Nigel was born in Somerset, UK, and was a child of her Majesty's services; moving around England, Germany and Jordan. His early working life was mainly as an unskilled worker, trying many jobs. He emigrated to Australia in 1966 as a 'Ten Pound Pom, ' arriving in WA after working in Queensland. Nigel eventually became a West Australian primary teacher for twenty-one years, then a high school relief teacher, while all his adult life he also played music part time. He is happily married a 4th generation West Australian lady, Aileen. Nigel started sailing in high school, and has had many adventures, both overseas and around the coast of Australia. He still plays music with Perth jazz bands and with The Haze Showband. He is RVGA guide, a guide on the Duyfken replica, and an active member of U3A. He wrote for 'Cruising Helmsman' magazine for twenty years, and is a popular guest speaker for Probus and U3A.