26 March 2024

Inland Marina Tour & Networking Day

By Paul Knox-Johnston Sales & Marketing Manager
Illustration of several houseboats moored in a calm harbor, with a beige shoreline and clear blue-green water.

On Wednesday 20th March 2024, we had the privilege of being invited to attend the inaugural Inland Networking Tour, hosted by The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) and generously sponsored by Dean Fuller and the team and Dura Composites.

A row of narrowboats is moored at a marina under a cloudy sky, with bushes and reeds in the foreground.

A journey through breathtaking marina’s

With 62 enthusiastic participants including Paul Knox-Johnston, James Nicholas and Oliver Brown representing Haven Knox-Johnston Commercial, we embarked on a captivating tour around 3 picturesque marinas:

  1. Aquavista Sawley Marina: Nestled along the tranquil waters of the River Trent, Aquavista Sawley welcomed us with open arms and Marina & Waterside Manager, Jon Pryer ensured our visit was both informative and delightful.
  2. Mercia Marina: A true gem, Mercia Marina dazzled us with its facilities and stunning surroundings. Here, we enjoyed lunch at the Boardwalk overlooking the beautiful waterside view. Robert Neff, Partner and General Manager, and his team extended warm hospitality, making our stop truly memorable.
  3. Lakeland Leisure Barton Marina: The final leg of our tour led us to Lakeland Leisure, Barton Marina. General Manager, Mike Little and his team left us feeling inspired and grateful.

A huge ‘thank you’ to all the marinas, their owners and their teams for opening their doors to us all and sharing best practice.

Beyond scenic beauty: Building connections

The day was more than just a visual feast. It served as a platform for meaningful discussions, idea sharing, issue raising, and industry dialogue. In an industry that thrives on collaboration, such interactions are invaluable.

A group of people stands outside a wooden building, listening to someone speak on a platform on a cloudy day.
A group of people gathered outside a building, standing near a van in a parking lot under a cloudy sky.

A resounding success

The Inland Marina Tour & Networking Day was a triumph; the experience was nothing short of remarkable – a day of discovery, networking, speaking with operators and industry insights. As we sail forward, let’s continue building bridges, fostering connections, and celebrating the spirit of our industry. We look forward to the next event!

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