Ted Warren, as your owner-skipper, draws on the experience of a lifetime of sailing. He started off in racing dinghies and then raced keelboats, before cruising with his family. The upgrading of his RYA Yachtmaster Certificate with a Commercial Endorsement, via the UK Sailing Academy at Cowes, consolidated this experience with the necessary professional qualifications.

Once their two children reached the ages of five and six, Ted and Jane started family cruising, exploring the south coast of England, the Channel Islands, Brittany and Denmark. In 1988 they moved to Helensburgh and so started an enduring love affair with the west coast of Scotland. From here they have also explored Orkney, Shetland and Norway.

At the age of 53, Ted decided it was time to move out of a successful career in teaching into the competitive world of chartering. It was a natural move for him as he had taken his pupils sailing in many different boats. Whilst teaching he was enthusiastically involved in taking pupils on courses with the Outward Bound organisation, and so it is not surprising that he sees sailing as an ideal medium for developing life skills as well as having fun. In 1999 Ted and Jane bought Longbow, a Bowman 57, for use as a charter yacht.

Those who have sailed with Ted all comment on the calm and quiet confidence he engenders aboard. He imparts with infectious enthusiasm his love of the sea, sailing and the beauty of nature.

In 2007, with Longbow Cruising well established, Jane retired from her full time and demanding job to join Ted aboard Longbow to act as first mate, hostess and cook. Having sailed with Ted for over 40 years, she brings a wealth of experience and new skills to what Longbow Cruising has to offer. Jane has masterminded the menus aboard Longbow. Now that she is aboard, the variety and quality of food served on board has earned even greater acclaim.

Ted & Jane understand the diverse needs of those booking a sailing holiday and will endeavour to accommodate any of a range of activities. Whether your idea of sailing includes the challenge of a long hard sail in open water or messing about in the rubber dinghy in some secluded anchorage (recommended for children of all ages), your hosts will do their best to help you do just that.