Folk Tales

Season 4: Episode 11 - In conversation with Mark & Liz (Part 2)

Season 4: Episode 10 - In Conversation with Liz & Mark (Part 1)

In part one of this two-part episode of Folk Tales we catch-up with boatfolk berth holders at Portland Marina, Liz & Mark, about life on the water and their adventures afloat.  Mark & Liz join Portland Marina's Bee Woodland to share the story of their ARC adventure, having taken part in the cross-Atlantic event on board a friend's Wauquiez 48 over the Winter of 2022. Now back in Portland Marina and loving life with their Fontaine Pajot Astrea 42 catamaran, the pair share the highs and lows ...

Season 4: Episode 9 - Getting to know Ella Hibbert

In this episode of Folk Tales, Portland Marina's Bee Woodland chats with Ella Hibbert, an inspiring young sailor working towards a non-stop solo sail around the Arctic Circle.  Ella speaks about the process of preparing for the journey, as well as her reason for taking on such a big challenge. Sharing the motivation behind her plans, we hear about Ella's desire to raise awareness of climate change and its impact on the often forgotten Arctic, and why, now more than ever, it's important to b...

Season 4: Episode 8 - In conversation with Gavin & James Sailing

In this episode of Folk Tales, we meet boating YouTubers and boatfolk members Gavin & James Sailing. Hailing originally from Scarborough, Gavin & James made the decision in the Summer of 2022 to  quit their jobs and follow their dreams to live aboard their 28ft Etap 28i. They have been documenting their journey around the UK coastline ever since, sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly of living abord on their YouTube channel.  Gavin & James have been part of the boatfolk community since t...

Season 4: Episode 7 - Celebrating National Dolphin Day (Part 2)

Season 4: Episode 6 - Celebrating National Dolphin Day (Part 1)

In part 1 of this two part special mini-series of Folk Tales, we join Portland Marina's Bee Woodland and Liz Sandeman from ocean conversation charity, Marine Connection as we celebrate National Dolphin Day. Bee and Liz talk all things Cetacean, from the joy that they bring to water-lovers around the World to the risks and dangers they can pose to us and we pose to them. They remember Portland Marina's beloved resident dolphin, Danny, who's memorial was installed at the Marina in 2021, as we...

Season 4: Episode 5 - Getting to know the Charles Henry lifeboat

In this episode of Folk Tales, we meet James Tyler who sat down with David Hirst at Royal Quays Marina to tell us about the former lifeboat, The Charles Henry, that his family own and now keep at our  marina. The Charles Henry is an ex-RNLI Oakley 48 Class lifeboat. There were only five such lifeboats built, and she is now the only Oakley Class 48 lifeboat afloat having been lovingly restored by the father and son team of Mark and James Tyler. The Tylers acquired the vessel in unusual circu...

Season 4: Episode 4 - In conversation with James Harayda

In this episode of Folk Tales we join Haslar Marina's Bex Florence who has been catching up with aspirational young sailor and team principal of the Gentoo Sailing Team, James Harayda. With his sights set on competing in the 2024 Vendée Globe, James speaks about his journey into sailing. Sharing his how his upbringing in Singapore fuelled his love of the sea, through to his first experience with yacht racing.  We hear about the plans of the Gentoo Sailing Team, and how the Gentoo Youth Pro...

Season 4: Episode 3 - Celebrating International Women's Day 2023

Season 4: Episode 2 - The latest adventures of Peter Bell

In this episode of Folk Tales we catch-up with adventurer and boating author, Peter Bell. We first met Peter in 2020 following the launch of his book, The Adventures of Dofesaba II 2019 & 2020. And now he's back with the team from Haslar Marina to tell us all about his latest adventures and newest volume, The Adventures of Dofesaba III - 2021. With a foreword from pro sailor, Ian Hunter MBE, Peter's latest book charts his course from Lagos,  up the western coast of Portugal to A Coruna, the...

Season 4: Episode 1 - Getting to know the Boleh Trust

In this episode of Folk Tales we join Haslar Marina's Bex Florence who has been catching up with Craig Coupe, Operations Director at The Boleh Trust. The Boleh Trust, run entirely by volunteers, works to get disadvantaged people of all ages to sea in restored yacht, Boleh, so that they can be inspired by her ‘can do’ story. Established in 2008, 2023 marks the Trust's 15th year and was heralded by a Royal visitor in November 2022. HRH The Princess Royal visited  Haslar Marina to re-commissio...

