So excited to have finally secured some prime inside workshop and power boat storage between Kingsbridge and Salcombe. This allows me to achieve a long term ambition to create a local and sustainable business within minutes of where I live. In addition to storage and logistics to and from slipways on the estuary our services will also include winterising of engines, antifouling and repairs. Watch this space!
All small, local and independent businesses need to use an element of modern ‘tech’ to successfully run their business. Used correctly they can attract customers, improve communications and help provide a tailored and hopefully profitable transactional space between buyer and seller. Smart phones, accounting apps and websites are just some of tools that have revolutionised the small (and big) business world. But my question is is it all getting too much? A tech overload ? Too much of a good thing perhaps?
AI is set – we are told – to change the face of the landscape of work and economies worldwide. Embrace it or fail we doubting are told! For many this blind faith in the AI revolution is not welcome and i’m trying to work out why, because that’s how I feel about it. It’s an instinct I have about the way we’re going.
For me it’s about quality – a subjective word I grant you – but an important one nevertheless. Given the choice, people want to deal with people – mankind is a social animal. Large companies lend themselves to faceless corporate structures and thus AI. Although they try to mimic a level of personal interaction – think name badges in fast food outlets – it’s a hollow and unconvincing act. This is not to criticise the workers (or players) in this charade. The workers wear the (outsourced to China) t-shirt quite literally and are understandably trying to keep their jobs! So the ‘big boys’ quality comes from investment, momentum, corporate strategy and economies of scale.
This big business is none of my business so whilst I must use the modern tools at my disposal I don’t want to appear in any way corporate. I want people to know they are dealing with me; a face, a name and a reputation. The quality of the interaction is based entirely on this. It needs to be authentic but not pedantic. For example, the design of the new work t shirts (above) got some inspiration from tech tools, however, the printing work is being done within a few miles of my house by a quality local business – Salcombe Embroiderers. They are on the outskirts of Kingsbridge and Joe and his colleagues were really friendly and helpful. So let the big boys play their game, but there’s room out there for us independents as long as we stay nimble and authentic.
All errors or content above are mine, for better or worse! I’m just waiting for the first person to put this text for a rewrite through ChatGBT!!
M
An old friend, Steve, contacted me earlier this year asking if I could get him to Yachtmaster Offshore standard over the next 18 months – 2 years. His previous experience and career as a pilot are going to see him in good stead. He’s working through Day Skipper theory for starters and we are arranging a practical weekend every month on Gilken over the summer months of 2026. So far its been a hoot and I’m very confident we can get him his YM Offshore with flying colours as progress continues.
Something i’ve been meaning to do for years – my Power Boat Instructors qualification. It was a great week with Andy Wright and three of the river staff from Sandquay BRNC. I learnt loads and am really excited to be teaching on the water and then going back home in the evening! I’m planning on concentrating on working with RTC’s in Dartmouth and Salcombe
In My Element is a lovely little Bayliner that usually lives on the pontoons at Kingsbridge. She’s holidaying elsewhere at the moment! With 80hp on the back she’s no slouch….
A blustery October week saw another Day Skipper complete his ‘ticket’ with flying colours. Andy did really well in the challenging conditions and i’m sure will be back for more sailing ! Thanks to Fiona at Torbay Sea School for the call.
After a the summer of 2025 sweltering abroad its time to get back to the basics of getting soaked to the skin whilst teaching sailing and navigation. Nice to have some proper tidal streams to ferry glide with…..
It’s rare that i get a chance to just go sailing for fun. But i still cling to this dream of working with and enjoying sailing at the same time. It is hard to turn off ‘instructor mode’.. ….
