The Crew
Dan is a very experienced full time professional skipper, with over 250,000 nautical miles made under various keels, including around 30 transatlantics, 3 transpacifics, multiple Caribbean circuits, and several laps of the Mediterranean. His relaxed, fun and enthusiastic approach as skipper is matched by his dedication and expertise in the galley. A range of culinary delights always appear from the galley regardless of the prevailing conditions!
Emily is a real water baby, there are few places that she hasn't sailed with over 250,000 nautical miles covered! Very much at home at sea, she has sailed 26 transatlantics, crossed the pacific four times and taken part in the RORC round Britain and Ireland race - a fun challenge as skipper of an all female crew. She has also spent many years on Global Challenge yachts, most notably sailing from the UK to Antarctica in 1999.
In 2014 Dan and Em sailed Skyelark from the UK to Thailand via the Panama Canal, a great adventure thoroughly enjoyed by all the clients that joined them. During this time, Dan & Em wrote a 12 month 'Bluewater Masterclass' series for the UK sailing magazine Yachting World, available online here. Yachting World also joined Skyelark in Fiji to make a complementary series of short tuitional videos. Dan & Em also regularly help on panels and discussions to share advice for aspiring sailing adventurers.
2017-2018 was spent completing a full circumnavigation with the World ARC, starting and finishing in St Lucia. Without doubt the best way to sail the world with likeminded people. Countless beautiful places to explore combined with warm trade wind sailing made this a trip of a lifetime. The World ARC 2020 was cut short in Tahiti due to COVID-19, but since then another full circumnavigation in 2024-2025 has taken place on Skyelark 2, another amazing experience for all involved.
'Having owned and worked on Skyelark from 2008–2020, and Skyelark 2 from 2020, we have a thorough knowledge of the boat and the waters we sail in. On Skyelark 2 we form the perfect team, both working together to ensure that every detail is taken care of. Whether we are cruising and exploring beautiful islands, visiting remote cruising grounds or crossing oceans, we excel at providing you with a fun, safe and memorable experience.'
Dan & Emily
