingsno tattoos at alleager to learn & workpolitepositive outlooksense of humorcan pay own expensesavailable on my ownenjoy cookingdon't mind cleaningcan follow ordersenjoy teaching

share experiencevisit remote placesgain experiencelearn to sailsustainable traveltravel

I joined this site sincerely to investigate opportunities for now and for the future. I'm hoping to build my competence and confidence in boat handling. My sailing started with dinghies, sports cats and then day sailing/racing in yachts.
I have reasonable cruising experience and have an ICC, I have taken RYA comp crew, IST bare boat skipper and now ISSA coastal skipper. This was to improve my knowledge and skills of boat handling, not so that I can take charge of a boat. I have no ambitions to be the skipper and am a happy and competent crew member, although still learning some technicalities and need a lot of practice on boat handling. It has been a joy to cruise 2 handed with solo owners and am told that I am a good crew member. (2 weeks to a month mostly) I like to be involved in route planning because it helps me to maintain skill and learn. On port days I am 'fender girl', and otherwise usually do the anchor in the bow, sail raising, and adjusting, also taking watches on the helm. I have only done a little night sailing, and I prefer to do that only when necessary.

I'm interested in cruising, in an unhurried way, as the best experiences come from being in nature and swimming in secluded bays. The small med port towns are delightful, but it is good just to have time away from crowds. I'm an excellent cook and can manage a galley really well, so you will be well-fed when I am aboard. I'm happy to clean, scrub the bottom too (if the water is clear) I am a pretty laid back personality, but I like things to be done properly, and I like to have mutual respect. When I am on a boat, I am there to help out the best I can and also to enjoy myself. I think expectations need to be clarified from both sides before stepping aboard and sharing a vessel. I'm really happy and relaxed (but alert!) on board, as long as expectations and agreements are clear. I prefer to have a private sleeping space. I have no ocean crossing experience, and I feel that I would want to know more and also know the people involved before contemplating that in the future. It could be nice to meet a partner this way, and I am open to that, but it is not a mission of mine at the moment. Maybe I might become confident enough just to live on my own boat instead ;)

At the moment I am looking to join a cruising boat for June and early July in Europe, September in Europe and probably Australia in December/Jan, or possibly South Pacific too.