Moor for your money (From Western Telegraph)

Moor for your money

BIG ones, little ones, fast ones and leisurely ones, you name it, like bobbing toy soldiers packed in perfect symmetry, boats of all shapes and sizes anchor at Milford marina.

It takes mathematical precision to utilise every rippling space in the marina, this is a growing and prosperous harbour after all and competition for berths is fierce.

That's something of a pleasurable headache, though, for marina manager, Tracey Coates, as she tries to explain the re-configuration project that will create further berths and shave names off an ever-growing waiting list.

"The changes are purely because of demand," says Tracey, as she watches over the waterside territory she governs. "We only originally had four pontoons, adding another two about seven years ago and then the last pontoon about three years ago.

"Now we're changing the structure to give me more capacity and we're essentially looking at another 60 berths."

What's clear about the commander-in-chief, who does everything from marina maintenance to keeping up health and safety standards, is that she runs an ambitious and efficient ship, which evidently she has to.

"It's a growth industry," she says. "And it's the same all over the country. I've had situations where people apply for berths, hopefully secure one and pay for it, and then buy a boat."

At the moment, with waterways' sailing not governed by legislation anyone can buy a boat,0 and Tracey believes that, that has drawn a greater number into the leisure pastime and added to the marina's popularity.

"Going out into the Haven and over to the islands is the last bit of freedom for some people," she says.

FUTURE

The relentless drone of drilling, drowning out that familiar sound of slapping halyards (apparently a faux pas in the yachtsman's guide to tying ropes), is another sign of the marina's inability to stand still since it opened 13 years ago.

"It was dead land used as an overflow car park," admits Tracey, who believes the continuing growth and current development has only been possible because of the marina's attraction.

Currently it's a hive of activity, with residential flats interspersed with office apartments and shop units, rising from the ground. And every block, even those still being built, already has a sold sign attached.

With so many people being drawn to this commercial and residential hotspot, the marina has become the perfect location for the visiting and local sailors alike.

"It's like a little community here," says Tracey. "We've had people here from day one and with long-standing and very loyal customers, the relationship we've built up with these people is very good."

Meurig Caffery is just one of those people who has long seen the potential and attraction of Milford marina.

Together with two friends, David and Andrew, he set up a small boat and engine repair business in 1998 called Windjammer Marine.

This has flourished, with one boatyard growing into three together with the increase in usage and size of the marina.

"The mix of pleasure and commercial boats brings people from all nationalities, all walks of life, rich and poor (like myself).

"Throw into the cocktail, friendly, welcoming locals and you have the recipe which gives our marina a unique and refreshing experience."

GUARANTEE

Since opening its gates in 1991, as the Tall Ships set sail, Milford marina has built up the reputation as, "the friendly marina, where customers become friends", something that marina staff and local sailors are keen to maintain.

"People come down to enjoy the area and relax away from the stresses and strains of modern living," says Tracey. "I can see why some people get in the car on a Friday night and come to spend the weekend here, whether on water or land. It's a cracking place."