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joked, he increasingly worked with non-executive boards - precisely the kind of governance structure DHNA operates under. Tat expertise proved invaluable. “Te board is responsible and
accountable for safety and the efficient running of the harbour,” he says. “But it works like an inverted pyramid.” In his predecessor’s words - a
phrase John likes - the harbour mas- ter sits at the fulcrum. Operational responsibility lies there. Te board’s job is to provide guidance, support and constructive challenge. It’s a team-based philosophy, and
one that has shaped his approach to internal restructuring. In the summer of 2021, discontent
among assistant harbour masters’ and operational staff surfaced. Rather than escalate tensions, John went in to listen. “I asked them why they weren’t
happy,” he says. “We unpicked it all.” Te result was a thoughtful re-
structuring: three assistant harbour masters, each with defined portfoli- os, reducing hierarchy while increas- ing resilience and clarity. Staff were assured of their value, supported in developing their strengths, and given clearer progression pathways. It is this quiet, foundational work
that John is most proud of. “Building stability into the way
the authority works,” he says. “If you asked the team working out of Hoodown whether they feel supported and that the board takes safety seriously, I think they would say yes. Tat’s a huge achievement. While governance and culture
matter, visible infrastructure speaks loudly too. Last year, DHNA announced £1.3m plans to upgrade the North Embankment area, just south of the Higher Ferry slipway. For a port town, public access to the river has long been limited - the Higher Ferry slipway currently providing the only public launch access for much of Dartmouth. Phase one will introduce a
new floating slipway, enabling safer launching for smaller boats. Swinging moorings that damage the seabed will be replaced with smarter, more environmentally friendly pontoon structures. Phase two tackles a longstanding
problem: the lack of shower and toilet facilities for berth holders and visiting sailors. With land at a premium, the innovative solution is a floating shower and toilet block. Phase three will rationalise the
haphazard moorings at the south end of the embankment. “Tese plans will bring lots of
benefits to stakeholders,” says John. “And hopefully provide people with
“The reason Dartmouth and the river flourishes is because it’s beautiful. That’s why people come here. We do our bit to protect that.”
much more access to the river.” Te first phase is expected next
winter. Another significant project
has involved collaboration with the Britannia Royal Naval College. When the pier at Sandquay was condemned, the Navy lost access for many of its training boats. Some questioned why a harbour
authority would dedicate time and resources to assisting the Ministry of Defence. John’s answer is pragmatic. “Teir business is driving boats,
protecting the nation and training people,” he says. “Our business is installing pontoons.” DHNA’s in-house marine expertise
allowed them to design cost- effective solutions and support the college through MOD procurement processes, potentially saving hundreds of thousands of pounds. For John, the reasoning extends
beyond finance. “Te college adds to the richness
of Dartmouth,” he says. “We’re doing our bit to help preserve that in the community.”
Environmental responsibility
has become increasingly central to DHNA’s mission. Early debates about whether environmental enhancement fell within the authority’s remit have now been resolved firmly in the affirmative. Te saltmarsh restoration project
in the upper estuary reflects a commitment not just to manage but enhance the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. “Te reason Dartmouth and
the river flourishes is because it’s beautiful,” John says. “Tat’s why people come here. We do our bit to protect that.” Community engagement has
expanded too. Te authority fast- tracked the installation of a hoist at Town Quay in partnership with Dart Sailability; and through its youth programme has worked with Dart- mouth Academy to ensure all Year 11 pupils meet statutory swimming requirements, funding lessons where resources were stretched. “We’re putting back into our local
community,” John says. “Helping people use the river safely.” John’s connection to the water
began long before board papers and pontoon plans. He grew up just south of Bristol,
sailing dinghies on the Bristol Chan- nel. His father sailed larger boats, oſten chartered from Plymouth or Falmouth. In 2005, father and son bought a 32-foot Beneteau together which they moored at Noss Marina. It was a shared project. Dad
maintained the boat, travelling from Bristol, while John, then living in Manchester, would drive down with Libby to cruise the South Devon coast with friends and family. In 2013, John took part in two
legs of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race - London to Rio, and Western Australia to Sydney, including the Sydney to Hobart race. Te experience, he says, was transformative. “People join it for the sailing,” he
reflects. “But the toughest part is liv- ing with 18 others on a 70-foot boat,
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