Inspirational Islanders: Charlie Hickman, Wightlink

We saw Charlie on board Wightlink’s Victoria of Wight ferry on Channel 5’s Isle of Wight: Jewel of the South programme. He was on the bridge during a busy bank holiday weekend. Charlie’s the Chief Officer on the Portsmouth to Fishbourne route and works on Victoria of Wight, St Clare, and St Faith. As Chief Officer, alongside the captain, he’s responsible for the day-to-day running of the ferries.

“I grew up on the Isle of Wight and for as long as I can remember I’ve had a keen interest in the cruise ships and ferries that pass by. This led to a career at sea and even though I have been around the world in my previous job on cruise ships, there is no place I’d rather live than the Island.

Living in St Helen’s, the beach and Bembridge Harbour are only a short walk down the road. Combined with the varied and spectacular scenery across the Island there’s no place quite like it!

Every day is different at Wightlink. The jobs vary from the navigation of the ships to maintenance and upkeep, and from crew drills to training. It’s a very hands-on job and there is always something going on which keeps it interesting. It’s also a very rewarding job and there is a huge amount of job satisfaction tying up the ferry at the end of a successful day’s work.

My favourite beach is Priory Bay. It’s surrounded by trees and is very picturesque. You can only access it via Seagrove Bay or St Helens and walking around. It’s best to visit when the tide is out.

I love walking up St Boniface Down to reach the highest point on the Isle of Wight. There are amazing views over the coastline at Ventnor.

I’m a bit of a petrol-head so I love taking a trip out in my car or motorbike to Niton, St Catherine’s Point and St. Catherine’s Lighthouse. There’s a great pub there called The Buddle Inn. Unsurprisingly Sandown Sprint is one of my favourite events, I get to enjoy top-class motorsport close to home! If you’re a spectator, you can enjoy brilliant views of the cars as they compete on Culver Parade in Sandown.”

🛈 Paul starred in Channel 5’s Isle of Wight: Jewel of the South series.