Weir Quay Boatyard

On the most glorious, calm, blue-sky day I travelled down the quiet lane to Weir Quay to meet Georgie Acland, one half of the new owners of Weir Quay Boatyard.

Georgie and her father, Harry, bought the yard just under a year ago and with a small team are working hard to improve the business and create a welcoming community hub. The Acland family used to live in Gloucestershire where they ran a 1,500-acre mixed arable and stock farm, alongside a variety of holiday accommodation. Looking for a change of direction, Harry and Diana sold their house, passing the farm onto the next generation and moved to Hewton in 2020. Georgie met her boyfriend, Jake, when they both attended Blundells where she studied for four years. They embarked upon a gap year together at the end of 2019 and travelled to Australia, working in hostels. Intending to stay for a year, they were sadly forced home like so many others in March 2020. So she applied to Mark Warner Holidays as a dingy instructor, but this opportunity was also cancelled due to the pandemic. Undeterred, Georgie changed tack and accepted a place at Oxford Media & Business School. In February 2021 Georgie and her father jumped at an exciting opportunity to buy the boatyard, investing 50/50 each.

With her new found business skills and seemingly boundless energy Georgie is keen to impress and make the yard a successful thriving enterprise. Harry is on hand to offer advice and support, but Georgie and Jake are leading the venture. They both live on site with their three-year-old collie, Sky. Alongside Georgie and Jake, four people work full-time in the yard; they all remained after the change of hands bringing practical experience and easing the transition. The last year has been a steep learning curve and they are grateful for the advice and support they have received from their dedicated team. Kath is the administrator and has been invaluable for Georgie, teaching her the basics of how to run a commercial enterprise; Spencer, the marine engineer tends to the mechanical and technical needs of the boats; Trevor, the yard manager, together with Chris and Jake are on hand with general maintenance, both for the boats as they over-winter on cradles and the yard itself.

Locals will have noticed much needed improvements to the yard, including a new walkway. Building works have also begun on a new balcony and decking area extending out from the new cafe, which they hope to christen in May with a celebratory party. Georgie was also very keen to establish a cafe, so the team have renovated the old chandlery block and created a warm, inviting cafe which is open to all, from Wednesday to Sunday, selling tea, coffee, bacon baps and cakes - much of which is locally sourced. Amongst the snug seating area is a display of bespoke bags made from recycled sails, local honey and apple juice. Georgie hopes to expand not only the seating area, but also her stock, adding more locally and ethically produced goods.

They have big dreams for the boatyard which include the potential for a stylish Airbnb getaway on a refurbished houseboat moored at the yard, and links with other local businesses operating close to the Tamar which will hopefully bring in more visitors and business, beneficial for both. They also hope to host a few private and public events at the yard with facilities for BBQs and music, raising the profile of this naturally beautiful site along the banks of the Tamar. The locals have been very supportive and Georgie and her father would like to thank them for their encouragement and patronage.

Winter is a busy time in the yard for renovations, refits and improvements whilst the boats are out of the water and visitor numbers are reduced. Summer is busy in a different way; the yard gradually empties and the stunning view opens up as the boats are moored out on the river. It is a lively hive of activity as people come and go, enjoying messing about in boats. Georgie and Jake would one day like to set sail from Weir Quay and spend a year or two sailing the world, but for now, this dock on the bank of Devonian paradise, is their top priority and making the boatyard a success is all they dream about.

By Nichola Williams

For more information, please visit www.weir-quay.co.uk or contact 01822 840474 or info@weir-quay.com