Our Team

Annie O Sullivan is an RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and is our Principal. She began sailing in a dinghy many years ago on a Londons reservoir never dreaming she would be lucky enough to become an instructor. She has sailed over 50,000 nautical miles having completed at least 4 transats & increasing. She has been instructing since 2002 and is the Principal of the RYA sailing School.  During most of her Atlantic crossings she has led some keen yet inexperienced crews of females across with a 100% safety record.   Her passion is simple - she wants to encourage more women onto the water. "Women make brilliant sailors and I am keen to show them how they can hold their own with the guys by using techniques instead of muscle, which is often lacking for us ladies!"

Annie started yacht sailing well over 20 years ago in Australia completely by accident. Having discovered the sport, she is fastidious about safety but also ensures everyone has fun , she says "Our aim is to always have fun whilst learning more about sailing" We have golden rules on board such as we are a calm boat at all times and there's no such thing as a stupid question.  We pretty much guarantee you will have fun with us whilst learning more about sailing, no matter what level of experience. Why not give it a go?......you won't regret it!"

Harriet has worked in the industry for 4 years starting out as a dinghy and windsurfing instructor. She joined as our apprentice Skipper in the Caribbean in 2010 and has proved to be an instant hit with our clients because of her patient and encouraging style. Back in the UK Harri is busy helping our clients get what they want out of their courses, as well as being a keen racer.

Rooby is our Chief Instructor because she is passionate about 2 things -

1) everything to do with sailing! Her quest for learning and improving is second to none.

2) ensuring she finds a way of helping you learn and retain all the knowledge required to develop along your sailing path.

Rooby has spent 8 years as an instructor, starting her career on Classic Yachts and progressing to being one of the calmest instructors we have found.  Her passion is teaching. When not instructing, you will find Rooby's quest for knowledge about yachting insatiable, always looking to learn more about techniques, equipment and anything to do with sailing!  If you are fortunate to sail with Rooby you will be rewarded with her calmness and immense knowledge about all things nautical. 

Diana is an RYA qualified YachtMaster instructor who lives on her own yacht with her husband. She is the most amazing instructor - we have never seen her surprised by anything - so calm is she!  We are very fortunate to have her amazing skills. (She is the one in the middle!)

She regularly teaches RYA Day Skipper and YachtMaster courses for us in the Solent when she takes our ladies from beginner to yachtmaster with such ease. She says that living aboard her own boat means that everything is so familiar - land is the only thing that is strange these days!

We understand when she says she really has lost count of her logged nautical miles...there are some things one doesnt ask a lady!

Penny is one of our most experienced international sailors. She has competed in most international regattas as well as coaching many ladies on their racing techniques.

"I love sailing!!  And I love racing against the boys. I have been fortunate in my career, having met fantastic people and gained many experiences.  I have competed in amazing offshore races: three Fastnets, two Middle Sea Races, one Round Britain and Ireland, and one Trans-Atlantic!!   

I particulary enjoy inshore regattas, building teams and friendships (and of course the shore side parties) all whilst doing something I love.  In working with GirlsforSail, I get the opportunity to introduce other women to this fabulous sport!!   Life doesn't get much better than a day spent on the water".    

Penny

We are delighted that we have Vikki back! Vikki is also a Yachtmaster Instructor who started her career working full time for the RYA.

She is one of our most experience yet sensitive of Instructors. She has been a Skipper and an Instructor for as long as our Company has been around (so over 10 years!). Scotland stole her for a while but she is back to coach one and all in her gentle way. She too has completed thousands of miles, raced all around the world and has a wealth of experience.

If you are lucky enough to have Vikki, she comes with an enormous smile a wealth of experience and lots of stories!

Great to have you back Vikki!