By Isle of Wight Observer
Bembridge Harbour is up for sale after owner Malcolm Thorpe announced it was time for a younger generation to become involved.
In a statement, he confirmed: “We are aware of rumours circulating locally and on social media about our plans going forward. So, to clarify, after 12 years at the harbour, Fiona and I have made the decision to sell the harbour businesses. We are currently in the process of providing the final items of information required by our nominated agents/brokers to enable them to take it to the market. At that point, full details will be available to valid enquiries.
“As at this moment, no offers or proposals have been received, either locally or from further afield. Our reasons for the decision to sell are very straightforward: during this month I have my 75th birthday and think it is about time a younger generation of management became involved.
“We want to spend more time with both family and friends – we have missed valuable time with them as a direct consequence of our full-time involvement at the harbour.
“Fiona and I have, over the past few years, spent an exceptional amount of time managing the business and rejuvenating the harbour, and not least in dealing with the constant legal challenges from Bembridge Harbour Trust (BHT), all of which have failed conclusively.
“In removing the extremely personal nature of BHT’s actions against us, we hope they will be able to find a more productive pathway forward. In the next few days, details of our overall businesses will start to be made available to genuine and serious enquiries with proof of funding.
“This is unlikely to be a quick process and, in the meantime, it’s very much business as usual. I really wish I was at least 30 years younger!”
Mal Butler