I have been teaching both shorebased and practical courses on the RYA Yachtmaster (Sail) scheme up to Yachtmaster Ocean for 30 years, both on the South coast and around Scotland. In addition, as skipper of a 55’ yacht, I have spent months teaching informally; normally most of the crew are novices, and not only have little or no experience of sailing, but no experience of working on a 25 tonne yacht where everything has to be done as a team and it hurts if you get it wrong. From 1997 to 2000, I was the RYA Principal at Her Majesty’s Naval Base on the Clyde, where there was a very high turnover of staff, due to the majority being away at sea for months at a time. This required a very careful management of resources, to make sure that there were enough instructors and students for any given course, as they were all away at sea at different times.I have also taught and examined RYA VHF/SRC radio courses for 24 years.I live near Inverness and am now the Chief Instructor (Sail) at Compass Sea School in Inverness, teaching RYA practical sailing courses and doing own boat tuition. I have also just qualified as an RYA Powerboat Instructor.

I have moved to the Inverness area, and can give talks to various groups and businesses about my Army career and Sark among others. If you would like to find out more about the topics I offer, email me at mandie@thebuzzgroupbemore.co.uk

Business mentor in the health and wellness industry

Senior army manager responsible for the training and policy direction of 2,000 Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Territorial Army personnel. Also provides advice and guidance to senior managers in the Army, especially as regards future structures and training for operations.

Delivering up to date and relevant training, and also carrying out assurance to ensure it is carried out to the highest standards

Manager of a University organisation providing leadership training and development for students at weekends and evenings. Managed 25 staff and up to 250 students. Responsible for overseeing all training and administration, and working to a tight budget while still providing challenging and innovative training.

Various roles including selection of potential officers, training others in selection processes, and running military courses.

Various roles in mixed engineering environments, and commanding both an artillery and a transport workshop, which included one of only two searchlights units in the British Army. Responsible for all aspects of running a technical repair facility, including technical training, engineering standards and health and safety. Equipments ranged from the Challenger MBT to searchlights and rifles.