Sailing Free Spirit

Richard "Rick" Brocklesby is currently undertaking an ambitious 2,100 NM solo UK circumnavigation aboard his Colvic Countess 28 cruiser, Ketty 11, to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson's UK. Learning to sail at age 14 aboard the Ocean Youth Club's 72ft ketch Francis Drake, Richard transitioned from early Devon coastal cruising on a Snapdragon 26 to a full 62-day double-handed circuit on a Westerly Renown 31 in 2020. The Sailing Free Spirit channel blends unvarnished British coastal seamanship, hands-on marine diesel mechanics, and community-driven charitable purpose.

Key Takeaways

• Channel Vibe: Pragmatic, humble, unfiltered British coastal cruising, DIY marine refits, dry humor, and a dedicated charitable endurance mission for Parkinson's UK.
• The Fleet Evolution: Started on Free Spirit (Snapdragon 26 bilge keeler, sold 2019), upgraded to Moyana (Westerly Renown 31 ketch, sailed 2019–2025), and currently sails Flagship Ketty 11 (Colvic Countess 28, MMSI: 235001204, Beta Marine 20 diesel).
• The Journey & Present Status: Actively underway as of August 2026 on a solo UK Circumnavigation (departed Plymouth May 2026, sailed Cornwall, Wales, Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, Scottish Canals, East Coast Scotland). Currently navigating the English East Coast from Hartlepool to Grimsby heading back to Plymouth.
• Charity & Integrity: 100% of donations via GoFundMe go directly to Parkinson's UK; cruising and boat costs are strictly self-funded with transparent separation of personal tips.

⚓ Quick Specs & Channel Vitals

Meet the Crew

Richard ("Rick" Brocklesby)

Richard Brocklesby (publicly known as "Rick Brock") is the primary skipper, mechanic, and content creator behind Sailing Free Spirit. His maritime journey began at age 14 aboard the 72ft ketch Francis Drake, operated by the Ocean Youth Club (OYC). Originally from Sunderland in Northeast England, Richard has a strong connection to the North Sea coast. Working technical trade roles while maintaining a passion for sailing, his desire for simple liveaboard freedom evolved into a dedicated charitable mission following close friend Andrew's Parkinson's diagnosis.

Bringing deep technical trade skills to the water, Richard handles all vessel maintenance, mechanical overhauls, and electrical troubleshooting. He is an experienced UK coastal and offshore skipper, trained with First Class Sailing, and holds Day Skipper and Yachtmaster theory and practical experience. His sailing philosophy is grounded in pragmatic, safety-first seamanship. He prioritizes conservative reefing and engine backup, and he is never afraid to delay a passage for better weather, famously "bravely running away" from Force 8 gales.

Richard's on-camera style is direct, authentic, and punctuated by understated British humor. He is transparent regarding fears, fatigue, mistakes, and mechanical failures, capturing the true reality of solo passage making.

Nina (Co-Sailor 2019–2021)

Nina was the co-skipper and partner aboard Free Spirit and Moyana during the channel's early years. She played a critical role during the 62-day UK Tour in 2020, acting as watchkeeper, navigator (utilizing paper chart pilotage), and galley lead in rough seas. Her cheerful and pragmatic presence provided a steady balance during demanding coastal passages.

Nina stepped away from the channel after 2021 and did not participate in the 2025–2026 Ketty 11 refit or the 2026 solo UK Circumnavigation, as Richard transitioned to solo sailing with occasional guest crew.

The Guest Crew & Global Community

Andrew

A close childhood friend of Richard based in Swansea, Wales. Andrew's Parkinson's diagnosis was the direct catalyst and inspiration for Richard's 2026 UK Circumnavigation. He joined Richard aboard Ketty 11 for the Swansea to Tenby leg, and again in Scotland from Troon through the Crinan Canal to Kerrera Marina.

Ben

A major commercial sponsor and sailing supporter who joined Richard aboard Ketty 11 in August 2026 for a critical 24-hour non-stop overnight passage from Hartlepool to Grimsby across the North Sea. Ben provided essential watchkeeping support and assisted when a lobster pot buoy fouled the rudder at 2:00 AM.

Laura & Toby Bevington

Professional commercial yacht delivery skippers and youth sailing educators. They joined Moyana in September 2020 for the Cornwall passage from Newlyn to Falmouth and Plymouth, assisting Richard and Nina with traditional paper chart navigation and pilotage.