Season 3: Episode 13 - In conversation with Jack Keedy

In this episode of Folk Tales we join Portland Marina's Bee Woodland who has been speaking to 14 year old boating enthusiast Jack Keedy. Jack has spent most of his life on and around the water, from starting out in a Cornish Shrimper to taking the helm of his family's 40ft Dufour. For Jack, being on the water provides an essential escape from the stresses of teenage life in 2022. Jack is an inspiration to other young people like him and a great example of how important initiatives like boa...

Season 3: Episode 12 - Getting to know Alan Watson OBE

In this episode of Folk Tales we join Haslar Marina's Colin McLean and Captain of the 80 year old war vessel HMS Medusa, Alan Watson OBE. Alan shares a potted history of Medusa's illustrious career, from her first commissioning in 1943 to mine field marking on the eve of D-Day, right up to present day.  She is an outstanding vessel and a much-loved member of the boatfolk community at Haslar Marina. We hope you enjoy listening!

Season 3: Episode 11 - In conversation with Tim Norris

In this episode of Folk Tales we join Marisa Bell and Tim Norris from the boat sales arm of the boatfolk family, boatpoint. Tim gives us glimpse of what life as a boat broker is really like and shares the story of how he came to be a Senior Broker at boatpoint Hamble, one of boatpoint's eight national offices based out of Deacons Marina. Originally from Birmingham, Tim has spent most of his life on the South Coast, learning to sail The Hamble waters at a young age. After studying for a BSc...

Special Episode - Celebrating International Women's Day 2022

In this special episode of Folk Tales we're celebrating International Women's Day.  Bee Woodland, Assistant Manager for Portland Marina is joined by a group of wonderful women who share a passion for being on the water and experience working in the marine industry. Our guests for this special episode are: Clare Elliott, Principal of Quality Time Training sea school as well as a commercially endorsed skipper and instructor.  Becky Walford, Port Safety Officer and a freelance sailing instruc...

Season 3: Episode 8 - Getting to know Maurice Owens

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with 99 year old berth holder and local legend, Maurice Owens. Maurice takes us back to his roots in 1920's London, and from there shares his story, from doing his bit for war-torn Britain to living life on the water, and everything in between.  He also shares his top tips for enjoying life up to 99 years old and beyond.  We loved hearing Maurice's story and we hope you do too. Happy listening!

Season 3: Episode 7 - In conversation with Harry Dennis

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak Harry Dennis, marine biologist and Founder of ultra sustainable consumer brand, Waterhaul. Harry explains how growing up by the Coast, studying marine biology and working for ocean activism brand, Surfers Against Sewerage, all led to his decision to tackle the ocean plastic crisis head on by founding  Waterhaul, a consumer brand creating beautiful products from recovered and recycled ocean plastics. Harry's mission is big and bold and his passion for ...

Season 3: Episode 9 - Getting to know Kate Fortnam

In this episode of Folk Tales  Haslar Marina's Assistant Manager Colin McLean speaks with Kate Fortnam of The Green Blue. Kate speaks about Natural England's ReMEDIES project and the work being done to protect the seabed. She shares how seabed habitats are impacted by recreational activities and what boaters need to consider when it comes to anchoring, mooring and boat maintenance in order to minimise their impact. We found Kate to be very insightful and we hope you do too! Happy listening!

Season 3: Episode 6 - Getting to know Piers Covill

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak Piers Covill, long-standing boater, Haslar Marina berth holder and the Managing Director of Beyonder, a new boating subscription service.  Piers shares with us the experiences he's had on the water and the importance of welcoming new people into the boating community. We hear about his passion for sailing and his thoughts on why it might be time to re-think the traditional approach to boat ownership.  Happy listening!

Season 3: Episode 5 - In conversation with Jordan Paulet

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with Haslar Marina Manager and Senior Berthing Master, Ben Lippiett and Jordan Paulet about Jordan's time with and before life at boatfolk. From a semi-professional swimming career, to lifeguarding in one of the South Coast's busiest beaches, Jordan has always had a love of the water. We hear what brought him to Haslar Marina and what the future might hold as he continues to forge his career as one of our boatfolk heroes. Happy listening!

