69


sleep deprived, out of your comfort zone.” He returned with a renewed appe-


tite for racing - and for faster boats. Te Beneteau was sold, replaced with a Dragonfly 28 folding trimaran, which he still keeps moored at Noss. Sailing remains John’s passion, as


does motorcycling. Retiring to South Devon was


always the long-term plan for John and Libby. In 2015 they bought a house in Galmpton. His Devon-born mother - originally from Sidmouth - and father moved in and soon bought a house of their own in the village. Lockdown loomed in 2020 and


with their house standing empty, John and Libby made the decision that if they were going to be confined anywhere, it would be here. Five months later, they knew


they wouldn’t return to Manchester. Libby’s telecommunications role adapted to remote working and


John leſt his consultancy to set up independently. “We proved we could work down


here,” he says. “So we stayed.” DHNA’s nine board members


serve entirely voluntarily. Most have careers and many have families. John estimates he devotes at least three days a month – oſten more - to his role as chairman. “I commend all of my fellow board members,” he says. “Everyone steps up.”


Is he glad he took it on? “Without a shadow of a doubt,”


he replies. “It’s interesting and rewarding being able to support a hardworking, knowledgeable, caring team.” Te River Dart has always de-


manded collaboration - between tides and town, leisure and liveli- hood, tradition and change. Under John’s chairmanship, DHNA feels steadier, more outward-looking and quietly ambitious. Infrastruc- ture is improving. Partnerships are strengthening. Environmental responsibility is clearer. As chairman, John sees himself


not as the captain issuing orders, but as part of a crew ensuring the har- bour master and operational teams have what they need to succeed. For a man shaped by team racing,


executive coaching and the close quarters of offshore competition, it is a natural stance.•


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