Bucking the recession and redundancy trend, Boatshed Norfolk yacht brokers in East Anglia, are reporting booming boat sales and have increased their workforce by 50%.

“We are pleased to be expanding our team,” said Gary Travis, one of the partners in Boatshed Norfolk, part of the international yacht brokerage network, Boatshed.com.

“Boat sales are going particularly well just now,” said Gary, “as more people realise the benefits of a floating investment. Instead of sitting on building society deposits earning no interest, they might as well be sitting on a boat, enjoying themselves!”

“So we’ve taken on a new agent to help us cater for our growing list of customers by finding more top quality boats to list for sale,” he said. “With boat sales at record levels we need additional craft - both sailing boats and motor boats - to meet the demand.”

Bob Goddard (see pic) joins the team after a career in publishing and marketing. He brings sailing boat knowledge to complement the motor boat expertise of existing Boatshed Norfolk partners Gary Travis and Will Farnell. See them at:

A lifetime sailing enthusiast, Bob has been a yachting journalist as well as editor and publisher of numerous magazines. Latterly he has run his own international marketing business, so combining boats with sales was a natural choice.

“I’m having great fun matching boats with new owners,” said Bob. “Seeing their delight reminds me of the thrill I felt when I bought my first sailing boat - and my second, and my third!”

“And I’m delighted to be a part of the Boatshed Norfolk team where we combine local knowledge with the strength and experience of the world’s largest yacht brokerage business, Boatshed.com. I’m particularly impressed with Boatshed’s website system, which provides up to 70 photos and a very detailed description of each boat we list.”

“This, combined with their prominent online presence powered by dedicated offices around the UK, Europe and America, means boat sellers and seekers have access to the biggest shop window for used boats in the world, all via our website - www.boatshednorfolk.com “

“With over 290,000 registered customers looking for boats across the Boatshed network, we are highly likely to have a buyer waiting for the boats we list. I’ve only done five viewings with prospective customers so far, but four of those - all sailing boats - sold on the spot,” said Bob.

“But my colleague Gary sold six motor boats during the same month, so I’ve got to get my skates on to catch up with him! I’m looking forward to helping more people find the boat of their dreams via an unrivalled system for boat owners who wish to sell,” said Bob.

Bob’s boat sales efforts have struck a chord with both vendors and buyers who have contacted Boatshed Norfolk to express their appreciation:

“We appreciated the help that Lyn and I received from you. Regarding the service I received from Boatshed in helping me buy my boat, I found the service and information to be first class, and very professional. Could not have wished for things to go any better, I would like to thank you and Gary for making this possible. Regards, BB (purchaser of Snapdragon 24).”

“Very pleased, thanks. The sale went through very quickly with no trouble at all,” TA (seller of Invader 20)

Many folk think of boating in East Anglia as confined to the Norfolk Broads, but in addition to the main Broadland centres of Brundall, Wroxham, Horning, Stalham and Potter Heigham, Boatshed Norfolk covers the estuary and coastal sailing centres of Gt Yarmouth, Cromer, Wells, Brancaster, Morston, Blakeney, Hunstanton, King’s Lynn, Fosdyke and Boston.

If you are a boat owner in Norfolk, south Lincolnshire or East Cambridgeshire, Boatshed Norfolk can offer a full brokerage service. As well as the personal listing and photography visit with the vendor, Boatshed Norfolk brokers accompany customer viewings and act as key holders for owners when required.

Post-sales services include advice on surveys, launching, moorings, transport, insurance and safety certification, to name but a few. Boatshed Norfolk work in conjunction with many local marine companies to ensure a stress-free sailing experience and provide first class advice for first-time sailors.

With everything from sailing yachts, motor launches, speed boats, cruisers, classics as well as modern coastal and ocean-going vessels, Boatshed Norfolk has something for everyone.

If you have a boat for sale or are looking to buy a boat, call Bob on 07719 318531 or 01603 279957 or Gary on 07990 801862 or 01603 717989. Alternatively you can find them at: www.boatshednorfolk.com