Martyn & Sarah (Solent Mischief)

Owners of the sister Westerly Renown 31 #43, Solent Mischief. They buddy-boated with Moyana from Milford Haven across the Bristol Channel to Land's End / Newlyn in August 2020, offering radio check-ins and moral support.

Professional Fleet Forensics: The Vessels of Sailing Free Spirit

Richard Brocklesby relies on heavily built fiberglass cruisers to tackle the unforgiving coastal waters of the United Kingdom. He avoids flashy, modern production boats. He favors practical, budget-conscious vessels that can withstand brutal weather. His progression through three distinct hulls highlights a deep understanding of UK tidal waters and the mechanical realities of solo offshore voyaging.

Ketty 11: The Colvic Countess 28

Richard acquired Ketty 11 (sometimes referred to as Ketty 2) in September 2025. He specifically sought a stout platform for his 2026 Parkinson's UK solo circumnavigation. Designed by Ian Anderson, the Colvic Countess 28 boasts a thick GRP layup. She handles the short, steep chop of the North Sea with predictable motion. Richard applied a fresh Coppercoat treatment to the hull. This hard-wearing epoxy matrix eliminates the need for annual antifouling and reduces drag during multi-day passages.

Vessel Specifications: Ketty 11

The Gear Locker: Ketty 11

Richard installed pragmatic, budget-friendly electronics to survive the damp, hostile environment of the British coast. Similar to the practical marine engineering paths documented on Adventure Adrift, he integrates equipment manually to ensure self-reliance.

• Navigation: ONWA KP-27A GPS chartplotter.
• AIS Integration: Active Class B AIS transponder networked seamlessly via the NMEA0183 protocol.
• Instrumentation: Navman digital multi-display linked with a NASA Clipper speed log.
• Power Architecture: Dual 12V AGM/lead-acid battery banks. A high-output Beta Marine alternator—fitted during a technical pitstop in Falmouth—handles primary charging, backed by shore power units.
• Climate Control: Overhauled Webasto diesel cabin heater to combat the freezing temperatures of the Scottish Caledonian Canal.

Systems Health Scorecard

• Propulsion: Strong. The 20 HP Beta Marine diesel runs reliably. Richard recently performed critical field service on the raw water pump seal and swapped the primary alternator in Falmouth.
• Hull Integrity: Excellent. The recent Coppercoat application provides robust osmotic protection.
• Electrical: Stable. The upgraded charging architecture handles the heavy draw of the ONWA plotter and active AIS during grueling 24-hour continuous passages like his run from Hartlepool to Grimsby.
• Through-Hulls & Plumbing: Maintained. Richard routinely services the seacocks while afloat. He successfully executed an in-water swap of the NASA Clipper speed log paddle wheel without hauling the boat.

Moyana: The 31-Foot Westerly Renown Ketch

Moyana served as the heavy-displacement workhorse for the channel from 2019 through 2025. Richard and his former co-skipper Nina pushed this 31-foot Westerly Renown ketch around the entire coast of Great Britain during their ambitious 62-day circuit in 2020.

The split ketch rig provided massive versatility. The crew could drop the mainsail and run under jib and mizzen to stabilize the boat when storm fronts rolled over the Irish Sea. Moyana proved her ultimate seaworthiness in August 2020. An unforecasted Force 8 gale ambushed the crew off Pembrokeshire, Wales. They faced violent, breaking seas and 43 mph sustained winds. Moyana held together until the RNLI Angle Lifeboat arrived to escort them into a safe harbor.

Vessel Specifications: Moyana

The Gear Locker & Systems (Legacy)

[Section skipped: Deep systems data unavailable]. Moyana relied on heavy manual sailing hardware and standard coastal electronics. She lacked the integrated NMEA0183 AIS network Richard later prioritized for Ketty 11.

Free Spirit: The Snapdragon 26

Richard launched his YouTube journey aboard Free Spirit, a sturdy Snapdragon 26. He sailed this twin-keel cruiser extensively throughout the tidal estuaries of Devon and Cornwall. The bilge keel configuration allowed Free Spirit to take the ground perfectly upright between tides. Richard utilized this feature to access drying harbors and tidal rivers across the West Country without paying deep-water marina fees.

He sold the vessel in 2019. The sale financed his upgrade to the offshore-capable Westerly Renown, marking the end of his localized estuary sailing and the start of his broader UK expeditions.

