Gothik Crew

Nico Shipman

Owner and Skipper. Aside from a bath once-in-a-while and the occasional visit to the local watering hole, Nico was on board for the entire trip.

Keith S

First Mate. Nico's uncle. Not knowing what he let himself in for, Keith was also on board for the entire trip.

Ben S

Crew. Nico's cousin. The youngest member of the team. Ben was on board for approximately six weeks from Neyland in Pembrokeshire to Ullapool in the far NW of Scotland. He was a great hand at cooking too.

Keith H

Crew. Keith is Phil's father-in-law and famous for inventing that well-known device, the Moorfast gaff hook. He joined us from the start of the trip and was with us for nearly two weeks from Brightlingsea to the Isles of Siclly. He is now a changed man and sports a beard (much to the joy of his wife).

Phil T

Crew. Phil lives down the road. He was co-owner of Gothik until a new member of the family arrived. His lovely wife graciously loaned him for two weeks for the Orkney's, Shetland and Fair Isle. Unfortunately work intervened and he was only able to be with us from Kinlochbervie to Stromness.

William C

Crew. Will is an old friend with whom I've shared many experiences. His excellent nature lifted all forboding spirits as we approached Cape Wrath in the far NW of Scotland. Too bad he wasn't on board when we rounded it. He joined us from Ullapool to Kinlochbervie.

David C

Crew. David is Will's father and also joined us from Ullapool to Kinlochbervie. This was a sensational effort to travel so far to meet us for a few days sailing. Although we spent no 'gale days' in port we sadly had no wind for the best part of their stay and had to use the engine.

Chris D

Crew. One of my father's best friends. Chris is the owner of a Corribee (a proper boat constructed of wood) and sails from Woodbridge, Suffolk. Chris was on board from Newcatsle to Aldeburgh and helped us navigate the bar at the entrance to the River Ore.

Ian S

Crew. Nico's father and brother to Keith S. Seemed a tad nervous about signing up but he would have been dearly missed if he hadn't come along. He was on the trip from Newcastle to Lowestoft.

Brent P

Crew. Brent is another ex work colleague. He competed in a full 'Iron Man' triathlon this year and I'm not sure if he ever made it back from the States (where are you Brent?). Sadly he missed the boat.

Chris M

Reserve Crew. Chris is a true friend to myself and many people. He left himself a little too flexible on the dates and ended up on the reserve list which was most unfortunate. I would have made the trip a little longer just to get him on board.

Brent W

Reserve Crew. Another sincere friend and one I'm sad ended up on the reserve list. Brent, Chris M and myself spent three happy days in June 2004 sailing Gothik from Northumberland to Lowestoft.