Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners are pleased to announce the promotion of Owen Evans to Harbourmaster of Brightlingsea Harbour, effective April 6th, 2026.

Owen has been the Deputy Harbour Master for seven years and holds the difficult to attain Harbour Master's Certificate. Owen has an intimate knowledge of the Harbour's operation. His promotion ensures that the safe running and operation of the harbour in accordance with established procedures and adherence to the 'Port Marine and Marine Facilities Safety Code' will continue uninterrupted. Owen, originally from Alresford, lives in Brightlingsea. Prior to joining the Harbour team he was an officer in the Merchant Navy, including a period with the British Antarctic Survey.

James Thomas, currently CEO and Harbour Master for Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners, has informed the Commissioners that he will leave the Harbour in the autumn to take up a new appointment, and will retain the CEO role until that time.

The Harbour Commissioners would like to congratulate Owen on his well-deserved promotion and also to thank James for over ten years' of loyal service in Brightlingsea and we wish him the very best for the future.

The Harbour is now advertising publicly to fill the role of the Deputy Harbour Master.