Hi, I’m Theodora.
I’m Fleewinter’s general manager (also known as plate spinner, job juggler, loose-end chaser, everything-elser…)
I was born and grew up overseas, moving country every couple of years. I’ve been lucky enough to travel fairly extensively and while based in the UK at the moment, I’m always counting down the days to the next adventure. I love to be immersed in a different country, drinking in language, culture, foods, smells, sounds… if it’s 28+ degrees too that’s a plus!
In my early twenties I left my desk job to become a full-time professional sailor, a career that took me far and wide. I’ve been lucky enough to sail many tens of thousands of miles – for “work” – all across our beautiful planet, before settling on the edge of the New Forest in the south of England. I chuckle when I tell people I’m from a ‘sails’ background.
While I love Europe and think I’ll probably always have a base in this bit of the world, I have spent a lot of time living in Asia and every time it’s cold and raining here, I wonder if now’s the time to head back… The bustling atmosphere, the delicious fresh food, the unerringly friendly local communities, the wildlife – I think there’ll always be a little tug on my heartstrings for that astonishing part of this world.
But then the same can be said for how I feel about Middle East, where I spent many years as a child! Again, the people, the food, the history, the culture and tradition – incredible landscapes – it’s no wonder I’ve ended up in the travel sector.
When not exploring new countries, sailing, or keeping the wheels on the tracks at Fleewinter, I can be found doing various DIY projects in my renovation house, throwing slightly wonky pots, walking my lovely pup in the forest or doing my utmost to keep the garden alive.
Watch this space though: I’m working on my dream to sail round the world…
I had an incredibly lucky childhood - here visiting beautiful Palmyra with my family
Cooling off beside waterfalls in Vietnam, after motorbiking hundreds of miles in a day to make it to a ferry leaving the Mekong river!
Champagne sailing - at the bow of Argentous in Greece, catching the breeze
Having great fun playing with other Divemaster candidates on the Tulamben shipwreck in Bali
Delivering a boat single-handed from Grenada to St Lucia, catching Barracuda along the way.
The cities of Syria were astonishing - vibrant, hustling communities found amongst ancient ruins
On top of the world on New Year's Eve in rural Vietnam: freezing and damp, but happy.
Crossing the equator under sail! This selfie is taken halfway through the Singapore shipping straights, delivering a 72ft catamaran from Thailand to Bali.
With my beloved motorbike 'Heidi' in Sydney, where I was employed to drive workboats all day, and loved it.
“Don’t go sailing with expectations, the wind is rarely playing the same game you are. Sailing is the art of taking ages often going in entirely the wrong direction and still being pleased about it. Just take each moment as it arrives and if it’s all feeling a bit slow, switch the engine on and make a cuppa. Same can be said for life, really.”
– Theodora
Would you like to discuss your next great adventure with Theodora Taylor Franks?