Vessel Specifications: Free Spirit

Status & Legacy Forensics: Fleet and Crew Transition

Richard currently sails solo aboard Ketty 11. He is navigating the final legs of his 2026 Parkinson's UK circumnavigation. He is pushing down the English East Coast from Hartlepool toward Grimsby, anticipating a final approach to Plymouth Yacht Haven.

Nina, his partner and co-skipper during the early seasons aboard Free Spirit and Moyana, stepped away from the channel after the 2021 season. Richard fully transitioned to single-handed sailing for the 2025 and 2026 campaigns. He occasionally brings on guest crew, such as sponsor Ben or his friend Andrew, to assist on grueling 24-hour North Sea passages. The sale of Free Spirit and Moyana completely funded his current setup. This sequential fleet upgrade allowed him to optimize Ketty 11 entirely for single-handed offshore endurance.

Voyages, Financials & The YouTube Journey: Sailing Free Spirit

Richard "Rick" Brocklesby is actively executing a 2,100-nautical-mile solo UK circumnavigation aboard Ketty 11, a Colvic Countess 28. His primary mission is raising funds for Parkinson's UK. He started his channel navigating the tidal rivers of Devon on a Snapdragon 26, progressed to a Westerly Renown 31 for a full UK circuit, and now logs severe North Sea miles entirely single-handed.

Top Routes and Expeditions

Brocklesby cuts his teeth in some of the most unforgiving tidal theaters in Northern Europe. His passage history reflects a methodical progression from day-sailing to high-latitude endurance cruising.

• 2019 Devon & Cornwall Coastal Shakedowns: Early channel miles were logged aboard Free Spirit, navigating the sharp tidal estuaries of the River Yealm, Fowey, and Brixham.
• 2020 62-Day Double-Handed UK Tour: Aboard the Westerly Renown 31 Moyana, Richard and former co-skipper Nina executed a full circuit of Great Britain. They transited the Solent, the Humber Estuary, the Caledonian Canal, and the Irish Sea. The voyage included an emergency RNLI rescue off Pembrokeshire during a Force 8 gale.
• 2024 Isles of Scilly Expedition: A technical passage from St Mary's to St Mawes aboard the Bavaria 34 Strider, emphasizing offshore pilotage.
• 2026 Solo UK Circumnavigation for Parkinson's UK: Currently underway, this solo campaign departed Plymouth in May 2026. The route scales the Bristol Channel, punches through the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man, traverses the Crinan and Caledonian Canals, and runs the length of the Scottish and English East Coasts.

Voyage Milestone Timeline

Tracking the physical and technical evolution of the channel reveals a steady climb in seamanlike competence and vessel ambition.

• March 2019: The channel launches in Plymouth. Richard introduces Free Spirit, a Snapdragon 26 twin-keel cruiser.
• October 2019: Technical focus solidifies. Richard completes a full rebuild of the ignition magneto and coils on a 1976 Evinrude Johnson 4hp outboard.
• February 2020: The fleet expands. Richard acquires the Westerly Renown 31 Moyana and self-services a Plastimo Offshore liferaft.
• July 2020: The 2020 UK Tour begins. The route spans from Plymouth to the Solent, up the East Coast to Fraserburgh, and into the Caledonian Canal.
• August 2020: Moyana takes a battering. Caught in 43-mph winds off Pembrokeshire, the vessel requires an escort from the RNLI Angle Lifeboat.
• September 2025: Richard purchases the Colvic Countess 28 Ketty 11. He launches Season 4, stripping headlining and rebuilding the Beta Marine 20 diesel raw water pump.
• March 2026: The mission crystalizes. Inspired by his childhood friend Andrew's diagnosis, Richard announces a solo UK circumnavigation for Parkinson's UK. He wires a new ONWA KP-27A chartplotter with NMEA0183 and Class B AIS.
• May 2026: Disaster strikes on the eve of departure. A massive fuel line failure floods the bilges with diesel in Plymouth. Richard aborts, repairs the lines, and restarts the voyage. Weeks later, he replaces the Beta 20 alternator in Falmouth.
• June 2026: Heavy weather survival. He battles near-swamping chop off Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel, then threads the treacherous Swellies in the Menai Strait.
• August 2026: The North Sea grind. Richard endures a 24-hour non-stop passage from Hartlepool to Grimsby. At 2:00 AM, a submerged lobster pot buoy fouls the rudder, requiring immediate emergency clearing.

