At Hamble Point Yacht Charters, we’ve had the pleasure of watching many of our clients grow and develop their sailing skills over the years. But Dan Dempsey’s journey has been particularly special to us. His dedication, passion, and hard work have been truly inspiring, and we’re so proud to have played a part in his story.
A Passion for Sailing Takes Root
We first met Dan during a corporate charter aboard Seafin, our luxury 72ft motor yacht. That day, something clicked for Dan, and it didn’t take long for him to return to Hamble Point with a new goal in mind—he wanted to dive deeper into sailing.
Dan enrolled in our Hamble Point Sailing School, where he quickly got to work. Starting with the Competent Crew course, he absorbed everything he could, eager to gain as much experience as possible. Over the next couple of years, Dan worked his way up through the ranks, steadily building his skills and confidence on the water. Within two years, he achieved the impressive milestone of earning his Yachtmaster Offshore Award.
Dan shared his thoughts with us:
“Thanks for all your help over the last couple of years, which has been leading up to me getting my Yachtmaster Offshore Award. First-rate service both on the sailing school and chartering side. Looking forward to taking more boats out and going on more sailing ventures with you guys next year!”
Dan DempseyRacing, Challenges, and New Goals
Once Dan had mastered the basics, he was ready for bigger challenges. He didn’t hesitate to get involved in events like the Round the Island Race, one of the most exciting and well-known races around the UK. He also took his training to the next level in June 2019, joining Team Tigress aboard Olympia’s Tigress, a performance racer-cruiser Beneteau First 40. Sailing alongside professionals in the Solent pushed his skills even further, giving him the chance to learn from the best and experience what competitive sailing was all about.
For Dan, sailing was about much more than just completing courses—it was about testing his limits, seeking new adventures, and constantly improving his skills.
Crossing the Atlantic: A Dream Realised
But Dan’s greatest achievement was yet to come. as he set out to do something truly extraordinary—cross the Atlantic. Taking part in the Transatlantic ARC, Dan sailed 2,700 nautical miles from Gran Canaria to Saint Lucia. It’s hard to overstate just how impressive this is, as crossing the Atlantic on a small boat is a massive undertaking for even the most seasoned sailors.
For Dan, this journey culminated everything he’d worked for over the past few years, a huge testament to his commitment and passion for the sport. He was living the dream he’d been working toward since that first charter aboard Seafin.
What’s Next for Dan?
Dan’s journey is far from over. He’s already looking ahead to more adventures, more challenges, and more chances to refine his sailing skills. As he said:
“I’m looking forward to taking more boats out and going on more sailing ventures with you guys next year.”
We can’t wait to see where his sailing takes him next. Watching Dan grow from a beginner into an experienced and confident sailor has been such a joy for us. It’s stories like his that remind us why we love what we do—helping people discover and nurture their love for sailing.
We’re proud to have been a part of Dan’s journey and can’t wait for the next chapter!