In today’s ‘Meet the OYT Scotland volunteers’ we meet volunteer, board member, and medical advisor to the Trust: Dr David Murray MBE
⛵ Q: How long have you been a volunteer with OYTS & what is your role?
A: I’ve been volunteering for just over 10 years and sail as a volunteer First Mate.
⛵ Q: What and with whom was your first sailing experience & what made you come back for more?
A: I taught myself to sail by buying a boat and a book on “teach yourself sailing” when I moved to live beside the sea in 1985. That is NOT the best way to learn! In Spring ’09 I had an induction voyage on Alba Venturer. Later that summer I crewed on a fund-raising voyage on Alba Endeavour. We sailed from Wick to the Lofoten Isles and back to Peterhead in 10 days. I experienced what it’s like to be part of a watch.
⛵ Q: Proudest/most memorable sailing moment?
A: Two things come to mind – one was struggling back on hands and knees after a head sail change with young lad along the deck of Alba Explorer. Waves and spray were soaking us and running down our necks. I was worried about him and later asked him how he was. He said “That’s the best thing I’ve ever done in my life.” The other was watching the reaction of two teachers on a recent CashBack for Communities trip as they listened to the young people talk about how their confidence and self esteem had grown in just five days.
⛵ Q: What made you start volunteering with OYT Scotland?
A: My wife and I have three sons, all of whom took part in separate voyages on Alba Venturer. We were taken aback by how much they had “grown up” after just one week aboard. That was 20years ago. It took a while before I was able to volunteer.
⛵ Q: If you were a boat, what kind of boat would you be & why?
Get to know the OYT Scotland Volunteers! ⛵A: I’d be a bilge keeled Westerly Fulmar. Maybe getting a bit long in the tooth, but if well maintained can be reliable, fairly sturdy and practical. Can still surprise people with lively performance, is quite accommodating and quite forgiving!