Theodora Taylor Franks

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 here, I spent a lot of time living in Asia and every time it’s cold and raining in my hometown, I wonder if now’s the time to head back…  The hustle and bustle, 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 most often be found doing various DIY projects in my renovation house, throwing questionable ceramics, on a motorbike – or in the garden muttering happily about pollinators, worms and bees, oh my.

Watch this space though: I’m working on the dream to sail round the world…