About Us

Edward Brandt
Principal

Born in the 60’s, Edward was taught to sail by his father very early on and has since been sailing his whole life. With two Atlantic crossing’s including the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers in 1988 and a return delivery in 1990, two Fastnet Races, five Cowes weeks, two Cork weeks, a whole host of Offshore races under the Royal Ocean Racing Club banner and over 20,000 miles of delivering, he has a wealth of experience in racing, cruising, delivering and managing boats all over the Mediterranean and North Western Europe. He founded Downwind Sailing in order to pass on to others his own passion for the sea.

Edward also owns his own Trapper 250 cruiser/racer which he sails as often as he can with his wife Lizzie, also a very keen sailor.

Paul Bennett
MCA Engineering
From a career background encompassing Diesel Engine design and development, Technical Fleet Management, Chief Engineer and Marine Surveyor, Paul is at the forefront of yacht industry education and training for engineers. Contributing a lifetimes experience and unsurpassed knowledge of marine engineering installations, techniques, survey and maintenence. This background is now combined with lecturing and advanced software development to enhance the learning pleasure and qualification success for the professional marine engineer.

For more information about MCA courses click here.

Ian Clover
Ocean Yacht Master Instructor

Jon Curtis
Yacht Master Instructor, Powerboat Trainer, RYA First Aid Instructor

Martin Clough
Yacht Master Ocean Instructor/Examiner, Sea Survival Instructor

Our Premises
We are based at Universal Marina on the beautiful River Hamble. Renowned as a major centre for British yachting, the River Hamble enjoys a long history of association with seafaring.

Our modern teaching facility contains a large lecture area and engineering section. A kitchen allows us to provide you with light refreshments, tea and coffee. The nearby Lulworth Cafe provides more substantial meals and a fully licensed bar.