“I quickly immersed myself in sailing and took on leadership roles. I became captain and helmsman on 45ft ‘Scaramouche’, leading the team through her restoration, helping raise funds and racing.”
Montel led the team during the first Fastnet campaign in 2017. This experience taught him how to lead under pressure, communicate clearly, and take responsibility for both people and performance. He was the first Black Afro-Caribbean sailor to win the Yachting Journalists’ Association, Young Sailor of the Year the following year, reflecting the importance of effective leadership, resilience, and teamwork rather than just results on the water.
He gained an internship with Alex Thomson Racing, where he further developed skills that have translated directly into future career. He studied Marketing at Portsmouth University where he was able to carry on sailing and supporting others on Scaramouche.
“I love mentoring and coaching the younger ones on Scaramouche. They tease me and tell me they will be better than me. I tell them that is what I want too! I am happy to help them achieve more than I did. That would make me very proud.”
In 2025, he joined the Board of Trustees at The Scaramouche Sailing Trust as part of his ongoing commitment to inspiring more young people to sail.
“I now work in marine recruitment with HSB Technical, supporting businesses across the marine and engineering sectors to secure skilled professionals. My background allows me to genuinely understand both employers’ technical requirements and candidates’ real-world challenges.”
