Today saw very experienced team operational member Matthew Hailwood, aged 25, undertaking his last formal team appearance, before setting off soon in mid April for a six month (plus ?) appointment at sea, with cruise company Royal Caribbean.

Matthew, who has been with the team since joining aged 17 in February 2007, will be working with Royal Caribbean as a Sound Technician on cruise liners in Asia.

This afternoon he attended our Ladybridge Hall Base / HQ to hand back in all his team issued personal equipment, and bid a (hopefully temporary) fond farewell to all his friends present today.

For Matthew sailing as crew on large cruise liners will be a little different from his current interests – as Chairman of Bolton Canoe Club!

All in the team wish Matthew the very best for this excellent opportunity to sail around Asia, and a warm welcome will be there for his future return to team operational membership.