Paul Sleeman
Boats have been part of my family life life since childhood. I can clearly remember conversations around the dinner table relating to boats and sailing, much to the annoyance of my mother! During my career I have built canal boats, worked in a joinery workshop making doors and windows.
In my spare time I have refurbished several classes of sailing dinghy. I started sailing Albacores and went on to sail several other dinghies, eventually returning to Albacores, sailing them as much as work allowed. During this time I also became an RYA senior sailing instructor and powerboat instructor.
I have now fitted out over forty five Ovington Albacores, three with wooden decks and one with wooden buoyancy tanks and decks. I have also fitted out Enterprises, Fireflys (over 100), K1’s, K2’s , K6’s, Squibs and Vipers 640 (about 100). I have restored several other boats with new woodwork, painting and varnishing.
Jacqui Sleeman
I was introduced to sailing well before I married Paul and have been employed making any parts that require sewing i.e. toe straps, padded rudder bags, spin socks, spinnaker bags, halyard bags, etc. I am also his general dogs-body, fitting in tasks where needed.