Finding a new home for abandoned boats

Devoran Quay Preservation Society, encouraged by the Wreck Free Fal and Helford project, held an auction in July for a number of boats which, despite much effort to trace their owners, including both targeted and public notices, had long remained abandoned on the quay. Twenty nine small craft, ranging from elderly kayaks and canoes to inflatables and sailing dinghies with trailers found new owners, realising a total of £844. Additionally, Society members auctioned their own miscellaneous but no longer needed sailing equipment for a further £595. This has not only allowed significant tidying of the quay, but as with all the Society’s income, the proceeds will be used in their entirety for appropriate maintenance and improvements. We very much hope that further such events at Devoran will be required only occasionally, but would encourage any shoreside communities with a similar problem to consider this type of solution.