Simon, better known as Lovely in the sailing world, started sailing at a young age on dingys and cruising with family. While studying economics and politics at university most reading weeks were devoted to obtaining the RYA certificates which eventually led to a career as a professional sailor.

Having spent a few years of uncertainty working in various roles such as Assistant Drugs Coordinator for HM Prisons South of England, ski resort manager Chamonix and 2 years working in advertising in London, Simon decided to pursue his passion for sailing.

For 3 and a half years Simon worked for Mike Golding Yacht Racing as skipper of the Challenge 67 yacht on a variety of projects including, corporate hospitality days, team building programmes and sponsorship support. Simon also ran the Challenge 67 operation on shore and was responsible for logistics and achieving revenue targets.

During his time at Mike Golding’s team Simon also helped with refits on the Open 60 and was a regular crew member on deliveries to and from race starts and finishes, among which there comprised 2 Transatlantics.

For Pindar Ocean Racing on their Volvo 60, Simon was skipper for Cowes week in 2005 and later in 2006 helped deliver the yacht from Southampton to Antigua and then competed in the Newport Bermuda Race on board.

Simon also worked on the Open 60 Hellomotto and competed in the 2005 Fastnet Race on board.

Prior to joining the Artemis team Simon was the project manager / boat captain for Sir Robin Knox Johnston who most recently successfully completed his round the world campaign on Saga Insurance in the Velux 5 Oceans Race.

Simon is a keen sportsman and enjoys, mountain biking, skiing / mountaineering, squash and a spot of fly fishing from time to time.