New Man At the Helm

Dart Harbour is pleased to announce that Robert Giles has been appointed as the new Harbour Master and Chief Executive Officer of the Dart Harbour & Navigation Authority. He will be joining Dart Harbour on 25th October and taking over his new responsibilities from the retiring Harbour Master, Capt David White, in mid November following a handover period.

After the post was advertised in May an extensive interview process took place during June which included participation in an exercise on the river, group work and presentations, plus an interview for each candidate with the selection panel. The Dart Harbour Board agreed unanimously that Rob was the best man for the job and that he be appointed as the new Harbour Master for Dartmouth and the River Dart.

Chairman of the Board, Neil Hockaday, said “Rob was chosen unanimously by the whole Board after a thorough selection process. We are confident that the selection process has resulted in the best candidate being chosen for the job. We’re absolutely delighted Rob has decided to join us. The Harbour Master is the most senior position in the harbour, he will be the public face of the Authority and he will lead and develop the team of staff and volunteers who look after one of South Devon’s principal marine assets”.

Rob added “I am delighted to be joining the Dart Harbour and Navigation Authority as Harbour Master and Chief Executive Officer. As a mariner and a West Countryman, the chance to fulfil this exciting role is both a joy and a privilege. Having spent 18 years in the Royal Navy, 3 of which were at Britannia Royal Naval College, I feel well placed to understand and serve the needs of all users of this unique River. In the current financial climate, we face significant challenges. My recent work in the public sector in construction and asset management has made me acutely aware of this, and of the need to deliver value for money to all river users. One of our other main objectives will be to preserve the balance of the river, serving the needs of local users whilst catering for visitors, maintaining the beautiful natural environment whilst promoting commerce. I am joining a very strong team and I look forward to carrying on the excellent work of the Authority when I start in late October.

Rob comes to Dart Harbour from a marine background having served in the Royal Navy between 1989 and 2007 leaving with a rank of Lieutenant Commander. Following his naval career Rob was employed as Asset Planning Officer by Devon County Council and then as Project Manager (Construction) with the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary. Rob is 41 and married with three young children.

The new Harbour Master will work closely with the Board of Dart Harbour, who decide the strategy and policies concerning the management of the River Dart, and implement any decisions made by the Board.

Programme of ship visits for 2010

Visiting Ships

The Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta takes place from Thursday 26th to Saturday 28th August 2010.

River users not involved in the Regatta must keep clear of the organised waterborne events and exercise particular care when underway in the River Dart.

Firework Displays
At 2100 on Thursday 26th and Saturday 28th August 2010 firework displays will take. Full details to follow when available.

Flying Displays
During the displays the mainstream will be closed to all traffic movement. An exclusion zone will be in operation. All vessels to be secured and stationery before the displays commence – A ‘Notice to Mariners" will be issued and posted here once times are known.

For latest details please visit the Regatta Website www.dartmouthregatta.co.uk/airshow10.html

Please note that all visitors' berths are allocated on a first come first served basis and no pre bookings are accepted. Vessels should call the River Patrol on VHF Channel 11 (Call Sign DARTNAV) on arrival to find out about berthing availability. Vessels will be rafted up. Please also note that if a vessel leaves a berth to go sailing for the day, there is no guarantee that they will be able to return to the same berth.

Whilst the river is normally very busy, we have not yet turned a vessel away during the Regatta.