Who we are

Who We Are

The Boleh Trust is very fortunate to have been faithfully and efficiently served by a succession of committed and capable volunteers. They range from the starry eyed individuals who brought Boleh back from Majorca, to the Trustees who formed the Trust in 2009, to the Project Team and shipwrights who set up an apprentice school to restore Boleh, and now to our skippers, mates and support team who deliver our charitable sailing programmes.

The Team

Our Trustees, Project Team And Those Who Helped Us Along

Here you can meet the Trustees, the Project Team and those who have helped us along the way. We are also supported by a wonderful crew of volunteer skippers, mates and support staff.

If you have any questions about Boleh or would just like to know more about our Project, please contact any one of us through this site.

BOLEH’s PATRON AND TRUSTEES

Chris Laws
Chairman
Though widely travelled during his academic career, Chris has followed Boleh’s progress for many years. He is a keen sailor and served as Commodore of the local sailing club. An Emeritus Professor of sport, health and exercise science, Chris has served on Government committees and is a former YMCA trustee. With a strong interest in the development and education of young people, he is keen to further these with the Boleh Trust.
Vice Admiral Sir David Steel
Patron of the The Boleh Trust
Sir David retired from the Royal Navy in March 2015 after serving in uniform for thirty six years. A Logistics Officer by specialisation but also trained as a barrister. As Naval Secretary and then as Second Sea Lord Sir David became acquainted with the work of the Boleh Trust through his former commanding officer, George Middleton. After a period as Trustee, Sir David is now Patron of the Boleh Trust.
Richard Metcalfe
Vice Chair
Richard is a regular volunteer Skipper, a Cruising Instructor and Ocean Yacht Master, and conducts Boleh ‘inductions’ for potential Skippers and Mates. With his own business and his sailing experience he has much to offer the Trust, focussing particularly on exploiting opportunities in the sailing programme.
Caroline Middleton
Caroline is a practising Barrister specialising in family law. Her sailing experience includes time spent on the classic French Pilot Cutter "Jolie Brise", an Atlantic crossing, and numerous family sailing escapades. Her work encompasses dealing with care cases which gives her a good insight into the needs of those facing challenge in their lives.
Mark Minshull
A Chartered Mechanical Engineer and Programme Manager who has been involved in ship-build and ship support programmes across the globe. Mark has sailed all his life, first in dinghies and more recently in cruisers. First came across Boleh in 2007 at the start of the rescue mission but a ‘chance encounter’ with the team in 2017 captured my fascination for her. Delighted to now have the opportunity to contribute to this fantastic project.
Toby Marris
Toby Marris is Sailing Master of the Dauntsey's School world famous pilot cutter "Jolie Brise". He is Chairman of Tall Ships International, an RYA Examiner on the board of ASTO, and hugely knowledgeable about all aspects of sail training. He brings a wealth of sailing and sail training experience and sea sense to the Trust.
Brook White
Hon Treasurer
Brook’s passion for sailing started with the Scouts and led him to dinghies, windsurfers and more recently Round The Island Races. After Royal Navy service, becoming a Submarine Navigator, he moved to project management and property development. A Lee-on-Solent resident and past Chair of the local Scout Group, Brook is involved in youth work and rents out his hydrotherapy pool, built with his father, to local community groups.
David Critchley
Recently retired after 35 years teaching Classics, David learnt to sail as a Naval Cadet Force volunteer and was for some years a dinghy instructor on the HMS Bristol Summer Camps. He recently published an account of the three WW1 Naval War Memorials in The Naval Review. David now plays a key role in the Trust’s fundraising campaigns as a Trustee and is also a regular Boleh volunteer Mate.
Nigel Craine
Nigel is an RYA Offshore Yachtmaster who has sailed since childhood and is passionate about anything to do with the sea. He’s worked in the marine leisure business for over 40 years and was first introduced to Boleh in 2021. He enjoys being part of the Boleh team and feels privileged to skipper this classic yacht, helping people realise the simple joys of being afloat. As a Trustee, Nigel brings his commercial knowledge and skills to the team.
Ant Atkinson-Willes
Hon Secretary
Ant is Secretary to the Trustees and a member of the Fund-Raining Team. Recently retired at an Army Full-Time Reservist, he brings a background of Quality Assurance, Management Training, Risk Management and Army Offshore Sailing. An RYA-qualified Day Skipper, he serves as Mate on Boleh enabling him to share his love of ‘being on the water’ with Boleh’s guests; keeping them focussed on learning and working together.

