A new comprehensive study of coastal marinas in the UK and Channel Islands has revealed the vital role played by marinas in economic development and Mylor Harbour is among the best.

The report, entitled Economic Benefits of Coastal Marinas of the UK and Channel Islands, shows that the sector directly employs over 1,700 people, supports the employment of 22,000 more people and has a value added of over £500 million a year to the British economy. There are significant benefits to local economies in terms of supply chain businesses and tourist jobs.

The reports points out that Mylor Yacht Harbour has been redeveloped to increase the number of boats by increasing shore storage capacity, from 200 to 450 boats, and the provision of marina berths from 10 to 197. Sixtyt per cent of berths are leased to local residents, with the remaining 40% of lease holders living outside of Cornwall.

The marina plays a key role in attracting people to Cornwall to spend money in the local economy, says the report. The marina company owns and provides many of the facilities and services available on site, which include dry storage, berths, moorings, boat hoist, boat repair, marine engineering, fuel, utilities, car parking, holiday accommodation, launderette, showers and toilets. These are supplemented by 14 tenant businesses including a chandlery, yacht broker, sailing schools, boat charter, café, restaurant and bar, additional specialist boat repair and maintenance, and a yacht club.

The report found that:  The marina estimates that it receives 42,000 separate visits per year from boating users and visitors.

 The marina at Mylor now provides work for 136 full time equivalent (FTE) employees in total, including those employed by the marina (54 FTEs) and all on-site tenant businesses (82 FTEs).

 33% of the value of goods and services purchased by the marina and tenant businesses is from local companies, directly boosting the turnover of local businesses in Cornwall by £630,000.

The report, launched at the Southampton Boat Show, was commissioned by the British Marine Federation, in partnership with The Crown Estate, Jersey Harbours and was supported by The Yacht Harbour Association.

It presents a national assessment of the economic contribution of coastal marinas, including nine detailed case studies from around the country. The analysis looks at all aspects of this contribution, from on-site businesses to supply chain, marine industry and tourism and leisure impacts.