Bryher Boatyard sold to new owners

First Peninsula Marine has announced the sale of Bryher Boatyard, after it was purchased by a new private owner. 

Bryher Boatyard, located on the Isles of Scilly, is an established business, dealing in boatyard services and vessel maintenance, boat and watersports equipment hire (known as Isles of Scilly Boat Hire), as well as offering a chandlery and gift shop. Vessels available for hire include Sealegs, Powercats and Island Pilots, and there are 52 moorings available on Tresco, Bryher, St Mary’s, St Martin’s and St Agnes.

Bryher Boatyard was originally founded in 1990 and, together with the Isles of Scilly Boat Hire, has been described by the Duchy of Cornwall to be one of a number of essential services businesses that contribute to the delivery of island life and the Isles of Scilly experience.

Richard Drew and his wife Sheila joined Bryher Boatyard in 2008 as managers, and purchased it shortly afterwards, before joining forces with Chris Jenkins from St Mary’s to establish the boat hire side of the business.

Richard Drew says: “The business went from strength to strength with the expansion of the boat hire fleet and the introduction of the amphibious Sealegs boats. We also constructed our chandlers shop and went into kayak hire.

“We worked very closely with Tresco Estates as the vast majority of our business were from Tresco holiday customers.”

The yard has been sold to a private buyer called Ben Andrews, who was not available for comment.

Richard and Sheila are now looking forward to their retirement. Richard adds: “We are delighted that Ben Andrews has taken over the business, and it is comforting to see a family living there. Sheila and I have a motorhome in which we plan to explore the UK and further afield in the future.”

Specialist agency First Peninsula Marine acted as advisors and agents to Bryher Boatyard. The financials remain undisclosed, with the guide price set at £575,000.