SADDLEWORTH-RAISED Pete Coop, who first took to the water on Dovestone Reservoir, is now enjoying sailing success in Australia.
Pete, who emigrated to Perth in 2008 with wife Charlotte and 11-year-old son George, currently lies second in the Western Australia State Championship in only his second season of racing Down Under.
The 57-year-old management consultant, who has lived in Dobcross, Springhead, Diggle and Uppermill and sails a Sabre, also recently finished 11th out of 66 boats in the Australian Nationals.
“All the guys in the top ten have been sailing Sabres for a few years and many are ex-champions from other classes,” explained Pete who is also champion of his local sailing club in East Freemantle where George sails an Open BIC.
Pete says his family chose Perth because of its stunning climate, natural water facilities and vibrant economy adding it has been a great move and, so far, they have no regrets.
He explained: “Nearly every afternoon we get the ‘Fremantle Doctor’ coming in at 1pm – this is a big sea breeze that typically hits 20 knots so the Sabre is perfectly powered for this.
“The fleet at East Freemantle has really taken off in the last four years. It attracts ex Laser sailors and keelboaters who are bored and want to get back into something more physical without the cost and hassle of looking for crew.”
Pete, Charlotte and George return home for one month each year to catch up with family in Saddleworth. They also head to Abersoch, where they also once lived, and where Pete still occasionally races. Last year he won Keelboat Week.
But it was at Dovestone Sailing Club where Pete’s passion for the sport began and he says it was his second home for approximately 10 years. He is also a former club champion.
“Learning to sail there absolutely shaped my life choices thereafter as I have always been near water and boats. That’s why we chose Perth,” he continued.
Pete’s two sons from his first marriage Jonathan and James have also followed in their father’s footsteps.
He said: “Jonathan is skipper on a 100-foot maxi in Antibes in the South of France and James runs his own internet business.
“Both boys were raised in Saddleworth and one caught my passion for business and the other my passion for sailing.”
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