Boathouse Opening & Community Fundraising Celebration, Lynmouth
Lynmouth Sailing Club warmly invites locals and visitors to join them for the official opening of the new Boathouse in Lynmouth – a community-led project rooted in remembrance, safety, and the enduring spirit of the harbour.
Located on the historic site of the original Lifeboat building, the new Boathouse sits at the heart of Lynmouth and will provide a permanent home for the club’s safety and rescue boat, “Gilbey”, along with secure storage for essential sailing equipment and kit. With construction nearing completion, this marks a major milestone for the club and the wider Lyn Valley community.
A Project with Purpose
The Boathouse and rescue boat are dedicated to the memory of Gilbey Spice, a much-loved local character whose loss in May 2020 was felt deeply across Lynton & Lynmouth. In his memory, Gilbey’s family and friends requested donations towards a lasting community legacy. That generosity raised over £7,000, funding the purchase of the safety and rescue boat that proudly bears his name. Further support from local businesses helped provide the engine, but fundraising continued to ensure the Boathouse could be fully completed, equipped, and maintained.
Supporting Safety on the Water
Lynmouth’s harbour is a vibrant hub for water-based activity, from the much-loved annual raft race and the Lynmouth Regatta & Maritime Festival to rowing, swimming, and sailing groups who regularly take to the water. A core aim of this project is to train local volunteers to crew the boat and provide emergency assistance around the harbour and during community events – a wish close to Gilbey’s family and friends’ hearts.
Celebrating a True Community Spirit
This project reflects the adventurous, generous, and ever-willing spirit of its namesake – a man known for always saying “yes” and for giving his time freely to community causes. The Boathouse stands not only as a practical safety facility, but as a symbol of what a close-knit community can achieve together.
Join the Celebration
Everyone is welcome to attend the official opening on Saturday 10th May. Come along to celebrate the completion of this important project, learn more about the ongoing fundraising efforts, and find out how you can support or get involved.
Donations are still welcome, and the club is always happy to hear from anyone with fundraising ideas or who would like to help in the future.
A community project. A lasting legacy. A fitting tribute.
