Jim Baerselman

[PipT]

A fitting tribute 'Twister_Ken' - but JimB would want the facts to be correct! He established Dinghy sailing in Greece, (in the late 70's) later Falcon Sailing then Sovereign Sailing - it quickly became a success story under his and his wife (Gillie) visionary management. An MBO by management after Jim and Gillie retired saw it become part of the Sunworld (Sailing) group (1994) and in 1999 it rebranded to a wider 'activity' offering combining with the well known Neilson Ski brand.
Now known as Neilson Active Holidays its is the UKs leading activity tour operator with the same management team at the top but once again in independent hands! With 80 owned and operated flotilla yachts in Greece and activity Beach Clubs around the Med as well as a large winter snow ski programme. It has never been connected with Barry Neilson - who operates an outfit called 'Sailing Holidays'.
JimB was a boss, a friend and more importantly helped shape the sailing holidays we now take for granted in the Med!
Lee ho JimB

 

[CaroBaerselman]

Those of you with a longer memory will remember JimB who was frequent contributor here.

I'm sad to say he is no longer with us, his funeral was held yesterday.

Jim started out in the RAF, and graduated to become a test pilot, heavily involved in the development of the Harrier. Subsequently he led a multinational team that masterminded the design of the Tornado cockpit.

On leaving flying he started a dinghy sailing school in Greece, which morphed into one of the first flotilla sailing operations, Falcon. Other operators were absorbed and it became Sovereign Sailing. When Jim was ready to retire from the business it was bought by Barrie Neilson and continues today under Barry's name. Jim also served as Marketing Director of Brookes and Gatehouse, and was instrumental in the launch of the Yeoman Plotter.

Jim spent over 10 years as owner of an Oyster 406, which he sailed from the UK to the Med, enjoying a liveaboard life style. When he eventually sold the boat he bought a holiday home in the Peloponnese and started his website: http://www.jimbsail.info: A Sailor's Cruising Guide for Europe. The website is still up - his last entry reads "That's all for now folks!".

Jim was for many years a stalwart of the Cruising Association serving on several committees, as well as a spell as a member of Council - effectively a board member.

He will be missed.

Please may I correct the original post: ' When Jim was ready to retire from the business it was bought by Barrie Neilson and continues today under Barry's name.' which is incorrect.
In Jim's own words:
Jim’s retirement business: started as ‘Dinghy Sailing in Greece’ in Paxos in 1978. He created, then developed and managed a novel activity and holiday business with oversea locations (Falcon Sailing). He sold out by recruiting five additional high quality small tour operators, merging them and managing the culture change to create "Sovereign" brand of holidays for First Choice. Sovereign Sailing, later sold on, is now known as Neilson, a highly successful independent activity holiday specialist, still managed by some original staff.

 

[[3889]]

I'm only aware of JB through his postings on here which portrayed him as a font of knowledge which he was eager to share without thought for personal gain. The epitome of a cruising sailor. Condolences to those that knew him.

 

[mjcoon]

Please may I correct the original post: ' When Jim was ready to retire from the business it was bought by Barrie Neilson and continues today under Barry's name.' which is incorrect.
In Jim's own words:
Jim’s retirement business: started as ‘Dinghy Sailing in Greece’ in Paxos in 1978. He created, then developed and managed a novel activity and holiday business with oversea locations (Falcon Sailing). He sold out by recruiting five additional high quality small tour operators, merging them and managing the culture change to create "Sovereign" brand of holidays for First Choice. Sovereign Sailing, later sold on, is now known as Neilson, a highly successful independent activity holiday specialist, still managed by some original staff.

As I said in post #4, I sailed with Falcon's predecessor company Crawford Perry as well as Falcon. So I would be interested to know if Jim was involved with CP.

I've belatedly remembered that I Googled and found that the famous Rod Heikel had worked for Crawford Perry. (That may be when I met him being a flotilla leader). So Rod may have known Jim, but he does not get a mention in Rod's book: https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=y6qPDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA120&lpg=PA120&dq=Crawford+Perry+sailing&source=bl&ots=fVZKazFWqn&sig=ACfU3U26hWfr2gZEsqA-763afdKYsMJlwA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiMj7D91pDiAhUaSxUIHeFUBjsQ6AEwAnoECAgQAQ#v=onepage&q=Crawford%20Perry%20sailing&f=false

Mike.

 

[PipT]

Crawford Perry Travel became Falcon ....

 

[Twister_Ken]

Apologies if I've got a few details wrong - I was recalling it from the eulogy at the funeral service - and obviously recalling it badly.

 

[PipT]

missed you at the service T_K - was a fitting send off for a special guy - have Private Messaged you to see if we can set the record straight for Jim and Caroline et all

 

[RichardS]

Apologies if I've got a few details wrong - I was recalling it from the eulogy at the funeral service - and obviously recalling it badly.

IMHO, it doesn't matter Ken. The most important thing is that we remember Jim and his contribution to sailing.

Richard

 

[Mr Cassandra]

I believe it was his birthday on the 7th May.

 

[alexsailor]

very, very sad....

keep on sailing Jim!

 

[CaroBaerselman]

I believe it was his birthday on the 7th May.

Yes. Jim would have been 83 on 7th May. He was never old, speaking as his wife of 17 years and over 20 years younger than him.

 

[Graham376]

Never met Jim but received some very useful and friendly advice from him, very sorry for your loss, he will be missed around here. Are you planning on keeping his site up and running?

 

[AndrewB]

Strange feeling of deja vu today to visit Jim's old yacht "Rapaz", now in Preveza marina. An Oyster 406 in beautiful condition, it's up for sale again with Apolloduck if anyone is interested.

 

[Saguday]

Oh no, very sad news. I never met Jim, unfortunately, only knew him on here and his website where we had a few conversations. Always seemed like a very nice chap and was always very knowledgeable and helpful. Condolences and best wished to his family and friends, he’ll certainly be missed on here.

 

[Dave100456]

Never met he guy in person but he was very helpful and informative in responding to questions. Thank you for the time and advice he gave so freely.

 

[Robin]

He will be missed, always helpful and informative.

RIP Jim, you will be missed.

 

[Sybarite]

It is many years ago since I exchanged correspondence with Jim, a genuine nice person, RIP Jim.

Me too. He asked if he could use some of my info on S. Brittany. I'm very sorry to hear of his passing.

My condolences to CaroBaerselman.

 

[alexsailor]

passing Finikounda at the moment I remember how helpful I found his page 15 years ago when I started cruising in Greece…
Time flies….

 

[drawp]

I'm another sailor who fondly remembers Jim. His website was a fountain of information for me while I was sailing to and cruising in Greece. Only met him a couple of times but he was an absolute gentleman.