February Newsletter

Dear Gweek Classic Boatyard Community,

As we move into spring we are starting to see some warmth in the February sun and this makes us look forward to the 2023 boating season. The yard seems full to bursting; we are extremely pleased to have a few hundred metres more of boat length in the yard this season, beating our previous record. 

DRONE PHOTO OF GWEEK CLASSIC BOATYARD BY ALLAN LEE

During the recent months we have built two new sheds for boats undercover, built new yard toilets, improved drainage and worked hard on the infrastructure that provides electricity to the yard. The yard team have been updating their training, servicing our equipment and getting customers' boats prepped for the spring craning season.

The shipwrights are a hive of activity. Andrew Massey and Duncan Skingley have some really important restorations underway and are bringing more and more boats to the yard. Ben Harris has a new boat under construction. Ben Harris' recent build Constance has been nominated in the new build category for the Classic Boat Magazine awards. If you'd like to support this fantastic local project you can vote for Constance on the Classic Boat website here; it takes less than a minute and you can vote for just one category. James Pardoe is doing a full restoration on the Deben 4 Tonner Sara and we look forward to seeing her relaunched in May. James has availability from June for undercover restorations and work; please speak to the office if you wish to contact him.

Many of you have already booked your slots for craning back in: if you have not, please speak to Louise and we will try to meet your date requirements. I know everyone wants the maximum water possible under their keel but the big tides will be prioritised for the deep draft boats. If you want your boat cleaned and prepared and put straight on the mooring please let us know, we will be happy to assist.

We can also help with the antifouling of your boat. If you would like us to assist please email info@gweekquay.co.uk and we will get you programmed into our schedule. We also have an offer on at the moment: if you are antifouling and buy a minimum of a 2.5Ltr tin of antifoul we will include a roll of tape, a roller and a tray. Likewise, if you need any products through the chandlery please speak to Louise and we can place them on board or have them ready for you to collect from the office.

Regarding launch dates, please do pop into the office for your coffee voucher at the café when your boat is due to launch. We would also like to welcome you back next year (sorry to wish the season away!). We already have a waiting list for the 2023/2024 season – with this in mind we are asking all existing customers to let us know by the end of July if you wish to take up your space again. This will guarantee your spot – we will then release spots to the new boats on the waiting list.

The holiday lets are progressing and after a long journey we plan to be open this year. Keep your eyes peeled for up to date information coming soon.

Best wishes for a happy sailing season.

Malcolm and Mark