Good luck to Salcombe Harbour Authority who have been nominated for Prestigious SME of the Year Award for the British Ports Association’s Small and Medium-sized Port Enterprises (SME) of the Year Award 2024. The award ceremony will take place at Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard on Thursday 10 October.
The nomination recognises the Harbour Authority’s important contribution to the Stones Boatyard pontoon project. Faced with a dwindling fleet of historic Salcombe Yawls, the Harbour Board offered their help to Stones Boatyard to upgrade an existing pontoon facility.
The upgrade meant an Aqua Dock system could be attached, allowing the Yawls to be stored afloat and making them more accessible. The project has rekindled enthusiasm for these unique sailing vessels and revived the weekly racing events that were in decline.
The project involved replacing an old pontoon structure that could berth only 10 vessels. The new Aqua Dock system now provides 36 ’dry’ berths for the Yawl fleet. The Harbour Authority worked closely with Stones Boatyard, providing access to staff and infrastructure for the construction and installation of the new docks.
The project was completed in two phases, with the first 18 berths proving so popular that the second phase was advanced by 12 months. The facility is now fully booked, with a waiting list for vacant berths.
The project has supported a local business, promoted environmentally friendly harbour usage, and bolstered the local Yacht Club and its members. The Harbour Authority’s careful negotiation guaranteed a balanced approach, maintaining a fair moorings policy while supporting Stones Boatyard.
Salcombe Harbour Authority’s innovative approach and community support have earned them this well-deserved nomination, highlighting their commitment to preserving local maritime heritage and fostering sustainable harbour practices and we wish them well at the awards ceremony.
Learn more in Stones Boatyard's recent video.