About Us

Richard Pierpoint saw that with the emerging widespread availability of broadband the opportunity to establish a viable boat share membership company and became the first adopter of the concept in Spring 2005 through licensing of an American system. Richard, assisted by his wife Sue recognised the value and importance of an integrated approach to boat access, training and a fun social programme to create a relaxed, supported environment in which to enjoy yachting and Motor Cruising.

They rapidly built the business, incorporating their RYA Training Centre (Solent Nautical College) into the largest and most successful boat share membership Company in the UK with bases in the prime Solent locations of Hamble and Lymington.

Richard and Sue are without doubt Europe’s most experienced and knowledgeable experts in boat share membership sailing, creating the model by which others follow. In 2010 they relaunched under their own brand of FlexiSail in order to be able to give greater personal identity to their business and to be able to continue to develop their  leading concepts. In less than 9 months since their relaunch as FlexiSail they have grown their business by 30% through their very personal approach, with immaculate boats, and an integrated fun approach to sailing.

Richard and Sue Pierpoint, founders of FlexiSail

Richard Pierpoint came to the yachting industry from architecture where he was Principal of his own award winning practice, which he established, built and ran for 16 years. Richard is Managing Director and principle share holder of FlexiSail, and Managing Director and Principal of Solent Nautical College (now also trading as FlexiSail Training). He is a Yachtmaster Offshore, commercially endorsed and a Cruising Instructor.

Sue Pierpoint previously worked for a specialist skiing company for 10 years, organizing and arranging bespoke ski holidays before leaving to help build the business. Sue brings great passion and organizational skills, attention to detail and an ability to involve others which makes events happen and which are always great fun. Sue is both Company Secretary and Director of FlexiSail.

Alasdair Marshall is Senior Chief Instructor of our integrated Sailing Schools based in Hamble and Lymington.  Our school, Solent Nautical College (aslo trading as FlexiSail Training), is a fully accredited RYA Training Centre for both on-boat and On-shore courses.  Alasdair is a key member of our Management team.

Alasdair, a Yachtmaster Instructor, 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 14ft 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 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 an active 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.

Alasdair Marshall, Chief Instructor of Solent Nautical College and FlexiSail Training