As Members will see from our new advertiser in Gaffers Log, Spring 2026 issue, the East Coast Gaffers have secured valuable support on behalf of the OGA from the new management team at Walton Boatyard (formerly Bedwell & Co.) in the Walton Backwaters.
Simon Hipkin and James Oxley (Hipkin & Oxley Ltd.) are pleased to announce their support for the OGA. In particular, this support ensures that the growing Gaffling 4.1 fleet will have a permanent base for the three East Coast boats. This will provide essential secure storage all year round and a place for the local team to undertake maintenance. As well as continuing the services historically offered by the Walton Boatyard, Simon has relocated his existing business as a specialist racing dinghy builder working in all materials from wood to carbon fibre and James brings his expertise as a time-served shipwright who trained at IBTC Lowestoft and worked for many years at Spirit Yachts. Former proprietors Richard and Steve Wyatt are continuing to work for the new business doing the lion’s share of the yard work and Basin management duties.
Simon and James look forward to welcoming as many OGA Members as possible to Walton for the annual Swallows and Amazons weekend, and will have a barrel of Adnams waiting for you! This year, Swallows and Amazons will be a three day event: 26 – 28 June. Full details available at the end of February – put the date in your diary now.
Hipkin & Oxley Ltd.
Walton Boatyard
Mill Lane
Walton-on-the-Naze
CO14 8FP
www.hipkinandoxley.co.uk
01255 675873
hipkinoxley@gmail.com
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