May/June Newsletter

We celebrated the launch of our new venture Constance Cruises with a launch party at The Boatyard Cafe. We're continuing to make improvements to the yard and are looking forward to the Falmouth Classics in June.

Falmouth Classics 2019

Once again Gweek Classic Boatyard is pleased to be a sponsor for the Falmouth Classics. Constance and Sara will be taking part in the festivities on Falmouth Haven Pontoons. Constance will be available for charter and owner Mark Aichroth will be racing Sara.

Anne and the team will be manning the gazebo at The Tilley Maritime Village on Custom House Quay where, along with Justin of English Braids, they will be making Baggy Wrinkles and teaching (or learning!) how to splice.

Special bookings for Falmouth Classics

Constance will be available for cruises of Falmouth Harbour and Carrick Roads on Friday 14th and Sunday 16th June.

Friday 14th June: £20 for 90min cruise to watch the racing.1000 to 12 noon or 1400 to 1600. Coffee and cake included.
Sunday 16th June: £30 for 3 hr cruise to watch the Parade of Sail – 0930 to 1230 hrs. Coffee, cake and Prosecco included.
Sunday 16th June: £20 for 90min cruise to watch the Small Boat Parade. Constance will be the Turning Mark.

Please contact us on 01326 221657 or email constance@gweekquay.co.uk to book.

Current Projects

Speedwell of Cremyll

After nine months of intense work by Andrew Massey, Duncan Skingley and Susie Ferris, Speedwell of Cremyll finally came out of the shed last week. She is due to be launched on Monday 20th May.

Craning in almost finished

The boatyard is gradually emptying out allowing yard staff to concentrate on yard maintenance and improving infrastructure. We wish you all a happy sailing season and look forward to seeing you in the autumn.

Meet some of our 'residents'

From left to right: Amelia Rose (being launched Tuesday 21st May), Calypso (here for long term storage) and Meritta (undergoing repairs).

Quay wall finished

Work on the new wall at the quay frontage is now complete providing a much more welcoming place for boats coming up river to the boatyard.

St Michael's Mount Water Taxis

Chris Hardman Jones, Trevor, Lance and Duncan are continuing with the St Michaels Mount Water Taxis. They are fitting out the first two of five. A mould was built to the spec required by St Michaels Mount and the work will be ongoing for 12 months.

Cornish Pilot Gig Build

Work on the Cornish Pilot Gig build is progressing well. Work is being carried out by Peter Martin, grandson Dylan and his friend Patrick. The moulds are now all in and ready for planking.

Sif Refurb by Amanda Champion

Before and after pictures of Sif after a really fantastic refurb job onsite by Amanda Champion. Sif ended up on the rocks at Helford before Christmas.

Constance Launch Event

We celebrated the launch of Constance Cruises with a gathering at The Boatyard Cafe at the end of April with over 80 locals. Fantastic food was provided by chef Mark Devonshire and team David and Sophie of The Wood-Fired Kitchen, who will be catering for guests aboard Constance, with oysters provided by Trystan of Port Navas Oyster Farm. Thanks to all who came along to celebrate the launch with us; it was great to see so many people in attendance and excited about this wonderful boat.

Several bookings were taken on the day and Constance has had a few successful trips already with very happy passengers.

Constance crew

We are very lucky to have put together a really great, experienced and knowledgable crew to take care of guests aboard Constance. Pictured above: skippers David Furness and Samantha Parker and crew John Ball.

Samantha grew up on the Thames on her parents' boat, and has worked as head boatman at Cliveden House Hotel. She also skippered the umpire launch for the Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race on the Thames and one of the umpire launches for Henley Royal Regatta.

David moved to Cornwall five years ago and has spent as much time on the water as possible ever since. With a passion for boats and the local area, he is excited to share his local knowledge with guests and be a part of the Constance project.

John will be responsible for managing front of house on board. JB has lived in Falmouth for over forty years and is well known to many as owner/restaurateur of The Seafood Bar in Falmouth. He has also managed front of house at Castaways and The Waterside, Flushing and currently works at the Golden Lion in Stithians. He brings a calm, knowledgeable and relaxing attitude to Constance, giving the customers a memorable experience with his hands on front of house skills.

Book a trip aboard Constance

Constance is available to book for a two and a half house cruise along the Helford River, with lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, or drinks and canapés. Sample menus are available on the website as well as an availability calendar and booking form.

Other news

Constance in the news

We had some great coverage of Constance and the boatyard over the past couple of months, including a feature on BBC Spotlight, BBC Radio Cornwall, and in Cornwall Living.

New yard hand

We are pleased to welcome a new member of the team to the boatyard this month. Our new yard hand Don moved to Cornwall in 2012 with his wife Samantha (Skipper of Constance), who he met while working on the Thames.

Don trained in Traditional Boatbuilding at Falmouth Marine School, and worked for 10 years as a traditional wooden boatbuilder on the River Thames specialising in restoration, repairs, painting and varnishing of wooden river craft.

New Gweek Boatyard residents

Last week we we also welcomed some new residents to the boatyard, born over the weekend to our resident swans: six lovely cygnets. They can be found in the river by the boatyard so do come and say hello!

Mid Season Lift and Pressure Wash (maximum 25 ft)
We are offering a new service this year, for a Mid Season Lift and Pressure Wash. £138 will give you a lift, pressure wash and return to keep the hull pristine for all you racing fanatics.

Book your autumn slot
Boats are already being booked in from October onwards. Don’t forget to book your slot!

Undercover storage now available over summer
Undercover storage is available now during the summer months until the end of September for any projects you would like to undertake.

Price Increase
There will be a slight price increase coming into affect from 1st August 2019. The increase will affect the craning costs and onshore storage, but chocking and boat stand hire remains the same. Spreader bar costs have been reduced. Price list is available to view here.

Shop open six days a week
Our Chandlery is going from strength to strength with new stock in all the time. If we don’t have what you want, we can always get it for you. Do come and visit us.

Holiday lets and new pontoons

We are waiting on planning for the conversion of the Long Barn and Customs House, to provide holiday accommodation at the boatyard, as well as new pontoons. 

As always please do feel free to drop into the office for a coffee and a chat.

Kind regards,

Mark and Malcolm