An interview with a lifelong boater

From equipment and boat manufacturers to naval architects and sales reps, together we are at the mercy of the boat owner. We sat down with veteran of the sea Graham Blake to get his take on the last 16-months and his very optimistic view for the industry as a whole for 2022 and beyond.

As a boating enthusiast, tell us about the last 16-months.

“Quite simply, I haven’t been a boating enthusiast. For me, pleasure is in exploring new places by sea and spending restful days bobbing on the ocean. Our marina has a few houseboats, meaning the marina gates were still open and so I sneaked a few short trips to spend some time on my boat. It was a welcomed relief from being housebound in the lockdown and tier-3 restrictions.”

How has COVID affected your boating for 2021 and beyond?

“I have a newfound appreciation for life’s luxuries – boating being one of them. Whether tearing it over to the Isle of Wight on a RIB or a day cruising the coastline on a yacht, every experience is something to be treasured and planned for like a holiday. Our staycation plans for 2021 are all boat-based.”

What has changed in the pleasure boating community since COVID restrictions were lifted? 

“Every marina has a large number of boats that never seem to go anywhere – the ghost fleet. Since COVID restrictions were lifted it seems that every boat owner has taken to the water like an unofficial armada. I tried pre-booking a marina last weekend, only to see there was a 2-month waiting list for Saturday night bookings everywhere in The Solent. I’ve never experienced anything like this.

“There’s a new sense of community too! The pontoon has always been a sociable place and this has just taken off. We make new friends every weekend, jumping aboard for a few G&T’s.”

Which normalities are you looking forward to the most?

“For me, sailing is a social exercise. I can’t wait for people to no longer worry about sitting in the cabin having a glass of wine, a meal in the clubhouse or standing at the bar with newfound friends, or just being able to use the marina facilities without panicking when the last sanitised wipedown took place.”

What trends do you expect for 2022 and beyond?

“I can see this boating resurgence continuing well into next year! Those who have a boat have spent this summer using it to the maximum. Those who were thinking about buying have bought up every boat that’s for sale. And next will come those who had never thought about boating but suddenly see the benefits to staycationing on the water.

“I hope that boat builders’ workshops can be allowed to run at maximum capacity as the final restrictions are lifted to put many more boats on our waters for 2022 and beyond.

The more boats there are, the faster marine technology will advance, and the more facilities will need to be built around our wonderful coastline and waterways. Marinas and marina villages bring such value and regeneration to coastal towns. The future of boating looks prosperous in my eyes!