Navigating UK Waters & Regional Weather

Cruising the United Kingdom is not a tradewind milk run. It demands precise tidal calculations and constant vigilance against shifting gales and commercial traffic.

• The Bristol Channel: This region boasts a massive 12 to 14-meter tidal range. Richard navigated severe rips and shallow mudflats here, narrowly avoiding a swamping incident near Lundy Island due to short-period chop.
• The Swellies (Menai Strait): A notoriously dangerous tidal gate between Anglesey and mainland Wales. Transiting requires hitting exact slack water to avoid violent overfalls and the submerged rock formations known as "The Platters."
• Jack Sound & Ramsey Sound: Pembrokeshire's extreme tidal races. Richard executed precise timing to push Ketty 11 through these narrow rock-strewn corridors without losing steerage.
• Dorus Mor & Sound of Luing: The gateway to Scotland's Crinan Canal. This stretch generates violent whirlpools and standing waves when the tide runs against the prevailing wind.
• North Sea & Humber Estuary: The English East Coast is an obstacle course. Shifting sandbanks, dense commercial tanker traffic, and endless fields of poorly marked crab and lobster pots require constant radar monitoring and visual watchkeeping.

The YouTube Journey and Content Architecture

Sailing Free Spirit rejects the polished, cinematic fluff of mainstream vloggers. Richard produces raw, unscripted dispatches from the helm, mixed with granular DIY tutorials. Similar to the technical heavy-weather seamanship found on Osprey Sailing Adventures or the practical diesel diagnostics of BootsProfis, Richard's content is deeply grounded in unvarnished engineering.

Content Style and Production Quality

The camera work is strictly utilitarian. Action cameras grip the stern rails. Handheld mobile rigs capture lock operations in the Caledonian Canal. He occasionally utilizes drone footage via Red Air Media, but the core visual narrative relies on the reality of a wet cockpit.

His tutorials are highly technical. When his Beta 20 raw water pump fails, he films the exact lip seal replacement. When he wires his ONWA KP-27A plotter, he walks the viewer through the NMEA0183 talker/listener pairs.

Community Pulse & Audience Vibe

The channel operates on extreme transparency. Richard speaks openly about the mental exhaustion of solo night watches and the physical toll of grinding windward passages.

His financial integrity is absolute. He strictly separates his personal cruising funds from his charity mission. 100% of the GoFundMe donations go directly to Parkinson's UK. When he needs funds for harbor dues in Arbroath, he asks his community for direct tips via PayPal. He refuses to divert charity money to fix a broken alternator or buy diesel.

Status and Legacy Questions

• Where are they in 2026? Richard is actively underway on the East Coast of England, pushing Ketty 11 southward from Grimsby toward Dover and Plymouth.
• Why did the previous crew depart? Former co-skipper Nina sailed the 2020 UK Tour aboard Moyana but departed the channel before the 2025 refit of Ketty 11. Richard transitioned to a solo operational model, occasionally bringing on guest crew like Andrew and sponsor Ben.
• What happened to the old boats? The Snapdragon 26 Free Spirit was sold in 2019. The Westerly Renown 31 Moyana was sold around 2025 to fund the acquisition of Ketty 11.

Financial Blueprint

Cruising the UK on a pension and small trade jobs requires brutal budgeting. Richard operates a low-overhead, anchor-heavy lifestyle.

• Initial Vessel Cost (Ketty 11): Estimated at $8,000 to $15,000 USD (£6,000 – £12,000 GBP) for the solid GRP Countess 28.
• Major Refit Spend: Roughly $4,000 to $7,000 USD. This covers the Beta 20 overhaul, new ONWA plotter, Gibbs winch rebuilds, and extensive interior carpet headlining.
• Estimated Monthly Cruising Budget: $600 to $1,200 USD. He anchors frequently, limits marina stays to severe weather windows, and performs all mechanical labor himself.
• Estimated Annual YouTube Revenue: $500 to $1,800 USD. The channel remains a niche, community-driven platform rather than a massive AdSense generator.
• Channel Net Worth: $15,000 to $35,000 USD, reflecting the modest footprint and the underlying asset value of Ketty 11.

Sponsorships help offset costs. Haven Knox-Johnston provides specialized single-handed insurance coverage, while Dave Andrews Marine and Westaway Sails contribute hardware and consulting.

