BERTHON BOATYARD VISIT

Visit report

Wednesday 20th March 10.30AM

The Shipyard, Bath Road Lymington SO41 3YL

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.

Lunch 

Members then retired to take lunch out after the visit at the  "The Mayflower"  Lymington".   An enjoyable conclusion to a succesful visit.