We are boatfolk
Find out how we’re reinventing the marina
Our 11 Marinas
Explore our 11 stunning locations around the UK
Buy or sell a boat with our on-site brokerages
Boat maintenance and repair to keep you afloat
Hassle-free subscription boating
Community
Discover what matters to our community

Meet the crew

Our boatfolk at Haslar Marina

Ben Lippiett

Marina General Manager

Ben has been running Haslar with a smile for donkey's years. He started his working life shuffling across the English Channel and Bay of Biscay working on board P&O ferries, fresh from graduating with degree in Maritime Studies and Water Based Leisure Management (his first year in 1994/5 was the last year Solent University based their maritime faculty in Warsash).

Ben loves being out on the water, and out in the great outdoors. He loves running as well as cycling. At home, with his wife and two daughters, he loves playing different guitar styles from blues to jazz, and lately can be heard working on his picado with his flamenco guitar.

Ben is a major force behind the sustainability goals in boatfolk and our annual 'big green bike ride', which always involves more hills than is strictly necessary!

Colin McLean

Assistant Marina Manager

When Colin is not tending to his fish aquariums at home, he can be found in his spare time tinkering on his beloved Westerly ‘Seatangle III’ or teaching at the Gosport Sea Cadets. He is also an RYA Powerboat instructor - so there is very little he doesn't know about motor and sail boats alike. Colin has a fantastic work ethic, which was ingrained in him when he served as a submariner- doing a very different job to now, but in the same Haslar Creek.

Jordan Paulet

Assistant Marina Manager

Jordan will always be seen with a smile on his face and ever willing to help others. If you need something done Jordan's your man. In his relatively short time Jordan has gone from Marina Assistant at East Cowes to Berthing Master, Senior Berthing Master and now Assistant Manager at Haslar.

Samantha Powell

Customer Service Manager

Dog lover, office superstar and all-round lovely person – you will find Sam in the marina office keeping the team in check throughout the week and at most marina events. Sam has been on the team for many years and can identify each customer by what dog they have, don’t ask us how she does this.

Dave Hill

Chief Horticulturalist

Dave is Haslar’s very own guardian angel, agony aunt and ship’s consoler – absolute heart of gold. If you’ve not yet met him, you will have seen his beautiful wildflower displays across our five south coast marinas and at the Southampton Boat Show. Feel free to stop and chat with him, he has a wealth of gardening knowledge.

Gary Birks

Marina Maintenance

You will often see Gary buzzing back and forth on his bright green golf cart and generally being busy fixing stuff across our five south coast marinas. Gary is the man who has worked wonders in the nine shower cubicles on the Lightship , the complete rebuild of the existing G block and is currently working hard on the new facilities to be fitted on the opposite side of G pontoon to suppliment the current ones . In his spare time, Gary enjoys nothing more than travelling across the UK and Europe in his motorhome.

Emma May

Cleaner

We don’t know where we’d be without Emma, she is an absolute trooper and is willing to get stuck into any manner of job. Emma started her life at Haslar working between the two on-site restaurants, then joined our team a couple years later. Emma will brighten the dullest day with her lovely smiley face!

Ian Cagnasso

Cleaner

Ever been in one of our sparkling washrooms and heard someone singing? It’s probably Ian serenading his mop and bucket! Like Emma, Ian also started his life at Haslar working between the two on-site restaurants, then joined our team a couple years later. Not only has he got a great voice, he’s not bad at busting out a few dance moves too!

Vikki Burridge

Night Berth Master

Before Vikki joined Haslar Marina this September, she had been previously working in Royal Clarence Marina. You may remember Vikki as she had been a Marina Assistant at Haslar Marina for 3 years previous to this.

Vikki will be working alongside Karl Brown.

Zoe Harrison

Customer Experience Officer

Zoe started at Haslar Marina a year ago and came onboard to help redevelop and relaunch The Lightship restaurant as well as build our events portfolio for both restaurants. Dividing her time between hospitality at Haslar and all things customer facing, she brings her past experience working in advertising, marketing, design management and is often caught running along the pontoons, chasing the last ferry back to her home in the Isle of Wight!

Jane Benson

Berthing Master

Jane has been at Haslar for several months now. She's a friendly, enthusiastic member of the team and if you are down at the weekends, you will most probably be greeted by her smiling face. She has lots of boating knowledge and if she can't fix something she has her finger on the pulse of who can!

Liam Pardy

Yacht Broker

Liam joined as Yacht Broker here at Haslar in July 2023, with a lifetime of boating experience. Liam brings a unique perspective and expertise to his role. Whether assisting customers in finding their ideal vessel or sharing tales of adventure on the waves, Liam's passion for yachting shines through in every interaction. Trustworthy, knowledgeable, and endlessly enthusiastic about Yachting, Liam is the go-to expert for all your boating needs at boatpoint, making sure you are well served in securing your future boat!

Deano Deane

Berth Master

Deano is a seasoned Berthing Master with an impressive 11-year tenure at Haslar Marina. Renowned for his exceptional care of berth holders and visitors alike, he excels in ensuring their needs are met with precision and warmth. With a passion for boats cultivated over years of sailing experience, Deano adeptly handles onshore and offshore challenges. Known for his affable nature and quick wit, he enjoys unwinding with a pint at The Creek after a bustling day. Beyond the marina, Deano finds joy in musicals, round-the-cans yacht racing, and the simple pleasure of supermarket shopping, especially when chicken wings are on the menu.

Visitor booking Berthing quote