Paul Wakelin, founder of Fluid Boat Services, avid East Coast based windsurfer and fully qualified Dental Technician, found his early working life in a Dental Laboratory way too distracting whenever the wind blew.
So, taking a bold decision to head west to Cornwall, following his passion afloat led to working at the UK’s most dynamic sailing and action sports centre of the time. Just outside Falmouth, Paul gained an intensive experience in sail training across dinghy, multihull, keelboats, land-yachting and multi-activity sports. Quickly rising from instructor to centre manager Paul was integral to the business being an industry leading, UK sail training operation.
Next was a move to midlands based boat manufacturer, Laser Performance. Comprehensive technical knowledge coupled with a high level interpersonal skills. The sales environment was exciting in the heyday of small boat popularity.
Then a further move to full-time study, gaining a Business Degree (BSC) from the University of East Anglia. In unison, establishing Fluid Boat Services to self-fund University. Fluid Boat Services steadily became a growing success as a composite repair specialist and multihull dealer. With studies complete, a re-location to Swansea to new workshops and to follow the love of surfing and the amazing outdoor life South Wales has to offer.
Alongside business activity, Paul’s coaching experience also developed as an offshoot of his multihull racing prowess. Long time RYA Head Youth Multi-hull coach enjoying working with the best young Cat sailors of the day, Gold and bronze Medals were achieved at the ISAF Youth Worlds in 2007 / 2008 in the Multihull classes.
Then spreading his wings, leaving the UK to head up the Oman Sail, performance Catamaran program, coaching full-time primarily based in Muscat, Oman 2009. By 2012, 100% Omani teams were regularly achieving top ten results within the intensely competitive International Formula 18 circuit and winning races at World Championship events.
The Oman Sail days were really quite special which included helping feed Omani sailors into an Extreme 40 program which then developed into GC32 with a reach into the MOD70 program.
After nearly four years abroad, it was time to go home. This allowed Paul to yet again develop his own sailing with his foiling Moth and Nacra Infusion F18 which then led to Nacra 17 and most recently Nacra 20 FCS.
Initially returning to his role of RYA UK Head Youth Multi-hull Coach, he helped grow a vibrant UK multihull program whilst Presiding over the newly formed International Nacra 15 Class Association. International Coaching opportunities continued including supporting National teams from China and India.
With a close relationship with Nacra Sailing and over 30 years of experience Fluid Boat Services is still well placed to help service and empower all Multihull sailors whilst a more recent focus has developed in foiling related activities.
Wing foiling with its multitude of off-shooting foiling disciplines. Becoming a recognised wingfoil instructor was also a natural progression.
Appointed UK Agent for AFS, the premium, French foiling equipment manufacturer in 2022. Most recently with their collab with AFS, now co distributor/ dealer for Manta Foils foil assist products since the end of 2025.
Its incredibly refreshing that the newer, wider practiced foiling disciplines are both bringing together friends and enthusiasts from across the sailing community whilst reaching out to a huge range of eager sporting enthusiasts from incredibly diverse backgrounds with one commmon interest, fun!
Foiling really has come of age and widely accessible, allowing maximimum fun to be achieved on previously unriden bumps and waves. The foiling playground and further potential is massive and just so enjoyable. Paul Wakelin is very much enjoying and enthusiastic to remain at the forefront of the UK foiling industry and to be of help and service to you in your Watersports interests.
Pics, Daymer Bay, sessions 36 years apart.
