A quick chat with Lisa Anacora: Investing for the future as confidence returns

It’s been a glorious summer on the Thames, and a busy one for the team at Willow Marina. Between a major programme of onsite improvements and encouraging signs across the boating market, there’s plenty going on at Val Wyatt. We caught up with Managing Director Lisa Anacora to hear more.

Hi Lisa, thanks for your time. Visitors to the marina would have seen a lot of changes to the infrastructure over the past two years. Could you explain more?

Of course. Over the past two years we’ve undertaken a significant programme of improvements designed to enhance our facilities, support more sustainable operations and ensure the marina remains fit for the future.

The most obvious works have been the extensive recladding and reroofing works across our storage and workshop buildings, and the resurfacing of the marina yard.

We have also installed an advanced FiltaBund water filtration and recycling system, which captures boat wash run-off – including water, detergent, silt, oil, grease and antifoul – and prevents it from reaching the local watercourse. This run-off is then cleaned, recycled and reused for future boat washing operations.

Finally, we have also installed 135 solar panels, helping to reduce the marina’s environmental footprint and support more sustainable operations for the future.

There seems to be a strong focus on sustainability across the business. Do you agree?

Absolutely. These improvements represent a substantial investment in both our facilities and our commitment to responsible stewardship of the river environment that has played such an important role in Val Wyatt’s history.

The river is at the heart of everything we do. We see it as our duty to protect it, not just for today but for the generations of boaters to come. These investments align closely with our values as a business. We have always believed in doing things properly, reducing our environmental impact, and thinking long-term. It’s about leaving the river in a better condition than we found it.

These works are just the latest in a long line of initiatives the business has committed to. For example, since 2024 we have gifted the planting of 100 trees with each new boat that we sell.

We previously pledged to cut our carbon emissions in half by 2030, and to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The new solar panels are an important step on this journey.

We have now reached the mid-point of summer. How has it gone so far?

The dry weather has certainly led to people being out on their boats, kayaks and paddleboards more – and the river levels have been faring relatively well considering. As part of that, we have provided advice on how to stay safe on the river during a heatwave.

We are also encouraged by what we’re seeing across the boating market. Following the extraordinary demand of the Covid years and a quieter period during 2024, we have witnessed a noticeable increase in activity over recent months, particularly in the sub-£150,000 market. Confidence appears to be returning, with strong interest from both first-time buyers and experienced boaters looking to make their next move.

For those considering a new boat, we currently have a couple of stock and ex-demonstrator models still available. If you’re interested in enjoying a nearly new boat this season without the wait for a factory order, it’s worth taking a look at our latest listings online.

At the same time, demand for quality brokerage boats remains strong, and we’re continuing to work with customers across the Thames, the South Coast and beyond to help them buy and sell with confidence. You can also find our used boats for sale online.

For those people thinking about buying a new or used boat, we are also looking to add a few new moorings at Willow Marina next year by regrading and protecting the existing linear bank and installing three 6-metre pontoons. We will update the community when those have been completed.

Excellent news. Will the team be exhibiting at any more events this year?

Yes, indeed. We will be returning to the Southampton International Boat Show, which runs from 18-27 September. We will be located on marina berths M112, M113 and M114, where visitors will get the chance to view some beautiful models from both Interboat and Corsiva.

This includes the Interboat 19, one of our most popular classic day boats, the award-winning Interboat Intender 750, which maximises internal space and has a separate toilet compartment, and a beautiful Corsiva 800 Tender, the largest in the range. While the Intender 750 was sold within a day of arriving at our marina, the Interboat 19 and Corsiva 800 are still available for pre-show viewing at Willow Marina.

We’re also looking forward to sharing space with British Marine on the “Discovering Britain’s Inland Waterways” feature. Now in its third year at SIBS, the feature aims to create an interactive experience for people to engage with what the inland waterways have to offer. We’re delighted to be sharing the space with one of our Corsiva boats, and with our partners at Electric Boat Company, who will be sharing more about their Boating at Cliveden offerings, including rental boats and canoes.

If you have any questions, or would like more information, please feel free to contact us on 01189 403211 (Wargrave) or 01243 217485 (Chichester). Alternatively, fill in our online form and we will respond as soon as possible.

Thanks for your time, Lisa.