An Interview with an Original Berth Holder

This year we mark 30 years since Milford Marina accommodated its first leisure craft!

After officially opening its gates back in 1991 with just 225 berths, Milford Marina has only gone from strength to strength over time, now providing secure shelter to over 300 pontoon berths and hard storage for up to 70 vessels.

In this blog post, we speak to the one and only Captain Ian Evans. Over the years the marina has seen many berth holders come and go but Ian and his trusty vessel Musketeer II have stayed put throughout, making him one of our longest-standing berth holders and a loyal customer to this day.

As one of Milford Marina’s original berth holders, when did you first arrive into the marina?

I first entered Milford Marina back when it first opened in 1991 with Musketeer II.

With plenty of options to choose from, what initially attracted you to berth Musketeer at Milford Marina?

Musketeer had previously been on a swinging mooring off Cunjic beach since I bought her in 1982, during which time I would bring her into Milford Docks in periods of bad weather.

I decided to berth her in the marina shortly after it opened for three reasons:

1. Convenience
2. Safety, both from weather and passing marine traffic
3. The security provided by 24-hour surveillance

Reminiscing over three decades at Milford Marina, what would you say is your favourite memory?

My favourite memory is the visit of the Tall Ships to the marina in 1991. Concurrent with their visit I, together with a representative from each of the five yacht clubs, organised a ‘small ships’ regatta. This attracted an entry of about seventy yachts which, in addition to local boats, attracted entries from north, mid and south Wales, and Ireland.

Milford Marina is conveniently located on the Milford Haven Waterway, offering fantastic coastal sailing opportunities. Where are some of your must-visit places that you recommend to other sailors?

I have many favourite places on the ‘waterway’.

For socialising with other yachts folk: Dale/The Griffin Inn; Angle/The Old Point House; Milford Marina/Martha’s Vineyard and Lawrenny/Lawrenny Arms.

For peace: upper Cleddau, say from Rhoose Ferry to Llangwm.

Having said that, a visit to Skomer Island to see the puffins, shearwaters and seals, or a rounding of Grassholm Island to see (and smell) the gannets in appropriate season and weather appeals greatly.

There have been a lot of changes over the last 30 years to Milford Marina and the surrounding area, including the development of Milford Waterfront. What improvements were the most impacting for you?

For me the most impacting change has been the installation of the additional lock gates. Being able to have 24-hour access to and from the marina is a brilliant addition to the convenience, safety and security already provided.

As an experienced seafarer, do you have any tips for those that are looking to start sailing?

I strongly believe that anybody interested in getting into sailing or powerboating should attend an introductory course.

If you’re interested in berthing at Milford Marina, get inspired by some of our very own berth holders (including Ian) in our short film series to see what the marina and the surrounding area has to offer.

Here at Milford Marina, we offer a variety of berthing arrangements to suit your requirements, from a visitor’s berth to an 12 month contract or perhaps you’re even looking for your new home to live onboard your vessel, Milford Marina have got you covered.

For more information contact us on 01646 696312, where a member of the team will be happy to help.