Sharing a lifetime’s passion for sailing, boats and the sea
A qualified IIMS marine surveyor and RYA commercial skipper based in St Martin in the Caribbean, Sam will support you with:
- yacht surveys
- yacht systems advice
- sail and yacht management training
- sales & purchase assistance
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what we do
Sam offers the following personalised services:
Small Yacht Surveys
Sam is an IIMS trained surveyor of small vessels – up to 24m – specialising in fibreglass vessels and yacht system installations. Contact her if you need a:
If buying a boat is a significant investment for you, it pays to get an expert inspection of her before handing over your cash…
Carried out for the owner of a boat under a charter-purchase contract at the end of the charter period, this inspection confirms the remedial works necessary to bring the vessel to a standard commensurate with her age and usage.
A must before any long voyage and, as a minimum, every 5 years with the mast at ground level so that every tiny part can be properly inspected…
Most insurers will ask you for a survey report and valuation when you buy your boat, and at fixed intervals afterwards…
If you’re thinking of re-registering your boat under a new flag, know that many flag states require a tonnage measurement…
Usually requested by an insurer if you make a claim, this inspection advises the extent of the damage and approximate repair costs…
Useful for prospective buyers who are not on the island, a supportive interface between you and a broker/seller.
Professional Skippering
Holder of a Commercially Endorsed RYA Yachtmaster Offshore for over 20 years and an RYA Cruising Instructor, Sam has sailed extensively in the Caribbean and Mediterranean and in some parts of South East Asia, the Atlantic coast of Europe, the North Sea and USA. She is available for select:
Your sailing holiday should be a stress free experience, so let a professional skipper take weight off your shoulders…
If you need to move your boat and would prefer to have a professional on board…
Getting to know a new boat can be stressful, take some private lessons and get a head start…
Other Boaty Help
With 30 years of sailing boat ownership, Sam can help with:
Let me help you through the minefield of choices, whether remotely or in person; whittling down the best options, pre-inspection reports, valuation guidance…
Discuss your refit needs and get help in managing your projects on the island of Sint Maarten/St Martin…
Ensure your rewiring, plumbing, steering or engine installation meets recommended installation standards…
Don’t put your boat on the market without our helpful guidance; we’ll show you how to get the best return, and broker your sale if you wish …
About Sam
In 1992, I inherited a partially built hull from my Dad, who’s dream had been to sail around the world. The boat took me seven years to finish and every penny I earned during that time.
I’ve been sailing ever since – from Scotland to the Mediterranean, in SE Asia and, for the last 13 years, in the Caribbean. What started as a promise to my father has become my lifetime passion.
I’m a sailor, commercial skipper, a small yacht surveyor and I’ve built, sailed, refitted, owned and maintained sailing boats for 30 years… and I love it!
On this site I hope you find something to inspire and help you on your sailing journey.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM ME
The role of a Marine Surveyor and Professional Skipper carries a weight of responsibility, and is not one which I undertake lightly. The subjects are vast and all of my qualifications are current and updated as required.
PROFESSIONALISM
I will respond promptly to your queries, be on time for meetings, treat you and your vessel with respect, and honour your privacy. I commit to maintaining my level of knowledge to enable my best work.
INTEGRITY
I will never promise to undertake something for which I am neither experienced nor qualified, and I will respond openly and honestly to questions. I will work to the best of my ability at all times.
INDEPENDENCE
I work solely for my contracted client; I have no affiliation with any sales brokers, insurers, boat-owners, yards or marine technicians. I will report what I find and I will not undertake work where I have a conflict of interest.
Testimonials
We were new to sailing and (recklessly!) bought a charter boat without seeing it. We relied upon Sam to do an honest and thorough survey and we were not disappointed.
She went the extra mile, was extremely helpful and kept us up to date through the process.
Chris Constance
UK
We have met Sam in Saint Martin; she did our survey very precaise and professionally.
She knew what to look for, having a lot of knowledge in boat construction and systems.
Highly recommended!
Meeka Yari-Levi
Israel
Sam was excellent and caring. She assessed our boat and assisted with excellent sub contractors when on the hard for our annual haul out. Cannot recommended enough!
Ryan Duminy
SA
FROM THE BLOG
Making Sense of Used Sailboat Listings
Discovering Hidden Gems: Where to Find Old Boats for Sale Cheap
BLOG TOPICS
Whether you’re contemplating your next sailing holiday destination, pondering the best boat to buy for your budget, or thinking about replacing your bilge pumps, you’ll find helpful independent tips here.
Small Yacht Surveys
Sam is an IIMS trained surveyor of small vessels – up to 24m – specialising in fibreglass vessels and yacht system installations. Contact her if you need a:
Pre-Purchase Survey
If buying a boat is a significant investment for you, it pays to get an expert inspection of her before handing over your cash…
Charter Phase Out
Carried out for the owner of a boat under a charter-purchase contract at the end of the charter period, this inspection confirms the remedial works necessary to bring the vessel to a standard commensurate with her age and usage.
Rigging Inspection
A must before any long voyage and, as a minimum, every 5 years with the mast at ground level so that every tiny part can be properly inspected…
Insurance Condition Report & Valuation
Most insurers will ask you for a survey report and valuation when you buy your boat, and at fixed intervals afterwards…
Tonnage Measurement
If you’re thinking of re-registering your boat under a new flag, know that many flag states require a tonnage measurement…
Damage Assessment
Usually requested by an insurer if you make a claim, this inspection advises the extent of the damage and approximate repair costs…
Vessel Walkthrough
Useful for prospective buyers who are not on the island, a supportive interface between you and a broker/seller.
Professional Skippering
Holder of a Commercially Endorsed RYA Yachtmaster Offshore for over 20 years and an RYA Cruising Instructor, Sam has sailed extensively in the Caribbean and Mediterranean and in some parts of South East Asia, the Atlantic coast of Europe, the North Sea and USA. She is available for select:
Charter Skippering
Your sailing holiday should be a stress free experience, so let a professional skipper take weight off your shoulders…
Yacht Deliveries
If you need to move your boat and would prefer to have a professional on board…
Own Boat Tuition
Getting to know a new boat can be stressful, take some private lessons and get a head start…
Other Boaty Help
With 30 years of sailing boat ownership, Sam can help with:
Yacht Buying Assistance
Let me help you through the minefield of choices, whether remotely or in person; whittling down the best options, pre-inspection reports, valuation guidance…
Refit Consultation & Management
Discuss your refit needs and get help in managing your projects on the island of Sint Maarten/St Martin…
Systems Installation Guidance
Ensure your rewiring, plumbing, steering or engine installation meets recommended installation standards…
Yacht Sales Assistance
Don’t put your boat on the market without our helpful guidance; we’ll show you how to get the best return, and broker your sale if you wish …