The Eye Of The Wind is a wonderful Brigantine, a two masted sailing ship with square rigging on the foremast and four and after rigging on the main mast. She was converted in the 1970s from the topsail schooner Friedrich built in 1911 at the C. H. Lühring shipyard in Brake, Germany. She is 132 feet long, 90 feet tall, and has 78 ropes to master as a sailor. She has appeared in a number of feature films over the years, including The Blue Lagoon (1980) and White Squall (1996).

I was selected in 1978 to represent Plymouth on Operation Drake, a round-the-world sailing expedition aboard The Eye of The Wind. Named after Sir Francis Drake who had circumnavigated the world 400 years earlier on the Golden Hind, Operation Drake allowed young explorers from all over the world to work together on serious scientific exploration, research and community projects. It was described at the time as the most ambitious seafaring adventure of its kind ever launched.

Prince Charles was our patron, and he was so passionate about this adventure he sailed with us for the whole of the first day. He said at the time: "Many young people, I believe, long to have the chance of tasting adventure, of achieving something through personal endeavour, or simply giving service where it is needed. This is a unique opportunity for young people not only to benefit from this experience, but also to contribute to a better international understanding".

Adventure and teaching defined my subsequent journey through life. I have taught at several schools in the Plymouth area, and with my love of singing, went on to join South Devon shanty crew 'The Old Gaffers'. For seven years a wonderful time was had singing throughout the country with this very talented and cheerful crew. Many are still singing with new or established crews in Devon.

Now I've gone solo as Captain Jack, and just like the sailing ships of the past, one man – the shanty man – would lead the crew in song; they would all join in with the chorus as they worked and sailed the ship. My songs include old favourites such as The Leaving of Liverpool, Wellerman and Wild Rover, together with some you may not have heard before, but you're sure to love singing along to.

My sing-along performances are all about having a jolly good time - as a sailor or pirate you join in the choruses. Humour and community spirit lie at the heart of my performances, but I always include a few snippets of information about the songs and some of the sayings we use today that actually come from sea shanties. Choral sheets are provided for all.

If you'd like to turn your event into a voyage of song and laughter, I’d love to hear from you - let’s chart the course together.