Boatfolk stories: Malcolm and Lynda Broad

Lynda and I have both sailed all our lives, we came from sailing families and even met each other at a Yacht Club. We currently have a Beneteau 361, White Knight, and having always been based in North Wales, on moving to live near Criccieth, we decided to move our boat to Penarth Marina. We were made very welcome, and felt like part of an extended family, so we have chosen to stay here for more than 10 years.

As we are both retired, we spend most of the summer months on the boat with our two Springer Spaniels – Bess and Meg, cruising mainly around Wales, Ireland and Scotland. This has been made so much easier by the TransEurope Scheme and Penarth Marina being part of a larger group, where we have been made equally welcome. This year to extend our cruising time in Scotland, we have transferred our berthing contract to Bangor Marina, staying within the group.

Our best times on the boat have been cruising around the Scottish lochs with the stunning scenery, locations and the abundance of wildlife calling both at Bangor and Rhu Marinas, where the staff have always been friendly and helpful. As a result we are keen to explore further but will be sad to leave Penarth Marina where we have been involved in the Active Marina Programme - organising cruise in company and giving talks drawing on our sailing experiences and my role as an RYA Instructor. We have loved making many friends through this, as well as helping encourage others out onto the water.

Boating doesn’t have to be expensive and marina cruises in company are open to most sizes and type of boat. These cruises are an ideal way for new people to get out onto the water to gain confidence and socialise with other berth holders.

- Malcolm