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Home > Sailing > Winter Talks

Welcome to our Winter Talks

QMSC Winter Talks 2025 V3

We are delighted to welcome you to our Winter Talks, a series of inspiring and thought-provoking evenings open to everyone—members and non-members alike—and completely free of charge. The evenings will begin with food and drink service from 18:30, offering a chance to relax, mingle, and enjoy refreshments before the talks commence at 19:30.

Whether you're a regular attendee or joining us for the first time, we can’t wait to share these great evenings with you. If you plan to attend, please use the Sign-Up Forms linked below to reserve your place. Bring your curiosity and enthusiasm—we look forward to seeing you there!


Winter Talks Schedule 

  • Wednesday 29th January: David Hartshorn - Skipper/Circumnavigator on the Clipper Round The World Race.
  • Wednesday 5th February: Jon Holt & Scaramouche Sailing Trust
  • Wednesday 19th February: Simon Winkley - Windsurf Q&A session on equipment, technique and going faster.
  • Wednesday 26th February: Mark Chisnell - 'Confidence at Sea' talks about his book Knowledge 2.0 - Staying afloat in the information age.
  • Wednesday 19th March: Simon Winkley - WINGfoil Insights into technique, skill progression and current equipment development.
  • Wednesday 26th March: Tony Woods - ILCA Social Night!

David Hartshorn - Skipper/Circumnavigator on the Clipper Round The World Race 

Join David as he shares his personal views of the highs and lows of his personal quest to circumnavigate the globe by sail.

After a varied 30-year career as a police officer, including being appointed Deputy Operational Commander for the London Olympics in 2012, he finished serving in the Metropolitan Police in 2014. At the time of retirement, sailing was a leisure pursuit for David. It subsequently turned into his second career.

On completion of his Yachtmaster Offshore qualification, his mentor suggested he consider becoming a sailing instructor. He did and loved it! Subsequently, his mentor suggested he had “Found you a job with your name written all over it. Personally, it’s my idea of a living hell!”. David was handed an application to become a skipper for Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, and the rest is the story you will hear…

Click on the link to find out more about Clipper Round The World Yacht Race.

Jon Holt & Scaramouche Sailing Trust

Get ready to meet the trailblazing Jon Holt, Head of 6th Form & Sailing, and hear firsthand from the inspiring students at Greig City Academy as they share how sailing has transformed their school experience, aspirations, and sense of self!

From beginners launching their sailing journeys on a north London reservoir to expert dinghy coaching at QMSC, this program is a game-changer. It doesn’t stop there—students are pushing the limits with elite racing in Etchells and larger keelboats on the Solent!

This dynamic initiative is designed to fast-track skills development, challenge commitment, and ignite the drive to dream big. With unwavering support, it empowers students to reach their fullest potential both in and out of the classroom.

To find out more click on the link to the Scaramouche Sailing Trust Website.

Simon Winkley - WINDsurf Q&A Session on equipment, technique and going faster

The session will include a windsurf Q+A session (with interactive activities)on equipment, technique and going faster.

To find out more click on the link for Simon Winkley Marine Website.

Mark Chisnell - 'Confidence at Sea' talks about his book Knowledge 2.0 Staying Afloat in the Information Age

Mark Chisnell’s talk uses first-hand stories from the great ocean races to better understand why people get into trouble at sea, and how we could all do better to avoid it. By examining incidents in the 1979 Fastnet Race and the 1993 Sydney Hobart Race, Chisnell will explore the role of confidence – particularly too much of it – at sea, and in our lives. The material is derived from Chisnell’s recent book, Knowledge 2.0 - Staying Afloat in the Information Age, and has been featured in Yachting World, Sailing World and PBO.

Mark began sailing in Mirror and 420 dinghies before moving to 12M yachts as a navigator for the British Challenger at the 1987 America’s Cup in Fremantle. Subsequently, he raced as a professional navigator for 30 years, working and sailing with seven Cup teams, including One World, Luna Rossa, Emirates Team New Zealand and, most recently, as Rules Advisor to INEOS Britannia, winner of the Louis Vuitton Cup in 2024.

He has also written on sailing, technology and travel for magazines, newspapers and websites around the world, including Esquire, The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph. He has worked as a race commentator and analyst for the Olympics, Volvo Ocean Race, America’s Cup and the World Match Racing Tour, and is the author of five novels and eleven non-fiction books.

To find out more about Mark click the link to his website.

Simon Winkley - WINGfoil - Insights into technique, skills progression and current equipment development

Simon will provide insights into technique, skills progression & current equipment development, with a preview of PARAwinging

Tony Woods: ILCA Social 

Annual fun, social evening - All are welcome!