Flying the Lake Yard Flag since 1938
Dorset Lake Shipyard has been operating as a family-owned business since 1938. Originally operating as a yacht and commercial ship builders, Dorset Yacht Company became the sole distributor for the prestigious Boston Whaler Brand in the UK, Channel Islands and Ireland IN 1978. In 1996, brothers Russell and Robin Culpan developed the site to incorporate a unique 44-berth marina, service facilities with travel lift, and spacious clubhouse and restaurant.
Today, Russell, the Culpan family and the Lake Yard team are truly committed to sharing this unique harbourside location with our marina berth holders and club members.
History. Tradition. Expertise. Passion.
A Place for Everyone
Lake Yard’s marina is in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Wild seals are a regular and, being situated directly opposite the RSPB reserve at Arne and with the anchorages of Brownsea Island and Round island only minutes away, the bird life is prodigious. Avian visitors include common shelduck, pied avocet, spoonbill and sandwich tern and the once rare little egrets are now seen in increasing numbers.
For those that prefer more adrenalin-based activities, the harbour water ski lanes and PWC area are very close by, and our calm waters are perfect for any form of paddling from Kayaks to SUPs. During WW2 the BOAC flying boats used this stretch of water for landing. In fact, the area is so rich in history starting from pre-Iron Age settlements on the shores, that you would need months to explore it properly.
The Centre of Everything
Some of the ‘must-do’ attractions if you are in the area for any length of time include visits to Old Town Poole and its historic quay (within walking distance) or to the Isle of Purbeck and it’s many attractions including Corfe Castle, Swanage, Lulworth, Durdle Door and Tyneham. Just a short sail away is Studland Bay with its stunning anchorages next to the iconic sea stacks of Old Harry Rocks and, of course, Brownsea Island. If you still have time, take the boat for a day in Swanage Bay, another beautiful anchorage with a lively seaside town, take the dinghy up to Wareham, a great market town with many hostelries, or get close to the famous ‘Millionaire’s Row’ of Sandbanks as you sail into the harbour.
A short walk of under 10 minutes provides the choice of two pubs and three cafés, with a 25 minute walk to the bustling port of Poole Quay. For general provisions, there is a corner shop less than a ten minute walk away, with a larger Co-op slightly further and Poole town centre offering several large supermarkets and facilities. The nearest Chandlery is a 15 minutes walk to Cobbs Quay or 25 minutes to Poole Quay.
Meet theTeam
Tracie Shroder
Group Accountant
Jenny Burrows
Marina & Moorings Manager
Clare Merton
Membership Secretary
Seonagh Guthrie
Club General Manager
Richard Smedley
Head Chef
Dave Booth
Boat Yard Manager
Adam Dickinson
Yard Hand
Graham Whiffen
Yard Hand