Season 3: Episode 4 - Talking all things boatgen

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with Richard Percy, CEO of the Andrew Simpson Foundation, and Ellie Gennings, Lecturer in Sports Coaching at Bournemouth University about youth engagement initiative, boatgen. In September 2021, boatfolk and the Andrew Simpson Foundation took to the boatfolk stage at the Southampton International Boat Show to launch boatgen, a joint initiative aimed at developing the UK's next generation of boater. They were joined on stage by Olympic Gold Medallist, E...

Season 3: Episode 3 - Getting to know Dr Camilla Hickish

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with Dr Camilla Hickish, cancer-survivor and volunteer for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. Camilla speaks with East Cowes Marina Manager and Assistant Manager, Mike Townshend and Jess Olden about her experience of working with the Trust following successful treatment for Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2010. She recalls what it was like being diagnosed with cancer at just 15 years old,  and shares what working with the Trust and being on the water has meant for...

Season 3: Episode 2 - In conversation with David Cusworth

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with David Cusworth, lifelong sailor and Community Partnerships Manager at boating innovator, Savvy Navvy. From a career in the Royal Navy, to selecting new recruits for the Clipper Round the World Race, through to emigrating to Denmark to work for tech disruptor, Savvy Navvy, David has had a remarkable life on the water and shares all with us in this episode of Folk Tales. Happy listening! www.boatfolk.co.uk

Season 3: Episode 1 - Getting to know Enya-Jai Broughton

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with recent boating convert and Penarth Marina berth holder, Enya-Jai Broughton. Having bought Hela, a 26.5 ft sailing boat in need of some love, in 2020, Enya-Jai set about restoring her using nothing but some friendly advice and YouTube tutorials!  All while battling with what she calls her "invisible disability". Through blood, sweat and tears, Enya-Jai has given Hela a new lease of life and is on a mission to put Hela through her paces and to cha...

Episode 17: Getting to know Neil Garrick-Maidment

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with Neil Garrick-Maidment from  environmental charity, The Seahorse Trust. Neil has been working with our team at boatfolk to develop and launch a ground-breaking project to bring eco-moorings to Studland Bay in Dorset. Following recent approval from the Marine Management Organisation, the landmark project is set to change the future of Studland for good. Neil chats with eco-warrior and Haslar Marina Manager, Ben Lippiett about the project and about ...

Episode 16: Getting to know Angus Johnston

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with Angus Johnston from sustainable cleaning company, Ecoworks Marine. Ecoworks Marine was founded  5 years ago by Angus, his brother Fraser, and father Scott with a single mission; to champion the sustainable revolution in marine cleaning. Their unique range of environmentally-conscious boat cleaning products are used the world-over, and they have fast become the go-to brand for sustainably-minded boaters. We chat to Angus about the current crisis f...

Episode 15: In Conversation with Tim Ferrero

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with Dr Tim Ferrero from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. Tim talks to us about the fantastic work that the Trust do and about his experience of protecting our oceans through important initiatives like the Living Seas project and Secrets of the Solent. With over thirty years of experience in marine conservation, Tim is the authority on what lies beneath the waves in the Solent and we're lucky enough to get the inside scoop! Happy listeni...

Episode 14: Getting to know Tim Davies

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with Tim Davies from charitable sailing project, Sail2Help. Following the tragic suicide of his son, George, in December 2020, Tim set-up Sail2Help to  raise awareness of mental health issues among young people, and importantly raise funds in order to offer much-needed support to those that need it most. Working to support Papyrus, the UK’s main suicide prevention charity for young persons,  Sail2Help seeks to help fund projects that aim to reduce the...

Episode 13: The Wild Oysters Project

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with Celine Gamble of the Zoological Society of London and Maria Hayden-Jones of Bangor University about the pioneering project that sees Conwy Marina becoming a focal point for the rewilding of native oysters. In April 2021, 1,300 native oysters were returned to waters in Conwy Bay. Part of an ambitious restoration project known as the Wild Oysters Project, the aim is to bring back these ‘ocean superheroes’ from the brink of extinction. The Wild Oyst...

Episode 5 Honest Conversations: A Folk Tales mini-series for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

Honest Conversations is a Folk Tales mini-series focused on all things mental wellbeing as part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2021. Today's theme is "Connect", and we're chatting with Tom and Matt, founders of the hugely successful charitable coffee business, Frontline Coffee. Frontline Coffee was founded in 2018 by firefighters Tom and Matt to offer support to fellow members of the emergency services suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. What started as offering a safe place t...

