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Plain sailing Talking Tourism has been speaking to ‘salty seadog’ Tracey Boyne, owner of Mylor Sailing and Powerboat School to find out about her business and how it led her to start the charity, Mylor Sailability, which helps those with disabilities get on to the water. When was the business founded and at what point did you get involved? And, what is your background? The business has been going since the 1970s and the training school came up for sale in 2006 and a friend offered me an opportunity of a 50/50 split. I was then teaching at Truro and Penwith College on the outdoor education and other sports qualifications. This was teaching sailing, windsurfing, climbing and other theoretical coaching modules. After a few years, my business partner got offered another opportunity, so I bought him out in 2013. After 12 years, I took voluntary redundancy from Truro College at the same time. A bit of a leap of faith, but after the sad loss of my mother in 2012 I felt the need to push myself and take some risks. I have never looked back and working individually allowed me to develop the business in so many ways and I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey. Can you explain what it is you do and the variety of services you offer? Our tag line is ‘From absolute beginners to salty seadogs’. We are governed by
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the Royal Yachting Association and run accredited courses for dinghy, keelboat and powerboat training for people between the ages of 6 and 106! We also have shore-based courses for VHF Marine Radio and Navigation. All our sailing and powerboating is accessible and inclusive to all. How has the business evolved over time? When I first bought the school, we had one motorboat (RIB) and around six small sailing dinghies, all a little tired and in need of some TLC. After a lot of investment back into the business over the first few years, we built the fleet to three RIBs and ten decent sailing boats. This has then grown to meet demands not only by the amount of people but also the type of training that is requested. The fleet now exists of six motorboats, three keelboats and 18 smaller sailing dinghies. We have around 50% local business and 50% visitors. Sailing and powerboat training has increased hugely and although we are open all year round, the shoulder periods have filled well, with our main operating times between March and October. I have always tried to improve the business and access as much free business support as possible. There is a lot of free help out there, you just have to find it. Being a member of the Cornwall Marine Network has helped hugely with training, marketing and business advice and general support. I am a great believer in providing as much training as possible for all staff, with customer service, personal skills and teaching skills. Can you tell us about the charitable arm of the business? After going it alone I really wanted to
SPRING 2021
