End of an era at Royal Quays

From Royal Quays Marina Manager, Matthew Simms

22nd October 2024

After some 26 years at the helm as Marina Manager, I shall be retiring at the end of December. My involvement with the marina began in 1995 when the scheme was still on the drawing board of the then Tyne and Wear Development Corporation. In 1998 I joined as Marina Manager for Crest Nicholson Marinas who had been appointed to operate the marina when it first fledged in 1998. Since then I have been proud to be part of what has become such a successful award-winning marina. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time and I am proud of what we have all achieved. Throughout I have had the pleasure to have the support of fantastic employers, great staff and of course fabulous customers. Together I feel we have built a wonderful marina community.

My successor as Marina Manger is Keeran Stephenson, who will be starting with us on the 18th November and working alongside me until my retirement, when the tiller will be handed over. Keeran, who hails originally from South Shields, has had an action packed maritime career to date, most recently with the Port of Tyne where he has been Assistant Harbour Master. Prior to this Keeran served in the Royal Navy as Deputy Queens Harbour Master of East Cove Military Port in the Falkland Islands, and spent six years in the Merchant Navy.
Having been deeply connected with the sea and boating all his life (Keeran’s first sailing experience was aged 11 onboard the OYT yacht James Cook sailing out of Royal Quays Marina!), Keeran is now looking forward to applying his skills to the marine leisure industry and in particular looks forward to working with the Royal Quays team in delivering the very best service at the Marina. I hope that you will join me in giving Keeran a warm welcome when he joins the team.

My forthcoming retirement has also prompted further changes to the marina team, in that Brian Wilkes, our long serving Assistant Marina Manager has taken the opportunity to reduce his hours and take life a little more easily, but will remain as an integral part of the team. Berthing Master, Paul Gibson has been promoted to the Assistant Marina Manager’s role, and part-time Berthing Master David Finlay will become full-time to replace Paul. I wish everyone well in their new roles and I am certain that the marina will continue to grow and flourish in future.

Though I might be letting go the ropes, I shall not be disappearing. Rather than operating lock gates, I shall hopefully be setting sail through them a little more often!

Matthew Simms
Marina Manager