BOLEH’S PROJECT TEAM

Chris Austin
Schools Lead
Chartered Civil Engineer who has lived and worked in Australia, Libya and Oman. Has experienced various roles in engineering, project management, training and sales and marketing. The opportunity to share his training experience, and a wish to help young people achieve their goals, inspired Chris to be part of the Boleh Trust. A founder member of the Trust and former Vice Chair, he now supports the Team as a volunteer.
Craig Coupe
Operations Director
Yachtmaster (Offshore), Yachtmaster Instructor, DofE Award Assessor, and a passionate sailor from childhood, Craig has worked in the outdoor educational sector since leaving the Royal Navy. Most recently Head of a busy, integrated outdoor department at an Independent School, he brings management and business development skills to the Boleh Project, together with a passion for getting young people afloat.
David Hafield
Technical Advisor
A Chartered Electrical and Marine Engineer and Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology. A 37 year career in the Royal Navy as a nuclear propulsion specialist has now given way to more sailing opportunities as a Skipper and Mate with young people through the Boleh Trust and Sea Cadets. David also lends his electrical experience to help with the complex task of keeping Boleh’s systems running.
George Middleton
Heritage Lead
Nephew of Robin Kilroy, past Skipper of Boleh and Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights. Chairman of the Boleh Trust from inception in 2009 to 2021, overseeing Boleh’s transformation from restoration project to MCA coded sail training vessel. He now supports the Team as a volunteer leading on Boleh’s heritage and the website upgrade. Hon Life President.
Graham Westbrook
Naval Architect
Graham is a Project Naval Architect who has been 'messing about with boats' since being given a book about sailing as a prize at junior school. Has been involved in the design, construction and operation of a wide range of boats, yachts and ships with a particular interest in wooden sailing vessels of all sizes. Originally contracted to oversee Boleh’s restoration, he now continues to support Boleh as a volunteer.

THOSE WHO HELPED US ALONG

We have been hugely fortunate throughout the project, to have had such fantastic people helping the project along. From advice on putting our funding together, to creating a real community involved project and excellent technical skills; the Boleh Trustee's are extremly grateful for each individual's commitment.

