My first involvement with the premises at Dolphin Quay was in early 1996 when the yard and the workshop were empty.  I had come to lay a new deck and carry out other shipwright work on a 30ft gaff yacht called Charm owned by David Still. 

I was near the end of my first year as a self employed shipwright having previously worked at Combes Boatyard in Bosham, now sadly not in existence, for six years. 

Towards the end of the work on Charm, David suggested I might begin renting the workshop at Dolphin Quay, as David owns the whole site.  I thought about it and decided to go ahead.  Thus, my most recent customer became my landlord!

The first year or so was a real struggle until enough work was coming in for me to employ other shipwrights.  Thereafter, with a team of dedicated, talented people, we have had the good fortune to work on some beautiful boats for customers who have had work done and have come to us again.  Customers who are genuine enthusiasts for wooden boats and who appreciate the work that goes into them.

May they continue to want the service we provide!

Tim Gilmore