Tim Valley joined Ian Cooper as sole crew to deliver his 48-foot carbon race yacht from the United States to Europe via the Great Lakes and North Atlantic oceans. The passage was arduous with challenging navigation, cold conditions, and limited facilities. During a severe storm in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, they experienced survival conditions with 60 knot winds and vicious seas, but Tim performed all his duties professionally and helped them prevail through determination and a positive mindset. Throughout the trip, Tim quickly learned new skills and was always there to help without needing management, demonstrating his skills, passion for the sea, and making the difficult delivery possible.

1. In April 2009 Tim Valley joined me onboard my 48ft Reichel/Pugh all carbon
race yacht as sole crew to help me deliver the yacht from Racine, nr
Milwaukee Wisconsin, to Europe via Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie,
Lake Ontario, the St Laurence River, Cabot Strait and across the north
Atlantic to Gibraltar. The yacht was in race specification with no furling
headsails, no reefs on main (93sqm) and only the two of us to manage her.
Having reviewed charts, guides and other peoples passage notes I knew that
this would be an arduous passage in a very cold & often isolated environment.
Although I had a good response from prospective crew, ranging from fully
qualified professionals to complete novices, I was looking for a special quality.
What struck me about Tim’s application was that he had a genuine passion
for the sea, borne out through his years living in Hawaii. Coupled with this, he
possessed practical boat experience based around running commercial
charter vessels out of Hawaii, but more importantly working in ‘dry­dock’ –
which involved long hours working on all manner of commercial boat repairs
with modern composites. This rare combination of skills and experience was
far more valuable to me than sailing experience, which can be learnt on the
way. The most important aspect for this type of voyage was to bring the right
attitude.
On the initial phone call Tim struck me as polite, informed, passionate, and
enthusiastic. He was genuinely looking for adventure and had a clear sense of
humour. I knew I had found my crew.
The voyage was unrelenting and stressful, requiring us to continually adapt to
ever­changing navigational challenges moving through the lakes onto the river
and eventually out to sea. These challenges were further compounded by the
cold and general lack of facilities on route and the deep draft of the yacht
which invariably meant we used commercial quays to tie up to whilst we
searched for fuel.
The availability of reliable weather forecasting became very limited as we
approached the North Atlantic. A low­point was experiencing a full
knock­down in the Gulf of St Laurence where we experienced survival
conditions with 60knt winds and vicious seas due to the shallow depth and
cold fresh water colliding with warmer salt water. During that period of 30hrs
until we reached shelter at Isle de Madeline at the entrance to Cabot Strait, I
could not have asked anymore of Tim. Under these survival conditions you
see the real character of a man, and Tim was not lacking. He stood all his
watches and successfully steered the yacht under storm jib, whilst still
carrying out boat checks, navigation and food preparation. Physiologically he
coped exceptionally well, all though he was clearly frightened, as was I, he
demonstrated a determination & stamina that allowed him to accept the
situation with a positive mind set, which ultimately allowed us to prevail.
What was equally impressive to see how quickly Tim could assimilate new
experiences and learn from them allowing him to get up to speed quickly and

2. to constantly improve his skills. A case in point was when we were hit by
another unreported storm NW of the Azores, again we were seeing gusts to
55knts and beyond. With benefit of experience Tim responded with much
more confidence with himself & the boat, to the extent that although anxious
he was clearly enjoying the experience.
Through­out the trip we had to share all tasks between us and at no point did I
have the added aggravation of having to ‘manage’ Tim. He was always there
when I needed him and he always performed his duties professionally & with
good humour.
I genuinely felt privileged to share this voyage with Tim, whilst realising
afterwards that I could not have done this voyage with out him. I am extremely
grateful that he chose to join me.
I cannot recommend Tim more highly.
Regards,
Ian Cooper.
69 PortHill
Hertford
Herts.
SG14 3EP
United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 773 873 4132