Skipper for Hire's philosophy is to keep our services intimate, bespoke and highly professional in order to provide the absolute best service possible. We only use professional individuals with whom we have previously worked. No matter what tickets they hold or how shinning their references, they must fit our own exemplary standards.Skipper for Hire is run by Mike Pickering who has been sailing since the age of 8. As a teenager Mike trained with youth racing squads at a Regional & National level and campaigned at National & International Dinghy Regattas. While at University Mike expanded his sailing experience through yacht racing (Helm, Tactician & Trimmer) and acted as Umpire at team and match racing events at Regional & National level. After graduation in 2009, he turned sailing into his profession, working in both European and Caribbean waters on anything from 140ft Superyachts to 33ft Race yachts. Recently Mike has excelled in yacht racing on the highly competitive UK circuit forging a promising career as a race tactician.
Mike has worked with us (as skipper) on various charters. We were not only impressed with his sailing skills, but also with the attentive way in which he works with our clients, ensuring they are looked after both on and off the water.
Simon Boulding – Britannia Events
Skipper for Hire has surpassed our expectations of finding the appropriate Captain for our boat!... With Skipper for Hire we had close communication from day one... we were talking to sailors that understand the needs of sailors!
Mr J Fernandez - Lagoon 470 owner, Chile
We hired Mike [through Skipper for Hire] to assist us with the hand over and sea trials of our catamaran in Les Sables D'Olonne. Mike is very professional in his approach, easy going by nature and I would have no hesitation in recommending his services.
Michael Donovan - Owner of SY Trismic, Australia
