Our Team

The Team is made up of Permanent and incremental staff including:

Reception Team

Financial Team

Maintenance Team

Vessel Coxswains

Pilots

Staff are engaged in work throughout the year, the Harbour is attended all year around. The incremental staff support the Harbour during busy maintenance periods, seasonal visitor increases and Pilot work.

Steven Young

Deputy Harbour Master

I joined Brightlingsea after several years as a Marine Operator with ABP, working across the busy commercial ports of Ipswich and the Humber. That meant dealing daily with vessel movements, pilotage and emergency response on some of the country's busiest waterways. Brightlingsea is a smaller, closer-knit harbour, and that's a big part of why I wanted to be here.

Away from the harbour office I'm a watersports instructor, a volunteer canoe and kayak coach, and a Scout Leader. I'm looking forward to getting to know the local community here, and keeping Brightlingsea running safely and smoothly for everyone who uses it.

Garry Taylor

Duty Harbour Master

Thirty years in the corporate world of international sales, the health and fitness industry demanded travel around the globe, seeking new adventures and looking to put down roots with a lifestyle change. We invited him to Join us temporarily just a couple of years ago although he did have 10 years of experience in leisure boating, and former ownership of several cruisers. With his wife ‘Sheila’ they embrace the opportunity to explore the East coast. His passion led to his certification as a Commercially endorsed RYA Power yacht skipper. As a Duty Harbour Master Garry will now enjoy indulging his former and professional skills in a life afloat, he relishes and thrives on the challenges whilst out on the water and delights in the opportunity of being able to serve the local community.

Jill Herman

Financial Administration Manager

Having uprooted from leafy Surrey, Jill now enjoys the estuary views and all things nautical. With a background in logistics and advertising she has used these skills to improve customer service and was instrumental in launching the popular Brightlingsea to Wivenhoe ferry service with lunch at the Black Buoy. Outside work she has been known to help crew racing yachts and loves to put her feet up at her beach hut.

Tracey Barton

Front Desk /Admin Assistant

Tracey was born and bred in Brightlingsea, working in a customer facing family business before joining the Harbour staff. She is a keen equestrian and often uses the Hard to exercise her horses, who also enjoy using the water. She is married to a keen fisherman so often goes out to sea with him on his boat. Her local knowledge is such that there isn't much she doesn't know about the local area.

Millie Smith

Administrative assistant

Millie, a local girl educated in Colchester, began her career as an administrator in the box office of the Mercury Theatre. Her passion for horse-riding is a significant part of her life, and she proudly showcased her equestrian skills in an arena observed by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, in September 2020, celebrating 30 years of the Shelly Centre for Therapeutic Riding. Having started her new role in November, Millie is a keen learner, always happy to help out, and eager to engage with the team and visitors at the Harbour.

Ella Chapman

Business Administration Apprentice

Having enjoyed working in business part time whilst at sixth form, it seemed logical to study it at University. Despite entering university with three A levels my experience of business study was not as expected. I much preferred to learn practically as well as conceptually. I sought an alternative, relevant course which I could do alongside being employed. I couldn’t believe it when I saw a level 3 in business administration Apprenticeship at Brightlingsea Harbour. An opportunity to work in business in a place where I had spent many summers, crabbing and swimming was a dream come true.

Olivia Goodwin

Business Adminstration Apprentice

I like Brightlingsea because it isn’t a typical tourist hotspot, and although I’m from Mersea, I really enjoy the contrast. My brother completed an apprenticeship at Brightlingsea Harbour, so when the opportunity came up for me to develop my social media skills while working towards a Level 3 Business Administration qualification, I was eager to take it. I enjoy engaging with stakeholders and customers, helping ensure people have a great experience in Brightlingsea. Being on the water is something I’ve always loved, so working in such a beautiful coastal location makes the role even more rewarding.

Sam Dabrowa

Head of Maintenance

A Marine Engineer of sixteen years including ten in Brightlingsea, supporting the safe and efficient operation of marine vessels and equipment. He leads a team delivering the harbour’s maintenance programme, maintaining pontoons, managing a fleet of vessels, and maintaining navigational marks. His strong technical expertise in marine systems and maintenance honed in demanding marine environments guides his leadership. Passionate about knowledge-sharing, he supports his own team’s development and teaches others safe vessel handling as a qualified Powerboat Instructor. Beyond his professional life, he continues his connection to the water as an enthusiastic carp angler.

Guy Welch

Deputy Head of Maintenance

Guy is a lifelong sailor and engineer ‘Gold Vauxhall Technician’ with expertise in coaching, racing, and maritime operations. He’s crossed the Atlantic, raced Keelboats nationally and internationally, is an RYA Senior, Keelboat, powerboat Instructor and Race Coach. Formerly Training Manager at Royal Harwich YC, he’s also worked in boat delivery and salvage. Fleet Captain at Blackwater Sailing Club, Guy’s been a member for over 20 years. He lives with his wife and daughter, keeps horses, and thrives in the outdoors.

Joe Adams

Estate Facilities Administrator

Joe works alongside Guy as his number two. A former tradesman he felt the call of the sea and quickly learnt different skills including; boat handling (RYA L2), VHF (Radio User), first aid, Oil spill recovery and customer engagement. A lovely guy, with a smile and a welcome hello before you even see him.

Isobel Major

Harbour Assistant

As a lifelong citizen of Brightlingsea it was inevitable that I would be involved in some way with the water. Aged 11 I became a sailing club Cadet and was hooked from that point. I also helped out on the water and regularly took part in Yacht and Dinghy racing. I was successful in achieving three A-levels however my ambitions lay in the marine industry. So, the Harbour apprenticeship rather than University was the obvious next step. I’m excited to develop my boat handling skills by working on the water.

Sam Howard

Harbour Apprentice
My father is a Pilot boat Coxswain in HHA, I had seen first hand how he got on and enjoyed his work, which made me want to follow in his footsteps. Whilst growing up I had always been happy around the water and boats. So, when I saw the Apprenticeship advert at Brightlingsea Harbour I knew I had to act. Now I can’t wait to get up and go to work every day.