News / underfall yard
Boatbuilders return to Underfall Yard
A traditional boatbuilding firm has become the first business to move into a restored building at Underfall Yard following the serious fire in 2023.
Star Yachts are now working within the historic shipwright’s building.
The listed structure is the first completed restoration of the workshops and buildings that were damaged and destroyed in an arson attack.
Star Yachts director, Will Raffety, said: “The fire in 2023 was a big loss and for the entire team, both in terms of work but also emotionally.
“We are delighted to be back in the yard and back working in the place we have always called home, and I am eager to see the rest of the site be restored as well.”
Will Raffety and Oliver Creasy of Star Yachts, which has been based at Underfall Yard since it was founded in 2009 by Win Cnoops – photo: Underfall Yard
The latest phase of the restoration at Underfall Yard involves rebuilding all the damaged and destroyed structures but this is subject to planning approval and funding.
Underfall Yard director, Sarah Murray, called the site “the cornerstone” of boatbuilding in Bristol “and everyone involved here is thrilled to welcome the Star Yachts team back home”.
Murray added: “Boatbuilding is recognised nationally as an endangered craft and Underfall Yard is proud to be a guardian of this vibrant and specialist industry.
“We’re currently focusing all our energy on preparations to rebuild the Big Shed and other workshops and cannot wait to share more news of this in the coming weeks and months.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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