Horizon Yacht Sales - Getting to know Robin Hodges: An interview
Come read an exclusive Getting to Know Robin Hodges interview.
When did you learn to sail? I grew up with boats, spending much of my childhood on the water. I was sailing before I could walk, then started racing single-handed dinghies when I was seven, and have ever since. As a teenager, I became a sailing instructor as soon as possible, then spent most holidays teaching RYA courses.
What was next? At eighteen I joined P&O (Princess) Cruises and qualified as a Deck Officer on Cruise ships. Then later as a Navigating Officer I spent a number of years at sea working my way around the World (a good way to visit over 50 countries in a few years!). My travels took me all over and in my time off I was delivering yachts to/from the Mediterranean.
Other jobs? After delivering yachts, I became a yacht broker in 2000. I became a Multihull specialist, which gave me the opportunity to move from the South Coast of the UK to Annapolis, Maryland, USA.
When did you start with Horizon? After leaving Annapolis, I ran the Horizon base in St Martin in 2014, before becoming the Yacht Sales manager for new builds. Now you’ll find me at the major boat shows (Annapolis, Miami, Newport, Cannes, Southampton, La Rochelle, Dusseldorf and the Multihull show in La Grande Motte), or visiting the manufacturers in France or Germany.
My role involves not only helping buyers to find the best fit but also looking after the logistics of the whole process from checking on the new build in the factory to launching in France, commissioning, rigging, and equipping with additional options, before arranging delivery by sea or ship to the Caribbean. We also work closely with buyers who want a yacht for their own private cruising use. We help select the most relevant systems as well as ensure that their boat is thoroughly tested and ready for its blue water voyaging.
As a Navigating Officer, our training included Survival Craft, Fire Fighting, Radio (including Morse code), navigating by the sun and stars using a sextant, electronic navigation systems, radar, first aid, engineering, boat handling, and ship manoeuvring.
I qualified as an RYA Yachtmaster (as well as an Advanced Powerboat and Sailing Instructor) and have sailed on a vast range of boats, with numerous deliveries.
I trained with the Royal Navy in my teens in leadership and team-building courses.
I became a volunteer RNLI Lifeboat Crew member on the all-weather lifeboat and later qualified as a helm on the inshore lifeboat. I’ve had plenty of training including a Coxswain’s Course, Offshore Boat Handling, Diesel Maintenance Engineering, Advanced Helm’s course, and First Aid.
One recent rescue involved recovering a man overboard 30 miles out with winds of 70 knots in the middle of the night
Other sport? My other passion is skiing, and I have been fortunate to ski in many World regions. For exercise, I enjoy rowing and have competed in the World Championships. When time allows, I get out paddle-boarding, cycling, windsurfing, running, diving, or water-skiing.
Pet hates? Poorly tied up yachts and fenders over the side whilst sailing!
Thank you, Robin Hodges!