Henry Middleton
Former Chairman
A nephew of Robin Kilroy, Henry spent 30 years in the RAF, retiring as a Group Captain. Second career as Bursar of Dauntsey's School in Wiltshire where duties included the oversight of the operation of "Jolie Brise" the school's famous 1913 French Pilot Cutter. Has a passion for sailing and how that can benefit young people, no doubt born from his childhood spent family sailing in "Boleh". Hon Life President.
Simon Springett
Served for many years as a Trustee
A commando trained Royal Navy chaplain and keen offshore sailor, Simon first got to know Boleh in 2016: “I was hooked by the strength and beauty of her classic junk hull and her unique rig, and even more by her inspirational story. As a skipper, and now a Trustee, it is a privilege to see new generations of young people learning that they, also, Can Do.”
Kevin Hood
Former Lead Skipper
Kevin served in the Royal Navy over a 28 year career. Moved subsequently to EDF Energy as their Head of Reward and then later retraining for his current role teaching sailing. He is a Commercial Yachtmaster Ocean and Yachtmaster Instructor who works for a number of charities and sailing schools in the South of the country. His contribution to establishing Boleh as an MCA-coded sail training vessel was critical to the success of the Boleh Trust.
Tim Gallier
Production Manager
Tim supported the Apprentices in developing their skills and knowledge during the restoration. In particular the issuing of job cards and the scheduling of work on the shop floor, allowing them to participate fully in Boleh’s restoration and at the same time being able to provide evidence for their NVQ assessment. Towards the end of the restoration, Tim made a major contribution to the Project in managing completion against challenging timescales.
Dave Reason
Shipwright
Dave served his apprenticeship in Portsmouth Naval Base from 1967-1973, since then he worked as a boatbuilder on both old and new boats in most of the local firms. Dave started with the Boleh Project at the beginning of April 2013 and completed the restoration, taking particular care of the Apprentices. We regret that we have since heard that Dave died recently.
Peter Spurge
Shipwright
Peter is a yacht and boat builder by trade, with time served at Westerly Marine, Northshore Yachts and Emsworth boatyard. He has also spent time with Halmatic and Premier yachts, where he worked on custom yachts worth anything up to £2million. Peter joined the Boleh Project to concentrate on laying the teak deck with fantastic results.
Carl Standley
Shipwright
Following an apprenticeship at Camper and Nicholsons in Gosport, Carl has gone on to dedicate his career to the boatbuilding industry. He joined the Boleh Project from his most recent position at the small boat section of BAE Systems where he was responsible for the constructions of RIBs and other watercraft.
Sara Lamond
Served for many years as a Trustee
Following Royal Navy service, Sara worked in the Defence Sector in various roles including Commercial, Business Development and Corporate Communications. She now runs her own wedding and event floral design business in Hampshire. As a Trustee, Sara was responsible for Marketing and PR and made a fantastic contribution, recently managing the launch of our new website with wonderful results.
Andy Murray
Transition Manager
Andy was the Transition Manager for the Boleh Trust and helped to take an inspiring vessel from her restoration into operating as a Sail Training vessel in the Portsmouth area. Andy spent a number of years working at sea in both the superyacht and sail training industries and runs his own marine consultancy business Ocean Tempus Consulting.
Sophia Mirchandani
Served for many years as a Trustee
Sophia is a museum professional with over 25 years' experience in the heritage and cultural sectors. Has a particular interest in the imaginative reuse and development of heritage buildings and assets to meet new social and cultural needs. First became involved in helping Boleh secure HLF funding when she was part of the team developing plans for her restoration and furture use.
Guy Fithen
Served for many years as a Trustee
Runs Vox, a media and coaching business based in London. Amazed to hear about the recovery and restoration plans for junk-yatch Boleh from George Middleton, as it turned out that as a boy growing up in Singapore, Guy bought a dog-eared copy of Robin's book, 'Boleh' on Changi market and it was this book that inspired him to learn to sail.
David Knight
Served for many years as a Trustee
Widely involved in the agricultural industry as a fruit farmer, director of several grain and fruit cooperatives and in rural management consultancy. Sailing experience extends over 50 years with dinghy and yacht racing as well as restoration of a large oyster smack. Considered it a privilege to be involved with such a project and played a key role as Chairman of Boleh’s restoration Design Group.
Katy Bater
Project Coordinator
