Meet the crew

Our boatfolk team at Royal Quays

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Matthew Simms

Marina Manager

Matt’s been involved with the marina since it was on the drawing board, so he’s very much part of the furniture. A keen sailor who enjoys both racing and cruising, Matt is the proud owner of the Nordic Folkboat 'Jessica' which he occasionally even gets chance to sail.

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Brian Wilkes

Assistant Marina Manager

Brian joined the marina when we first opened and celebrated 25 years service at Royal Quays in 2023. Brian is always happy to share his experience and knowledge and you'll usually find him behind the BBQ at our marina events. As en ex-trawlerman and keen angler, what Brian doesn't know about fishing isn't worth knowing! His experience and understanding of the marina helps keep the Royal Quays operation running smoothly.

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David Wood

Senior Yacht Broker

David Wood is the Senior Yacht Broker working out of the boatpoint office at Royal Quays Marina. After a career in retail management, David pursued his love of boats and ‘fled to the Med’ to work as a motor yacht crew before settling in the north-east as a Yacht Broker and finding his true calling. An all-round nice guy and people person, David has loads of experience and a wide knowledge of the boat market. 

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Sue Wright

Marina Administrator

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.

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Alex Finnegan

Berthing Master - Boatyard

Alex is our main man in the boatyard. Being chief hoist driver and crane operator, like as not it’ll be Alex setting your boat down. Alex’s many talents include building rowing skiffs, puppetry, rock musician and a subtle wit. He’s big into wooden boats but chooses to have a fibre glass one!

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Paul Gibson

Berthing Master

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David Hirst

Marketing Officer

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Craig Blevins

Berthing Master

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.

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Ken Scorfield

Berthing Master

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!

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James Conroy

Marina Assistant (P/T)

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Jamie Wilkes

Berthing Master

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Denise Robinson

Marina Assistant (Summer contract)

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Dave Finlay

Berthing Master (PT)

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