ALICE THOMPSON (SPIKE)

I’ve just completed the Oyster World Rally, sailing around the world on Oyster 885s. It’s been an incredible journey—one that’s given me solid offshore experience, plenty of challenges, and unforgettable memories. Throughout the rally, I’ve grown both personally and professionally, and I’m now excited to take the next step in my career and work towards my first role as captain. I’m confident, calm under pressure, and passionate about life at sea.

QUALIFICATIONS

• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore

• MCA, AEC 1

• RYA VHF

• Medical First Aid (STCW A-VI/4-1)

• STCW

• PADI Open Water
• PADI Advanced
• PADI Rescue Diver

• RYA Powerboat Instructor (lapsed)

• RYA Safety Boat

• RYA Powerboat Level 2

• RYA Dinghy Instructor (lapsed)

• TEFL 120 Hour Course

• Driving Licence

• CBT Licence

EXPERIENCE

S/Y SUNYO, OYSTER 885-15 (May ’25 – July ’25. Mate)

Mate aboard a brand new Oyster 885-15. I joined from the initial handover at the Oyster yard in Ipswich and played a key role in commissioning the yacht and preparing her for private use. Responsibilities included managing the snag list, liaising with Oyster’s team and third-party contractors, and overseeing onboard works. I also took the lead on booking external specialists where needed and created a detailed inventory of the vessel’s equipment, spares, and systems. I participated in early sail trials and was part of the delivery crew for the maiden passage from Ipswich to Palma, with stops in Guernsey, Cascais, and Gibraltar. In Palma, I managed additional contractors, coordinated the removal and refit of sails, and ensured the vessel was guest-ready ahead of the owner’s arrival. During the cruising season, I delivered a high standard of service while sailing with the owner through the Balearic Islands, including Palma, Formentera, Ibiza, Mallorca, and Menorca. Alongside all typical Mate responsibilities—such as solo day and night watchkeeping, maintaining the deck and exterior, navigation, anchoring, sail handling, and tender driving—I ensured the vessel operated smoothly and professionally throughout both private use and delivery passages.

S/Y BABIANA, OYSTER 885-12 GT (Jan ’25 – April ’25. Deck/Stew)

I joined Oyster 885 Babiana as Deck/Stewardess for the journey from South Africa to Antigua to complete the Oyster World Rally circumnavigation. This dual-role position involved a mix of interior and exterior responsibilities. On deck, I assisted with sail handling, docking, anchoring, tender driving, and daily maintenance tasks. I stood solo watches—both day and night—demonstrating confidence, reliability, and strong situational awareness offshore. Inside, I ensured the yacht’s interior remained clean, organised, and guest-ready, managing wine stocks, housekeeping, provisioning support, and meal service. I also took part in the Oyster Regatta in Antigua as part of the bow crew, gaining valuable experience on a larger yacht in a competitive sailing environment. The role demanded versatility, teamwork, and a hands-on approach in both cruising and racing settings.

S/Y SERAFINA, OYSTER 885-03 (Jan ’23 – Dec ’25. Mate)

As Mate aboard Oyster 885-03 during the Oyster World Rally, I supported the captain in the safe and efficient running of the vessel throughout the circumnavigation. My responsibilities included managing deck operations, overseeing daily tasks across both interior and exterior, coordinating crew workflow, and maintaining overall vessel upkeep. I stood solo watches and led double watches—both day and night—on offshore passages, ensuring the yacht’s safety, performance, and smooth communication at sea. I took the lead on sail handling, anchoring, docking procedures, and assisted with tender operations and guest activities. In addition to onboard duties, I led and managed yard work and contractor coordination during two-week maintenance periods in Antigua, Australia, and South Africa, ensuring all work was completed to a high standard and on schedule. I played a key role in creating a proactive, well-organised environment onboard.

S/Y CLARE, OYSTER 885-03 (Mar ’20 – Jan ’23. Mate)

Sailing programme limited by covid restrictions but included passages to and from Norway, France, Spain, Fastnet return trip and participation at Oyster Rendezvous in Palma. Additional work included a complete strip and re-build of the jet-drive tender in 2020, followed by removal and re-instatement of the internal structures and plant from the engine room to facilitate keel upgrade in 2021.

THOMMO CREATIVE (July ’18 – Present. Director)

Thommo Creative is the business I set up to offer clients a range of creative services, including Graphic Design, Print, and Web solutions. After over 10 years working in the design industry, I wanted to bring together everything I’ve learned and build something of my own. I regularly hired and managed a trusted network of professionals I’ve previously worked with throughout my career — from developers to copywriters to deliver high-quality, collaborative projects. To prepare for this step and strengthen my digital offering, I also completed a Diploma in Digital Marketing, which helped me combine strong design with effective online strategy and engagement.

WORCESTER WEB STUDIO (Aug ’18 – Mar ’20. Lead Designer)

As Lead Graphic and Web Designer, I continued to build on my digital and print experience, taking responsibility for both creative direction and project delivery. I worked closely with web developers to ensure all designs remained true to the brief, supplying detailed flat designs along with clear documentation for intended functionality, movement, and user interaction. My role required a strong focus on consistency and usability across digital platforms. Alongside web projects, I also managed print design work — from initial concepts to organising production and delivery — maintaining the same high standards I upheld in previous roles. This position allowed me to lead with both creativity and precision across multiple formats.

MODUS AGENCY (Mar ’15 – June ’18. Senior Designer)

I worked my way up from Junior Designer to Senior Designer, gaining hands-on experience across a wide range of creative projects. As a Middleweight Designer (March 2015 – January 2016), and later a Senior Designer (January 2016 – June 2018), I was part of a collaborative team delivering design solutions across both print and digital platforms. I led projects from initial branding concepts through to large-scale exhibition designs, and was the main design contact for several high-profile clients. This included producing cohesive visual outputs for both web and print, ensuring consistency across all brand touchpoints. I regularly held client consultations to recommend strategic design approaches aligned with their broader marketing goals. Alongside project delivery, I also supported and mentored junior team members and apprentices, helping them develop their skills and confidence within a busy studio environment.

TRAVELLING (Mar ’14 – Jan ’15)

Southeast Asia and Australasia

MARK WARNER, KALAMATA GREECE (Mar ’12 – Sept ’12. Sailing and Powerboat Instructor)

I ran varied sailing lessons six days a week, teaching groups of children and adults with different skill levels. My role included providing tailored instruction for individuals with learning disabilities to ensure an inclusive learning environment. Additionally, I was responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the Pico dinghy fleet, ensuring all equipment was safe and ready for use.

OTHER SAILING EXPERIENCE

OYSTER REGATTA, ANTIGUA (April 2025)

Babiana Oyster 885-GT

SUNSAIL ANNUAL REGATTAS, PORTSMOUTH (2005 – 2018)

Sunfast 37, Beneteau F40

HEINEKEN REGATTA, ST.MAARTEN (2013)

Great Escapes, Jeanneau 52

RORC CARIBBEAN 600, ANTIGUA (2013)

Great Escapes, Jeanneau 52

DELIVERY CAGLIARI TO PORTO TORRES, SARDINIA (2006)

Tumbler, Westerly 36

DINGHY SAILING AND RACING

Since the age of 4…!