Our Team

Hugo Mills is the owner, chief instructor, and heart of Salty Sailing, based in Cowes. With hands-on experience racing in the UK and Caribbean, he leads the Salty team with competence, passion, and a genuine desire to share the joy of sailing.

Hugo brings both professionalism and a warm, encouraging presence to every voyage. He believes sailing should be accessible to all — whether it’s your first day on deck or you're chasing a Yachtmaster qualification.

Clients often praise his calm, friendly style and careful organisation. Under Hugo’s guidance, Salty’s fleet is maintained to high standards, creating an environment where safety and confidence flourish. The heart of Salty’s mission is to help people learn, grow, and fall in love with sailing.

Whether you join for a day sail, charter, course, or race, Hugo ensures every moment is memorable — from the first tack to the celebratory mooring.

While you might not always see her at the helm, Katie Hatcher is very much at the heart of Salty Sailing. As co-owner, she takes on the crucial behind-the-scenes work that keeps everything running smoothly.

From managing logistics, accounts, and bookings to ensuring every course, charter, and event is set up for success, Katie is the steady hand that enables the team to shine on the water. She’s the one making sure the details are taken care of — the part of the business most guests don’t notice, but everyone benefits from.

Katie’s mix of organisation, diligence, and quiet determination makes her the company’s backbone. While Hugo and the skipper team might be the ones you meet onboard, it’s Katie’s hard work behind the scenes that ensures your experience is seamless from start to finish.

Her role may be less visible, but it’s absolutely essential — and Salty Sailing wouldn’t be the same without her.

Cherie is one of the visible faces of Salty when clients are out on the water. She is often the person you’ll interact with during trips, lessons, and charters. Her ability to balance instruction, safety, and enjoyment makes her integral to delivering the “Salty experience.”

Behind her calm leadership and sailing know-how lies a dedication to helping clients progress. Whether guiding newcomers through their first tack or stepping back to let more experienced sailors take control, Cherie makes sure the voyage is rewarding, educational, and memorable.

Kai Hall is one of the skilled skippers at Salty Sailing, known for their steady hand, sharp seamanship, and supportive presence onboard. Whether leading a charter or guiding novice sailors, Kai blends technical competence with a calm, encouraging manner.

You’ll often find Kai ensuring everything from the rigging to the transitions between maneuvers runs smoothly, all while making sure you feel confident and safe throughout. Behind the scenes, Kai helps set the stage for each trip — from gear checks to planning — so that every moment on deck can be relaxed, engaging, and memorable.

Jenn Ramsdale is one of Salty Sailing’s esteemed skippers and instructors. With qualifications including Yachtmaster Ocean (commercially endorsed) and Cruising Instructor, Jenn brings both deep technical knowledge and a calm, confident teaching style to every trip.

She’s the one you’ll find at the helm when exploring new waters or guiding learners through their first tacks. Jenn’s patience, attention to detail, and ability to connect with all skill levels make her an invaluable member of the Salty team.

Whether you’re gaining confidence in sail handling or sharpening your navigation in challenging conditions, Jenn ensures the journey is safe, educational, and enjoyable.