Craig has sailed Young 88's for over 20 years and loves to spend time mucking around with whatever will make Flying Machine Faster. With an impressive amount of regatta wins and other placings under his belt he takes racing and cruising with friends and family very seriously
Nicci Blain - Crew and Owner
If it's helming, crewing or kicking Craig out of the house to go sailing, Nicci is the most important part of Flying Machine. Nicci loves crewing and loves a quiet house when the rest of the family are out sailing. The balance is awesome and it works for all.
Flying Machine - Y88
Flying Machine is a Young 88 keeler with many wins to her name.
As the deaf one of the crew due to the sound proof mast, Andrew is the master of the front of the boat. His slight frame makes him the perfect weight to bounce around the bow and his subtle hand signals let the rest of the crew know that they have been heard and the message has been noted and will be taken into consideration in due course!
Sam Jones - Main, Keyboards, Foredeck etc.
Usually found on main sheet, Sam will jump into any position when needed. His passion for sailing epitomises Team Machine. He loves getting out sailing so will put his hand up for delivery trips, racing and cruising. With a busy home and work life, Sam still seems to be able to be available to crew in most regatta's - he is Flying Machine's self titled "Rail Whale" making up for some of lighter frames on board.
Sarah White - Trimmer, Foredeck and Tactician etc.
Like all of the crew, Sarah is talented at all positions on Flying Machine but usually is found flying the kite and trimming the headsail. Having sailed extensively in the UK, Sarah is the cool and calm professional who loves nothing more than a good close race and hard fought win.
Seamus Tredinnick - Trimmer, Strategist, etc.
Seamus is a very talented sailor with a wealth of experience with knowledge of many different race locations, conditions and yachts. Keen on winning his quick thinking and youthful exuberance is a balance to the helmsman’s patient and concentrated approach making for a powerful afterguard combination. His other great love is wearing shorts that are often mistaken as pyjama pants.
Vaughan Johnson - Main, Trimmer, Strategist etc.
Versatile, experienced and competitive Vaughan loves sailing and is always thinking of the next best move on and off the boat. Often found with his shirt off, Vaughan spends a lot of time in the Sounds on his own 35ft yacht but will travel half way around the world for a serious race. Referred to as Capt. Jack Sparrow for being the worst pirate ever - but you have heard of him.
Pete Hollow - Foredeck etc.
Pete is a veteran Flying Machine Sailor with considerable skill and experience on the bow. Recently married and with a new business building he fits crewing in where possible. If you can support his business more so he can hire more staff and get back on the boat then that would be just great.
Blake Grindley-Jones - Foredeck and Mast
Blake is the youngest member of the crew at 14 and loves to race yachts, whether it's his P-Class Riff-Raff or on Flying Machine. He is always keen for a delivery trip and is currently learning all roles on the boat so he is set up for a future in yacht racing.
Craig Owers – Foredeck and general
Craig O has been part of Team Machine for nearly as long as Craig E. A regular part of the offshore, regatta and social crew, Craig O is most at home at the sharp end of the boat. Skilled, capable and proficient (especially for an Accountant) he also has a wit as sharp as his pencil.
Kelly Hutchings - Trimmer, Mast, etc.
Kelly does anything needed on the boat and does it well. Usually quietly spoken, Kelly can sort anything out and loves a good yacht race. Having crewed on a number of boats, if work isn't taking up his time he will put his hand up to crew on Flying Machine. Luckily he is married or the single guys on the crew wouldn't stand a chance after the race.