I have learnt a lot over this time, be it regattas, twilight racing, ocean racing, delivery trips; it’s all been a fantastic time.

Sailing 800nm with David Hows on Ocean Gem from Southport to Lord Howe Island and Pittwater via Middleton and Elizabeth Reefs was an absolute blast and one of my all-time top trips, with conditions ranging from challenging to cruisy.

Having done a little sailing many years ago, I jumped at the chance to crew on David Hows’ Ocean Gem in ‘Twilight’ and offshore races out of Southport Yacht Club.

I have completed more than 2,000nm of ocean passages as a crew member on Ocean Gem. In this time I’ve experienced a very committed skipper who always puts the safety of the crew and the boat at top of the list.

Offshore sailing is not always fun, it can be cold, tiring, and unforgiving. Would I sail with David Hows on Ocean Gem again? Absolutely.

David is a true gentleman, a wonderful mentor and the type of person I aspire to be like. Nothing was a problem for him or the others. I never was made to feel bad for making mistakes and this provided an opportunity to improve, improvise and learn.

On our recent Trans-Tasman passage from Auckland to Southport, David again proved he is a great skipper, very competent, skilful and high-performing, but also respectful and patient. His organisational skills are exemplary; nothing is left to chance. He’s a competent leader and a great guy.

Highlights for me were the great company, all the sailing experiences I could handle, the company of dolphins every day and the achievement of an adventure and ocean race, I have dreamed of often over the years and now realised.

David stays calm and totally patient with us taking the time to get the job done without adding any extra pressure or stress. I definitely learned a lot and the experience will make me a better skipper.

As a skipper, a team mate and sailor David is exceptional. The environment he creates is relaxed and yet his competitiveness is infectious.

Sailing with David Hows was a great experience and made me realise – yes I do want to get another sailboat. David makes everyone feel “safe and comfortable”

Sailing on Ocean Gem is the highlight of my week. David’s passion and enthusiasm for sailing Ocean Gem is contagious and has had a positive impact on my life.

Ian Mackay about Benedikt Clauberg, skipper of Beneteau First 47.7 Kali “I wanted to thank you for a great sailing experience in the Round Barbados Race”

Three words to describe my experience with Sail Race Crew: Experts, Education, Adventure! The foundation is a wonderful feeling of welcome and support.

It was an experience of epic proportions. The support and encouragement by skipper David Hows was brilliant. There is something compelling about the ocean.