New era beckons at Mylor Yacht Harbour as inspirational Managing Director steps down

The man who spent twenty years and millions in investment turning Mylor Yacht Harbour into a thriving, state of the art marine business in one of the most beautiful parts of the British Isles is stepping down as Managing Director – opening the field for a first rate replacement to lead Mylor into the future.

Roger Graffy combined a stellar career in brand management with Johnson & Johnson, Guinness and Bounty with a childhood passion for the sea and boats when he and wife Dinah took the opportunity to buy Mylor Yacht Harbour in 1997.

Mylor’s enormous natural charm had made it a draw for the yachting community from the ‘60s and two hundred years earlier it was England’s smallest naval dockyard in one of the world’s most strategic ports.

Spotting its huge potential new owners Roger and Dinah set about a £7 million investment programme to establish one of Cornwall’s busiest boatyards and marina – matching the fabric and infrastructure of this Cornish gem to its incomparable natural environment.

Their vision – and investment to date has enabled the creation of a modern marina and onshore facilities, securing the preservation of the historic buildings, landscape and working traditions for future generations.

Recent shore-side development has seen the building of a new yacht club, café and shops, shower blocks and a new marina office – counterbalanced with the demolition of the dilapidated old yacht club in order to save and protect the Grade II Listed Quay on which it stood.

“This has been a hugely rewarding project and a big part of my life,” says Roger. “It’s taken all the energy of our fantastic team of 45 and support from the whole community including berth-holders, customers, fishermen, local council and holidaymakers. We’ve continued to thrive and expand the yard with our Marine Team of expert craftsmen and technicians who have the world-class skills to match any vessel – ancient or modern.”

One of Roger’s proudest achievements with his team was realising a dream to build the first new classic wooden Falmouth Sunbeam yachts in 20 years – built in the Mylor sheds on exactly the same lines as their 90 year old sisters.

As he steps down from the Managing Director role Roger will be less involved in the day to day management of Mylor Yacht Harbour, but he will remain as Chairman and Dinah and he will continue to own the company.

“I’m about to turn sixty and Mylor has occupied my energies and enthusiasm for the past twenty years,” says Roger, “so I think it is a good time to hand the helm to someone brilliant with the vision to keep this wonderful business and way of life growing and thriving into the future.”

Anyone who believes they may be just the person to lead the Mylor team forward and would like to see a full job description should visit jobs.tamarhr.co.uk or email jobs@tamarhr.co.uk or speak to Recruitment Consultant Tim Marrow from Tamar HR on 01579 343700.