Marketplace Service Scan

Richard's hard-won miles and technical proficiency create a unique profile for potential consulting or maritime services.

UK Coastal Passage Assistance & Marine Systems DIY Consulting
Provider: Richard (Rick) Brocklesby / Sailing Free Spirit
Category: Skippered Passage Making / Marine Mechanical Consultation
Region: UK Coastal Waters (Plymouth / English East Coast)
Description: Drawing on two UK circumnavigations, Richard offers practical consultation in small-craft diesel maintenance, 12V marine electrical and AIS installation, and short-handed coastal pilotage.

Top Episodes: Where to Start Watching

New viewers looking for authentic British coastal cruising and raw boatyard mechanics should start with these definitive uploads. Richard skips the cinematic drone montages in favor of unvarnished reality.

• SFS S4 E10 - Devastating News and A Big Announcement: Richard announces his ambitious 2026 solo UK Circumnavigation to raise funds for Parkinson's UK. He directly addresses the emotional catalyst behind the voyage, detailing his childhood friendship with Andrew and the impact of the diagnosis.
• SFS UK2020 ep12 - The one with the lifeboat: Navigating off the Welsh coast near Pembrokeshire, Richard and Nina face an unexpected Force 8 gale. Aboard the Westerly Renown 31 Moyana, they battle 43 mph winds and steep seas. The episode culminates in a tense RNLI Angle Lifeboat escort into a safe harbor.
• 13.8.26 Hartlepool to Grimsby. 24 hours and a pot bouy incident: This grueling 24-hour non-stop North Sea passage tests Richard and guest crew member Ben to their limits. Extreme fatigue sets in before a dangerous 2:00 AM lobster pot buoy entanglement wraps the rudder of Ketty 11, requiring immediate night-time intervention.
• SFS S4 E11 ONWA KP-27A Chart Plotter: Practical marine electronics take center stage. Richard unboxes and wires a budget-friendly ONWA KP-27A GPS chartplotter. He walks viewers through the specific NMEA0183 talker and listener connections required to integrate an active Class B AIS transponder for collision avoidance.
• 29.6.26 Transiting the Swellies and entering Douglas IoM: Tidal pilotage demands absolute precision. Richard masterfully navigates the turbulent overfalls of The Swellies in the Menai Strait. He times the slack water perfectly to avoid "The Platters" rocks before executing a challenging night entry into Douglas Harbor on the Isle of Man.

Channels Similar to Sailing Free Spirit

Viewers drawn to Richard’s pragmatic seamanship and heavy DIY mechanical focus often follow these peer channels.

• Osprey Sailing Adventures: This channel shares Richard's deep commitment to challenging UK and Scottish coastal navigation. The crew tackles intense tidal races and severe weather systems aboard a rugged monohull, blending technical heavy-weather seamanship with practical, hands-on engineering refits.
• BootsProfis: Known for transparent technical evaluations of European cruising sailboats, these creators dive deep into hands-on DIY marine refits. Their focus on practical diesel diagnostics and fiberglass repair closely mirrors Richard’s own work on his Beta Marine 20 engine and hull maintenance.
• Adventure Adrift: Emphasizing self-reliant coastal and offshore cruising, this channel highlights complex DIY electrical and mechanical troubleshooting. They solve real-time mechanical failures on a tight budget, sharing the same unfiltered boatyard reality seen during the Ketty 11 refit.

Community Impact and Future Horizons

Richard maintains a strict separation between his personal cruising funds and his charitable efforts. 100% of all public donations route directly to Parkinson's UK through his official campaign. He self-funds his diesel, marina fees, and boat maintenance through his own savings, ad revenue, and direct contributions to his personal PayPal tip jar. Marine businesses have also stepped up, with Haven Knox-Johnston sponsoring his specialized single-handed UK insurance policy and Dave Andrews Marine supplying essential hardware.

As of late summer 2026, Richard is pushing down the English East Coast. He aims to conclude the solo circumnavigation by navigating the busy Thames Estuary, threading the Dover Strait, and returning along the South Coast to his home dock at Plymouth Yacht Haven. Following his arrival, he plans to produce the full Season 5 documentary series of the voyage and present the final fundraising totals directly to Parkinson's UK. Supporters can track the final legs of Ketty 11 in real-time using MMSI 235001204 on MarineTraffic or VesselFinder.

Frequently Asked Questions