The Elephant Boatyard

01/10/2026

Another milestone in Pembrey’s restoration ⚓

Her two 12.7L marine diesel engines have now been lifted out and are on their way to Jim Stokes for a full inspection and refurbishment.

These Rolls-Royce engines were engineering masterpieces that used legendary WWII fighter-plane technology to create perfectly mirrored, bulletproof powerhouses that could effortlessly conquer violent seas without missing a beat.

A significant step in bringing this historic former RAF launch back to life.

04/08/2026

Our sheds are full of exciting restoration projects and we’re looking for skilled wooden boatbuilders/ shipwrights to join our brilliant team.

This is a great opportunity to get involved with one of the most skilled traditional boatbuilding and restoration teams in the UK.

Get in touch by email at [email protected] or call us for a chat on 023 80403268.

We're hiring! Our sheds are full of exciting restoration projects and we’re looking for skilled wooden boatbuilders/shipwrights to join our brilliant team. This is a great opportunity to get involved with one of the most respected traditional boatyards in the UK. Apply here 👉 https://lnkd.in/ex...

20/07/2026

An Icon Returns to the Solent

Some boats need no introduction.

This beautiful 1931 International 8 Metre, designed by the legendary William Fife III, is widely regarded as one of the most iconic yachts of her class.

Over nearly a century, SASKIA has built an extraordinary racing legacy, from representing Great Britain at the 1936 Olympic Games to winning prestigious regattas around the world, including on the Solent, where she continues to compete today.

She's the first yacht to arrive at the yard ahead of this year's BCYC Regatta.

Over the coming days, our team will be stepping her mast and tuning her rig, ensuring she's ready to perform at her very best.

It's always a privilege to welcome such a remarkable piece of sailing history to Elephant Boatyard.

08/07/2026

Sunmaid V ready to go!

The finishing touches are complete and she's ready for action.

During her time with us, the team has fitted a new teak cockpit sole, stripped and re-sheathed the coachroof, installed a new winch arrangement, optimised her underwater profile and restored her mahogany topsides and brightwork to a flawless finish.

With new owners at the helm, she'll soon be racing on the Solent, with her first stop being the BCYC Regatta.

It's always a privilege to see a classic yacht leave the yard ready to begin her next chapter.

We wish her new owners fair winds and every success at BCYC and beyond.

04/06/2026

At its heart, The Elephant Boatyard has always been about more than boats.

It's about the craftspeople, owners, suppliers, friends and families who come together around a shared passion for classic wooden boats and life on the River Hamble.

Our summer BBQ was a chance to celebrate that community and spend an evening enjoying one of the most special settings on the South Coast.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. Your support, friendship and enthusiasm are what make this place unique.

08/05/2026

HELP US BUILD A LEGACY TO REMEMBER - DONATE NOW

Coastal Forces and the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve played a vital role in two World Wars, carrying out dangerous missions in small wooden craft, often under the cover of darkness and at point blank range.

The remarkable stories of the men and women who served, and in many cases never came home, will be celebrated with a new landmark Monument that is close to our hearts.

It is now under construction and with YOUR help, will be unveiled in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard in 2027.

https://www.charityextra.com/coastal_forces_appeal/286470

29/04/2026