Meet the crew

Keeran grew up close to the sea and the River Tyne, with his passion for the maritime world starting early through sailing from Royal Quays Marina with the Ocean Youth Trust. Before joining boatfolk, he worked at the Port of Tyne as Assistant Harbour Master. His wider career includes time as a Deck Officer on a range of commercial vessels, from LNG tankers to offshore research vessels and containerships. Now well established at Royal Quays Marina, Keeran focuses on creating a welcoming, well-run marina for berth holders, visitors and the local community. Outside of work, he enjoys mountain biking, the theatre, and spending time with the Royal Naval Reserve.

After leaving his role as a senior manager for a well-known supermarket chain, James set sail from Scarborough aboard his Etap 28i, Takaza, with plans to explore the UK and beyond. However, after spending a winter at Royal Quays Marina, he and his partner, Gav, fell in love with the area and embraced a liveaboard lifestyle on their boat.

James first joined the boatfolk team as a Marina Assistant, before being promoted to Berthing Master and then Duty Manager in April 2026. Now part of the marina’s management team, James plays a key role in supporting the day-to-day operation of the site and helping to ensure a warm welcome and smooth experience for berth holders and visitors alike.

Sue is ‘Wright’ by name and ‘right’ by nature! All her numbers add up, and she keeps our accounts ship shape and in order – and she’s fun and friendly too! A stalwart of the local sailing club, in her day she was pretty hot in Enterprises and is an old hand sailing back and forth across the North Sea.

A guitar obsessive, classic Porsche restorer, and owner of the good ship ‘Florrie’, Craig keeps us entertained! A former singer on the club circuit he resolutely refuses to sing at work, but you might catch him picking out a few guitar riffs in the wee small hours of a night shift.

As with all the Berthing Master team, you will find Ken answering the VHF, operating the lock gates, taking your lines, lifting boats, serving fuel, keeping the marina clean, tidy and well maintained, checking boats, recording all the ins and outs, doing security, and working the till. Phew! And he still has time to smile!

As with all the Berthing Master team, you will find Jamie answering the VHF, operating the lock gates, taking your lines, working in the boat yard, serving fuel, checking boats  and getting stuck into whatever other marina jobs need tackling by a willing pair of hands.