MATTHEW Kovacs (37), a former student of Queen Elizabeth School in Crediton, has been enjoying a Life on the Ocean Waves.

The son of Paula Kovacs of Sandford, Matthew has had several different jobs in and around Crediton, before deciding he wanted more out of life.

He decided to do something positive and in 2002 jumped on a plane to Palma, Majorca, to find work in the yachting industry. He walked the docks asking every yacht owner available, if they had work and was taken on on the Creole, which was owned by the Gucci family.

After his hard work had been noted the Captain offered Matthew a position of deckhand. Then after finishing one summer season, Matthew decided this was what he wanted to do and started working his way up the ladder, on various other yachts.

Now after 16 years and numerous yachting exams later, he is one of the youngest captains working in the yachting world.

Some years ago, Margaret Tucker and her daughter Sue, had a chance meeting with Matthew and his cousin, when they met in a local restaurant in Morroco, got talking and discovered they all came from Crediton!

Margaret Tucker