In today’s “Meet the OYT Scotland Volunteers” we focus on an all round legend and close front-runner for Birdseye’s last campaign…
Today’s volunteer: Jonathan Stearn
⛵ Q: How long have you been a volunteer with OYTS and what is your role as a volunteer?
A: 14 and a bit years. I first sailed with Malcolm Macarthur as Skipper on an Aberdeen Shore Group Weekend in September 2005. I am now a Volunteer Skipper and, in my spare time, serve on the Board, The Safety Committee, the Training Committee and the Northeast Shore Group.
⛵ What and with whom was your first sailing experience and A: what made you come back for more?
As a child, sitting in the bottom of a rather leaky, carvel built ‘dinghy’ (it lived on a mooring) on the Deben Estuary with my parents.
⛵ Q: Proudest or most memorable sailing moment?
A: Pride comes before a fall! Most memorable: Changing a headsail in a strong wind, in the middle of the Thames Estuary at night, and looking up to see a large steel navigation buoy right ahead and rather close!
⛵ Q: What made you start volunteering with OYT Scotland?
A: My son went on an OYT Scotland voyage with Banchory Academy and had a good time.
⛵ Q: What is your favourite part of being a volunteer with OYT Scotland?
A: Being able to introduce young people to the great experience of sailing, and share it with them and the other volunteers.
⛵ Q: If you were a boat, what kind of boat would you be and why?
A: A Challenge boat – (Well, who doesn’t want to be strong, sexy, much loved, well looked after and have travelled the world).
*This photograph was taken on Alba Explorer in July 2009, very late in the evening, approaching the volcano Snaefellsjokull in the west of Iceland. The start of a Journey to the centre of the earth!