Meet Olly Cotterell

Where it all began…

“At eighteen months old my family moved onto “Windchild” a 60ft schooner designed by Hurbulot. Growing up sailing with my family sowed the seed for a passion for the sea. This passion has been the foundation for my career in the sailing industry. ”

“In 2009 I qualified as a Yachtmaster from UKSA. Since then I have had the opportunity to work on several special yachts, projects and expeditions.”

Crewed Charter Work

“I have worked on various Crewed Charter Vessels during my career. I started aboard “Halcyon”, a 24m Classic built in 1929 where we had an amazing UK based sailing season. A highlight was coming to Oban and the West Coast of Scotland (little did I know I would end up settling here) in a summer of incredible weather.

I worked aboard a 28m Andre Hook designed sloop called Whirlwind. We had a busy Med season and watching Stromboli light up the night sky as it erupted will stay with me forever.

Latterly I ran a Swan 80 called UMIKO. She has been incredibly busy and we have sailed in the UK, the Med and the Caribbean. Highlights would still be West Coast cruising and an ARC where we carried the kite the whole way across the pond!

Commercial Deliveries

“My first commercial delivery was a Lagoon 40 from Florida to Tahiti, this was the first of many transits of the Panama Canal. Since then I have done several long Mediterranean and transatlantic deliveries for private owners…..

Tuition, Team Management, Racing, & Expeditions

“Whilst working as a full-time instructor for UKSA, I ran Mile-building courses on their large yachts and Skills & Drills on their small ones.

I was a skipper and instructor for a company called “Broadreach”, which aimed to widen young people's horizons through adventure. Sailing and diving were used to develop their soft and hard skills. This was very rewarding work.

“My lifelong dream to sail around the world was realised when I was selected as a Skipper for the 13-14  edition of the “Clipper Round The World Race”. I led the largest team “OneDLL”, to a podium position, but more importantly the crew, the sponsor and my employer were all very happy customers… Not an easy feat.

“In search of some high latitude experience, I spent a season on a vessel called “Icebird” in Antarctica. Operating in such a remote and hostile environment is a challenge and preparation is key. An unforgettable experience, which I followed with trips to Iceland and the Artic Circle as Captain of “Hummingbird” for “Rubicon 3”.

“In 2015 I was offered a position as the Principal of “Team Maverick”. This project involved the build of a unique DSS-enabled prototype racing yacht in Turkey. The boat was very experimental, and it took some time to get the best out of her. We got some great results with a 1st in class and 2nd overall in the Rolex Middle Sea Race and a 1st in Class and 2nd overall in the RORC Transatlantic Race. It was my job to run the project in its entirety, everything from logistics to crew selection, training, safety management, repairs, maintenance, optimisation, sail development etc.

OC Marine -Own Boat Tuition, Yacht Deliveries, Management , Maintenance & Surveying

OC Marine has been successfully trading since 2018. Through OC Marine I have offered Own Boat Tuition, Guardianage Services, Yacht Maintenance & Management as well as Marine Surveying.

Oban Yacht Charters.

I fell in love with the West Coast of Scotland while sailing around it in 2009 on board Halcyon. This love has only deepened since moving here in 2017. Even if you have your own boat it may be hard to have the time to come and explore what Oban has to offer. I think chartering here is a great option.

My dream of starting a charter company on the West Coast of Scotland has now been realised with the purchase of our first vessel “Morning Star”. Oban Yacht Charters Ltd has been born and we look forward to welcoming you aboard.

I try to do the best and be the best in everything I do. HERE is some feedback received while operating OC Marine.