Episode 5 Honest Conversations: A Folk Tales mini-series for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

Honest Conversations is a Folk Tales mini-series focused on all things mental wellbeing as part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2021. Today's theme is "Connect", and we're chatting with Tom and Matt, founders of the hugely successful charitable coffee business, Frontline Coffee. Frontline Coffee was founded in 2018 by firefighters Tom and Matt to offer support to fellow members of the emergency services suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. What started as offering a safe place t...

Episode 4 Honest Conversations: A Folk Tales mini-series for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

Honest Conversations is a Folk Tales mini-series focused on all things mental wellbeing as part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2021. Today's theme is "Keep Learning", and we're chatting with record-breaking sailor, Tim Long. At just 15, Tim became the youngest person ever to sail solo around Britain in 2020. A member of our boatfolk community at Haslar Marina, Tim is an exceptional young man with incredible determination, passion and drive. Tim talks to us about the mental resilience ne...

Episode 4 Honest Conversations: A Folk Tales mini-series for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

Honest Conversations is a Folk Tales mini-series focused on all things mental wellbeing as part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2021. Today's theme is "Keep Learning", and we're chatting with record-breaking sailor, Tim Long. At just 15, Tim became the youngest person ever to sail solo around Britain in 2020. A member of our boatfolk community at Haslar Marina, Tim is an exceptional young man with incredible determination, passion and drive. Tim talks to us about the mental resilience ne...

Episode 3 Honest Conversations: A Folk Tales mini-series for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

Honest Conversations is a Folk Tales mini-series focused on all things mental wellbeing as part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2021. Today's theme is "Take notice", and we're chatting with Abbie Barnes from wellbeing project Spend More Time In The WILD, Abbie started WILD in 2016 to inspire and empower others by openly talking about her own struggles with her mental health and the benefits of spending time in nature to improve mental and physical health and wellbeing. Since then WILD ha...

Episode 3 Honest Conversations: A Folk Tales mini-series for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

Honest Conversations is a Folk Tales mini-series focused on all things mental wellbeing as part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2021. Today's theme is "Take notice", and we're chatting with Abbie Barnes from wellbeing project Spend More Time In The WILD, Abbie started WILD in 2016 to inspire and empower others by openly talking about her own struggles with her mental health and the benefits of spending time in nature to improve mental and physical health and wellbeing. Since then WILD ha...

Episode 2 Honest Conversations: A Folk Tales mini-series for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

Honest Conversations is a Folk Tales mini-series focused on all things mental wellbeing as part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2021. Today's theme is "Be active" and we're speaking with extreme ocean swimmer, Ben Hooper from the Swim the Big Blue expedition. Ben shot to fame in 2016 as the first man to attempt to swim the Atlantic Ocean. After a dramatic (and premature) end to his adventure, Ben is setting his sights on the future. Ben talks to us about battling his own mental health iss...

Episode 2 Honest Conversations: A Folk Tales mini-series for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

Honest Conversations is a Folk Tales mini-series focused on all things mental wellbeing as part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2021. Today's theme is "Be active" and we're speaking with extreme ocean swimmer, Ben Hooper from the Swim the Big Blue expedition. Ben shot to fame in 2016 as the first man to attempt to swim the Atlantic Ocean. After a dramatic (and premature) end to his adventure, Ben is setting his sights on the future. Ben talks to us about battling his own mental health iss...

Episode 1 Honest Conversations: A Folk Tales mini-series for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

Honest Conversations is a Folk Tales mini-series focused on all things mental wellbeing as part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2021. Today's theme is "Give" and we're speaking with Alex Sergison from the Portland-based business, Adventure4All. Adventure4All uses adventure sports such as paddle boarding, rock climbing and coasteering to help people push themselves and their boundaries, to learn and grow and build confidence. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Alex and his team have helped many...

Episode 1 Honest Conversations: A Folk Tales mini-series for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

Honest Conversations is a Folk Tales mini-series focused on all things mental wellbeing as part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2021. Today's theme is "Give" and we're speaking with Alex Sergison from the Portland-based business, Adventure4All. Adventure4All uses adventure sports such as paddle boarding, rock climbing and coasteering to help people push themselves and their boundaries, to learn and grow and build confidence. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Alex and his team have helped many...

