BERTHON BOATYARD VISIT

Wednesday 20th March 10.30AM

The Shipyard, Bath Road Lymington SO41 3YL

The Berthon Boatyard is a family business founded in 1877.  The Yard undertakes every aspect of marine engineering from a simple annual service to major repairs and replacement and the fitting of new engines. Full expert refit and refurbishment of hulls and rigging are carried out on all types of Yacht and Motorboat. Unrivalled painting facilites are proudly described as the most modern in Europe.  Most important of all, the yard is capable of constructing  some of the most  sophisticated small vessels to be found at sea, including RNLI Lifeboats. 

Our Visit 

The Chief Executive likes to conduct Tours.  If we are fortunate and he is available Brian May will take us round himself.  There is no fee but an RNLI box is in the Dockmaster's office on the quayside and contributions are always gratefully received.

We meet at 10.30am on the waterside outside the Dockmaster's office, just a few metres upriver from the car park.

There is quite extensive parking inside the Yard but, dependent upon numbers, we might become embarrassed and it is suggested a car share system is adopted by those who need to drive.  No limit has been set on the number in our party.  However Advance booking is essential.

Lunch

It is suggested that Members might like to take lunch out after the visit and we can confirm the Mayflower Public House SO41 3QD will welcome our group.  Details will be available nearer the date however they are confident they will be able to provide a section of the bar area is reserved in order that we might take our refreshment together as a group.

A recent conversation with Marcel, the Maitre'd, revealed that if our Group exceeded 10 they would like to know our menu choices in advance to facilitate their ability to serve us promptly and together as a group.  Menu choices are available on their website which is most easily reached by googling "The Mayflower Lymington" and opening the lunch menu.  Please contact Peter Cutmore if you are planning to take lunch.  Phone 01590 679208 or email peter@cutmore.com or in person at our Meeting 11 March when a copy of the menu will be available.

Visit report

Twenty three Members collected at 10.30 outside the Dockmasters Office.  Right on time our host, the CEO and joint owner, Brian May arrived to conduct our tour.

It was explained to us that this was a family business started four generations ago in a small yard just downriver from the main Lymington Town slip.  Considerable expansion has taken place over the years and the Berthon yard complex now covers some fourteen acres.  Immediately adjacent to us, moored to the quay was the classic yacht Brunhilde, a perfect example of the yard's restoration skills.

Almost all work, restoration, repair or building from scratch takes place in giant sheds to ensure the weather is not a controlling feature for the workforce which numbers about 150  personnel.  Most are skilled or semi skilled men and women. Interestingly the Management operate vibrant Apprenticeship schemes and between 12 and 15 young people are training in various skills at any one time.  he Management are proud of the fact that a large number of their senior team have made a lifelong career with them.

Every material from Wood to Kevlar and Carbon fibre is used on craft as small as 15ft to very large sail and motor powered yachts.  Huge lifting gear both mobile and static can raise weights up to 100 tons.

The organisation, cleanliness and quiet efficiency displayed everywhere does the management great credit.  Enjoyed by all.