About Tim Duncombe

 

I'm Tim Duncombe, founder of Duncombe Leisure, established in 1990. My leisure career began in the 1980s with hands-on work in Britain's motorhome and yacht industries, gaining practical experience at Wilsons Epsom and Northshore Yacht Yard before starting my own business.

Wilsons Epsom - American Winnebago Motorhomes

In the 1980s, I worked at Wilsons Epsom, one of Britain's best-known motorhome retailers, preparing American Winnebago motorhomes for sale and rental.

The work included vehicle preparation, finishing, inspections, and ensuring motorhomes were presented to a high standard before reaching customers. That experience gave me a solid understanding of American RV construction and customer expectations and the opportunity to mix with some famous names and relax in stylish comfort with friends.

Northshore Yacht Yard - Chichester Harbour

I later worked at Northshore Yacht Yard near Chichester Harbour, where I was involved in yacht preparation, customer deliveries, boat show support, and GRP gel-coat repairs.

During my time there I worked on yachts including Arctic Tern and Cloud Nine, developing practical skills both ashore and afloat while helping prepare yachts for delivery and exhibition.

Sailing Experience

My passion for sailing extended beyond the boatyard. During the 1987 America's Cup period, I crewed Ocean Gipsy from Barcelona to the Canary Islands, with the voyage logged through the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).

After returning to Britain, I bought my own 2.5-ton sloop, moored at Birdham Pool and registered with Lloyd's.

Duncombe Leisure Since 1990

In 1990, I founded Duncombe Leisure, bringing together decades of practical experience in motorhomes, boats, craftsmanship, and leisure products.

Today, the business reflects over 40 years of hands-on experience and a lifelong enthusiasm for helping people enjoy life on the road and on the water.

 

 

 

So I used to work for Wilsons Autos in Epsom where back in the 80's preparing Winnebago American motorhomes for sale and rental and went on to work for Northshore a leading Yacht yard near Chichester delivering yachts to customers, attending boat shows, gel coat repairs etc then on to a local well known caravan sales company - Happy days indeed .

 

My experience on the boats came when I signed up to crew Ocean Gipsy for a friend from Barcelona to the Canaries as part of the Americas cup in 1987 as logged with the RYA.

 

I enjoyed the voyage immensley so much so when I returned to the UK I bought my own boat! A 2.5 ton sloop moored at Birdham Pool and registered  with Lloyds.

 

I later founded my leisure company Duncombe (Leisure) in 1990 when I returned from the States having toured the west coast in my friend's camper and seen the rvs out there and have sold rvs vans and boats and boat products etc since. See my camper pic an old Bedford cf classic converted for living more pics soon.

 

See photos of me back in the day at the helm, scenes from the pontoon, when working on boats taken in 1988 on 'Arctic Tern' 'Cloud Nine' and others.

 

Looking for boats to repair in the harbor. Shows me en route for Hayling Island on my boat with pics of the interior. I have also worked on Winnebagos big American motorhomes at Wilsons Epsom which I really enjoyed.

Tim Duncombe | Founder of Duncombe Leisure Wilsons Epsom & Northshore Yacht Yard

 

Over 40 years of practical experience

Founded by Tim Duncombe in 1990, Duncombe Leisure is built on experience gained at Wilsons Epsom, preparing American Winnebago motorhomes, and Northshore Yacht Yard in Chichester Harbour, working on yacht preparation, GRP repairs, customer deliveries, and boat show support.