I first met Cal Major in May 2021 when she arrived in Tobermory on her remarkable paddle board journey around Scotland. However, I knew of her well before then through her other incredible adventurous achievements and her vocal advocacy for our oceans. I paddled out of Tobermory Bay to meet her and James Appleton, her partner and documentarist, and we formed an immediate connection. I was invited to paddle with them the next day when they traversed the Ardnamurchan Peninsula and over those wonderful twenty-four hours our friendship was cemented. I’m not sure if I’ve met two more passionate activists for our planet who’ve their feet firmly grounded in reality. Cal’s eloquence in how she shares her tales of her various adventures and how these inform her philosophy, is inspirational for me.

Later in 2021 my wife and I asked if Cal if she’d be willing to take on our 33ft yacht for her charity. This had been our home for the first few years of our life here in Tobermory. We are so happy Cal agreed and Anna Maria is now excitingly ensconced in her new home up in Ullapool, where she’ll be loved and sailed for the benefit of so many people. It’s a huge honour to me to have contributed to this happening.

I was delighted to be asked by Cal to be an Ambassador for Seaful. It means I will have a direct connection to her charity, her work and the promotion of their values. I’m very excited by what lies ahead and I endorse Cal and her charity with pride.