Katy, pictured on the left, served 5 years in the Royal Navy and then worked in Zimbabwe as a volunteer on a Lion rehabilitation programme. Joining the Boleh Project when the HLF funded Apprentice School was established, she managed the Project on a day to day basis and was the main contact for all things Boleh. On moving to the National Museum of the Royal Navy she supported us as a website and social media volunteer. Now a Senior Project Manager with BAE Systems.
Brian Taylor
Project Shipwright
Brian started working with the Boleh Project in March 2011, overseeing both the rebuild and the hands on training of the apprentices. Throughout his 50 year career in the boat building industry, he has worked on numerous boat projects all around the world, from small scale production craft to super yachts. A key player in bringing Boleh back to life.
Sam Bromley
Website Manager
Alongside working in the marketing team at Leeds Castle in Kent and raising a young family, Sam volunteered to help the Boleh Trust from 2019 to 2022. Despite the challenges of Covid, he ensured the ongoing upkeep of the Boleh website and the regular update of our social media channels with the latest news.
Piers Middleton
Served for many years as a Trustee
Director of Clarksons, Shipbrokers, with responsibility for new build and offshore support vessels for the oil industry. Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights. Keen sailor who finds time between travel on business and a young family to run marathons raising money for the Boleh Trust. Founder Trustee, involved in the original 2007 'rescue' and the recovery of Boleh from Mallorca for restoration in Portsmouth.
Catherine Mylet
Former Trustee
Catherine was Hon Secretary of the Boleh Trust and a Trustee until illness forced her to resign. She worked in the interior design industry for many years and was the creator of Farrow and Ball’s famed 'Middleton Pink'! Her love of sailing and the sea goes back a long way..
Michael Ricketts
Served for many years as a Trustee
Michael Ricketts was a Founder Trustee who helped set up the Boleh Trust in 2009. He was an invaluable legal Trustee supporting us through the complex period of Boleh’s restoration in Portsmouth with Heritage Lottery funding. He served for six years, retiring in October 2015 when Boleh was back in the water and operational.
The Gwennili Trust
The support of Captain Chris Williams RN and the Gwennili Trust he founded was absolutely critical in getting the Boleh Trust up and running as a charitable sailing operator. The Gwennili Trust was our first and most important customer. From the outset we benefited from their willing assistance with standards and procedures, helpful contacts, professional Skippers, and personal encouragement. We are very grateful for their help.
Pete Green
Halcyon Yachts
Founder and MD of the respected yacht delivery company Halcyon Yachts, Pete arranged delivery of the restored and MCA coded Boleh to Falmouth in 2016. A commercially endorsed RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachtmaster Instructor, Pete later became closely involved in developing all aspects of Boleh's sailing operation and management. His expert advice and Halcyon's professional crews helped establish the Boleh Trust as a successful sail training charity
Jason Rankin
Apprentice and Shipwright
Jason was already an Apprentice when Boleh arrived at Henderson Road in 2008. He then worked with Richard Uttley to strip down Boleh and embark on her lengthy restoration. After qualifying as a Shipwright Jason was employed by Tim Gilmore at Birdham Pool. Here he again found himself working on the restored Boleh during her winter maintenance periods. Finally, Jason has made himself available to carry out minor repairs and last minute alterations to Boleh at her Haslar base.
Richard Uttely
Master Shipwright
A Master Shipwright with experience of previous restorations, Richard was recruited in 2008 to lead 'Project Boleh'.
Faced with the unexpected collapse of our host organisation, Meridian Sail Training Trust, he managed successfully to continue the major undertaking of stripping out and repairing Boleh. Later, when the Boleh Trust had been formed, he helped set up the Apprentice Training School at Henderson Road to continue the restoration of Boleh.
Bob Hunt
Shipwright
Bob joined the Boleh Team at Henderson Road at a critical point in Boleh's restoration when major systems were being installed. A versatile and highly experienced shipwright he was able to make a huge contribution in all areas of the Boleh work programme. Bob is seen here, with electrician John Floyd on his left, having successfully installed the drive train for Boleh's electric propulsion. He stayed with us until the Project was completed and then moved to instruct students at the International Boatbuilding College
Tim Gilmore
Tim Gilmore Ltd
Founder of Tim Gilmore Shipwrights, Tim is seen on the right with our Naval Architect Graham Westbrook puzzling over Boleh's Generator. Employer at some stage of many of the highly skilled shipwrights in the local area, Tim took an interest in the Project from an early stage and was engaged to build and mount Boleh's unique quadruped mast. Subsequently his yard at Birdham Pool has been involved in Boleh's major winter maintenance and Tim himself is always available for advice and encouragement.