About Solent Nautical College

SNC was established by Richard Pierpoint and Sue Grey (now Mrs Pierpoint!), with the philosophy that the most beneficial way to learn and enjoy sailing or power boating is through an integrated boat access and training programme. So obvious and simple in principal, but totally unique in the market place!

For Richard sailing was a way of  life from childhood, but it stayed an amateur sport until 2005 when he changed career from Architect, having run his own Practice, RPA Associates for 16 years to opening FlexiSail. During 2006, Richard formalised his sailing skills to become a Yachtmaster Offshore and Cruising Instuctor before setting up Solent Nautical College in 2006 of which he is principal.

Sue, the daughter of a keen aviator and yachtsman, spent many a childhood holiday helping to build, maintain and sail her father’s yachts. The love of the sea remains and Sue actively manages much of the administration and social Programmes for FlexiSail and SNC.

SNC was the second part of the jigsaw puzzle following the most successful development over the previous years of FlexiSail, operating out of Hamble and Lymington with 10 yachts and a power boat and 70+ members. FlexiSail is the world’s leading boat membership programme.

With new members joining every week, from total beginner to Yachtmaster, we recognised that everyone acknowledges there is more to learn and that fulfilment comes from knowledge and experience. Experience can only be gained from practice!

We therefore provide RYA recognised training, either on your own boat, on our own training boats or on your exclusive FlexiSail boat as a member of FlexiSail. We are able to provide standard courses, one-to-one or family tuition, as well as workshops where you might join with other members and friends.

We believe that we have a winning combination of highly-specified quality, new or nearly new boats, with regular exclusive access, tuition standards second-to-none and a social programme that encompasses the whole family. We make boating an enjoyable and affordable lifestyle decision.

Solent Nautical College is headed up by our Senior Chief Instructor Alasdair Marshall.

Alasdair gained his Yachtmaster Instructor’s qualification in 2005 and has built up over 40,000 miles of experience, with 11 years in the industry. He has skippered, raced and taught on yachts, dinghies and traditional boats from 14 to 160ft.  His experience has included skippering Whirlwind, the 67 Global Challenge yacht, and Gypsy Moth.

Before that Alasdair left London UCL with a BSc degree in History and Philosophy of science, cycled across Canada, trained as a twin engine pilot and even found time to run the London Marathon on behalf of the National Autistic Society. He also is a volunteer for the Ellen MacArthur Trust.

Alasdair is characterised by his enthusiastic and energetic approach to teaching and  recognises that we all learn in different ways.

Take the time to chat with Alasdair about your aspirations and see how we can help you realise your ambitions.