Vela Marine experience

Performance proven in demanding programmes.

Selected high-performance yacht programmes, technical projects and offshore campaigns.

01Gunboat 80 · Tactician · 2024–present

Highland Fling 18

Challenge / context: A high-performance owner-led programme where tactical decisions, crew organisation and consistent on-water delivery must work as one.
Ned’s role: Tactician, combining race strategy with crew organisation and practical delivery on the water.
Outcome: Maxi Worlds, Superyacht Cup and Multihull Cup winners, with podium results at Tre Golfi.

02MOD70 · PIC/ Helm/ Navigator · 2022–present

Challenge / context: An optimised MOD70 operating across major offshore races, where preparation, navigation and systems reliability directly shape performance.
Ned’s role: PIC, leading preparation, optimisation, team integration and strategy.
Outcome: Repeatable winning performances across the RORC Transatlantic, Caribbean 600, Fastnet and Aegean 600.

03MOD70 · Skipper / Project Manager · 2018–2022

Challenge / context: A technically advanced programme requiring yacht development, team leadership and reliable offshore execution to operate as one.
Ned’s role: Skipper / Project Manager, working directly with the owner, designers, sailors and technical specialists.
Outcome: Original Fastnet course and Cowes–Dinard world records, multiple course records and countless other major line honours.

04MOD70 · Skipper / Project Manager · 2015–2018

Challenge / context: A high-performance campaign requiring technical development, disciplined programme management and decisive offshore leadership.
Ned’s role: Skipper / Project Manager, responsible for the yacht, team, technical programme and race delivery.
Outcome: Major offshore results, records and line honours established a sustained track record of programme leadership.

05Three-boat Class 40 programme · Build Project Manager / Skipper · 2007–2015

Challenge / context: Three successive new-build campaigns required continuity from design and construction through technical development and offshore competition.
Ned’s role: Build Project Manager / Skipper across Concise 1, Concise 2 and Concise 8, leading each build and then racing the yachts.
Outcome: Class 40 World Championship success, offshore and transatlantic wins, double-handed results and a 40 ft world record.

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