The man who spent 20 years and millions in investment turning Mylor Yacht Harbour into a thriving, state of the art marine business, is stepping down as managing director.

Roger Graffy combined a career in brand management with Johnson & Johnson, Guinness and Bounty with a childhood passion for the sea and boats when he and wife Dinah took the opportunity to buy Mylor Yacht Harbour in 1997.

Mylor’s enormous natural charm had made it a draw for the yachting community from the 1960s and 200 years earlier it was England’s smallest naval dockyard in one of the world’s most strategic ports. Spotting its huge potential new owners Roger and Dinah set about a £7 million investment programme to establish one of Cornwall’s busiest boatyards and marina.

Their vision and investment to date has enabled the creation of a modern marina and onshore facilities, securing the preservation of the historic buildings, landscape and working traditions for future generations.

Recent shore-side development has seen the building of a new yacht club, café and shops, shower blocks and a new marina office, counterbalanced with the demolition of the dilapidated old yacht club in order to save and protect the Grade II Listed Quay on which it stood.

“This has been a hugely rewarding project and a big part of my life,” said Roger. “It’s taken all the energy of our fantastic team of 45 and support from the whole community including berth-holders, customers, fishermen, local council and holidaymakers. We’ve continued to thrive and expand the yard with our Marine Team of expert craftsmen and technicians who have the world-class skills to match any vessel – ancient or modern.”

One of Roger’s proudest achievements with his team was realising a dream to build the first new classic wooden Falmouth Sunbeam yachts in 20 years, built in the Mylor sheds on exactly the same lines as their 90-year-old sisters.

As he steps as managing director, Roger will be less involved in the day-to-day management of Mylor Yacht Harbour, but will remain as chairman and Dinah and he will continue to own the company.

“I’m about to turn 60 and Mylor has occupied my energies and enthusiasm for the past 20 years,” he said, “so I think it is a good time to hand the helm to someone brilliant with the vision to keep this wonderful business and way of life growing and thriving into the future.”