Episode 12: In conversation with Michael Howorth

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with Merchant Navy veteran, superyacht Captain and widely-published industry commentator, Michael Howorth. Michael's prowess as a travel and yachting writer is widely revered, and he and his wife Frances are now published across the world's leading industry titles. In this interview, Michael shares all, from his early career with the Merchant Navy to taking the helm of cruise liners and superyachts with the rich and famous.  He has some fantastic anec...

Episode 11: Getting to know Steve Brown

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with round-the-world boating adventurer, Steve Brown. Steve talks to us about how he made the decision to take the plunge, buy his Bestevaer 60C, Novara, and set sail for the adventure of a lifetime. From breaking ice through the North West Passage to cruising the Caribbean, Steve and his wife Trish have experienced life to the fullest and have plans to keep on going.  Steve is an amazing guy, with a wonderful story. Happy listening! 

Episode 10: In conversation with Brian Meharg MBE

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with Brian Meharg MBE from Bangor Marina in Northern Ireland.  Brian shares his story of a life on the water, from skipper, to author and everything in between, including some great memories of his time as long-distance swimming pilot for Alison Street's record-breaking attempts to swim the North Channel. Happy listening! 

Episode 9:Getting to know Vicky Williams

 In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with Vicky Williams from the incredible sailing charity, Challenge Wales. Challenge Wales has been working for over a decade to bring life-changing experiences to young people from all over the UK. Their focus is on helping vulnerable young people develop life skills and improve employment prospects, all through the power of sailing.  Vicky tells us all about their history, their amazing work, and the positive and lasting impact they are making. Hap...

Episode 8: In conversation with Peter Bell

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with adventurer and boating author, Peter Bell. Peter tells us all about his latest book, The Adventures of Dofesaba II 2019 & 2020, which documents the good, the bad and the ugly of his trip along the Punic Coast, from stunning scenery to a few near misses with killer whales and a grumpy Dutchman! Like his book, this episode is full of laugh out loud moments and incredible facts. Happy listening! www.boatfolk.co.uk www.authorhouse.com/en/bookstor...

Episode 7: Getting to know Chris Morton

In this episode of Folk Tales, we speak with Portland customer, Chris Morton. Chris shares his story of life on the water, from solo-racing in his Pogo 8.50, L'Aventure II, to his journey back to the water after a life changing accident in 2019. Chris is an inspirational guy with incredible determination and we loved hearing what he had to say. Happy listening! www.boatfolk.co.uk

Episode 6: In conversation with Adrian Crook

In this episode of Folk Tales, we speak with Adrian Crook from Weymouth Sailing School. Adrian shares his story of a life on the water, including his time as a Navigator in the Merchant Navy through to competitive sailing at an international level. Adrian has had some incredible experiences and we are lucky enough to hear the best bits! Happy listening! www.boatfolk.co.uk

Episode 5: In conversation with Frank Fletcher

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak Frank Fletcher, CEO of the incredible Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. We hear about the history of the Trust and all of the amazing work they are doing to help young people recovering from cancer rebuild their lives. Headquartered out of East Cowes Marina, in 2021 we celebrate ten years of boatfolk's relationship with the Trust and we hear from Frank what the future might hold. Happy listening! www.boatfolk.co.uk

Episode 4: Getting to know Fiona Cloke

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with life-long sailor and executive coach, Fiona Cloke. We hear about Fiona's life-changing experience sailing across the Atlantic and how the ocean has played a vital role in keeping her grounded throughout a varied and successful career. Happy listening! www.synapsecatalyst.com/ www.boatfolk.co.uk

Episode 3: In conversation with Oly Rush & Roy Beal (Part 2)

In this episode of Folk Tales we continue our conversation with Oly Rush & Roy Beal, AKA Dorset-based eco-warriors Project Planet and Clean Jurassic Coast. We hear about their plans for Summer 2021, including an epic 900 mile kayak trip! This is part two of a two-part special. Happy listening! Clean Jurassic Coast Project Planet www.boatfolk.co.uk

Episode 2: In conversation with Oly Rush & Roy Beal (Part 1)

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with Oly Rush & Roy Beal, AKA Dorset-based eco-warriors Project Planet and Clean Jurassic Coast. Oly & Roy first met in January 2020 and immediately bonded over their mutual mission to protect our planet. Since then they have joined forces and have been working hard to keep ocean sustainability high on the agenda.  This is part one of a two-part special. Happy listening! www.instagram.com/cleanjurassiccoast www.instagram.com/_projectplanet_ www.boa...