ABOUT THIS LOFT

Charles grew up messing about in boats on the Isle of Wight, UK, often cruising across the English Channel to France. He renovated one of the old 1948 Olympic Firefly dinghies and raced it in the local fleet. He also started doing channel races on the first Swan 36 Carte Blanche which is still competing in Swan regattas today.

In 1970 having worked in marine Insurance in the city of London he was chosen as the boatswain of the RORC’s Club boat Griffin 111 a Holman 48 footer. This was quite an experience as there was a different skipper and crew for each race.The boat took part in all the RORC races around the UK and Irish coast, including sailing out to Malta for the Middle Sea Race. After this experience Charles decided to learn sail cutting working for Lucas and Banks sails on the South coast. During this time he raced on various Swans and Quarter tonners.

In 1976 he started his own business in Guernsey Channel Islands, which he ran for seven years, taking part in the busy local racing programme with his J24 which he raced at Cowes with success. Moondog won the British Quarter Ton championship with his sails.

After settling in Australia in 1983 he started his business again in the Whitsunday’s making sails and covers for the local racing and charter boats as well as providing a repair service. He has continued to race on various boats including his own boat Reignition which he finished building in 1996. Having sold it he bought it back in 2009.