CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Our number one priority is always to provide the highest standard of service, to give you and your boat the most beneficial time possible.

We are proud of the feedback that we receive from our clients, who highlight our outstanding communication, friendliness, customer focused approach and stress free experiences.

“Chris is a diamond in the rough regarding professionalism, expertise, and trustworthiness in the maritime industry. ‘Honorable character’ best sums up my personal experience with his services in preparation, transport, and logistics of my pilot cutter sailboat from Essex UK to the US east coast. Chris documents progress with photos, videos, and messages providing scrupulous detail and information not only on his activities, but also of third party involvement and their progress. Chris is the reason my transatlantic shipment succeeded. He intervened on my behalf when shenanigans by other parties were attempted in my absence. Chris is who you want. He will care for your interests and vessel with kid gloves and you will rest well knowing the best in seamanship is assisting you and at the best price point in the industry.” JD

“We used UK yacht delivery to sea test our boat Amelia , Chirs was excellent and his knowledge was of great help to us. I would highly recommend there services.” Simon G

“We have recently had the benefit of Chris Markham providing us with his experience and knowledge during some ‘lessons’ in boat tuition. It was for our family of 4 on our newly purchased boat, and he was fantastic.
He explained everything so clearly and talked to us in ‘non-expert’ language when required to help us pick things up as we went along. Nothing was too much trouble for Chris to talk to all 4 of us individually, or collectively, about either manoeuvres/crew tasks/or general useful information about our boat and how to ‘drive’ it 😀. He was extremely polite and was a calming influence when I was undertaking tricky manoeuvres reversing into a mooring, together with talking to other crew members assisting them with their activities on the boat. He provided valuable feedback to all of us on our roles on the boat, which will help us for future trips. We will be using Chris again for further development of our boating skills !
We would thoroughly recommend Chris for the services he provides. Absolutely Fantastic.” Chris, W

“Chris Markham has moved 2 boats for us. Professional skipper. Great communication. Always helpful. Would not consider using anyone else. 1st Class. Thanks Chris!!” C Elvidge

“Absolutely brilliant ask Chris to move my boat but the boat run into problems but instead of just parking it up and saying sorry can’t move it he was very helpful in helping me getting the boat transported by land and also been very helpful with helping me understanding the boat as I’m a complete novice also very friendly and a great bloke

Thank you” Sean

“Chris is an inspiration for us all safely getting ENA BEE to her home at Mylor in time for Christmas well done done Chris you are the tops” Viv H

“Chris did a wonderful job skippering the sea trial for my boat sale. As usual he went above and beyond- this time to fix some last minute hitches to enable things to go smoothly for the trial. I would happily recommend Chris. Great coupling of boat handling skills with an understanding of customer focused additional services which is a rare and much appreciated combination.” Thomas W

“This week I bought a Leisure 20 yacht which required relocating from Titchmarsh marina to the River Crouch. Chris Markham came highly recommended as a delivery Skipper and I greatly appreciated his help with organising and completing the delivery with me in a safe and professional manner. It was a thoroughly good day out which was well planned and executed. As well as being very competent Chris is also very friendly, engaging and easy to get along with and happily shared his knowledge with me. I would use his services again and highly recommend Chris to anyone needing boat delivery or relocation.” Mike S

“A big thank you to Chris and Hannah.
I needed someone to move my late father’s pride and joy – his sailing yacht. Our yacht broker suggested Chris.
Chris made what for me was an emotionally painful day pleasant. I immediately felt confident in his ability to deal with everything on the boat and I was very happy about the way he handled my father’s boat. Chris came ready prepared, checked everything was working and set up correctly and always made sure I was happy.
At the end of the trip Chris made sure the boat was left ready for lifting out of the water and I felt able to not worry about anything.
So yes, I would recommend and I would use Chris again.
Thank you from Jenny.”

“Chris delivered our lovely Olympia from Levington Suffolk to Wicor Marine in Portsmouth. Communication was spot on throughout and he fitted in with the vagaries of changing launching dates and weather. When we met Chris on his arrival to Portsmouth we found him to be knowledgeable and extremely personable. Basically a pleasure to be with. We could not have trusted our new boat to a better person. Thank you Chris, I hope we can stay in touch.” Lesley and Richard

“Fantastic day of 1-1 teaching with Chris from Markham Marine.
Chris ran a outboard engine service and trouble shooting day at my home. He tailored everything to my knowledge base, brought all the tools required and even collected the spares needed to undertake the maintenance. Price worked out less than paying for the Engine to be serviced else where and has enabled me to do the work myself in the future. Most importantly, it has given me the confidence in the engine and to trouble shoot while on the water. Likewise, he helped establish a list of essential tools for the shed and to carry on the boat.
I really had a blast and will be using Chris in the future for other his great tuiton and boat knowledge. 5/5!” Stuart C

“Chris was absolutely fantastic. He is incredibly knowledgeable, cautious, and professional, and he made me feel comfortable throughout the entire trip, no matter what issues came up with my old Macwester. I learned so much from him along the way, and I honestly couldn’t have wished for a better skipper or a better experience. Highly recommended!” Mauro S

“Have only very positive things to say. Had two fantastic days out with Chris and found him friendly and extremely helpful. My wife is very nervous on the boat and he took time to explain everything to her. He took time to build her confidence and made her experience enjoyable.” Peter B

“My partner and I would not hesitate to recommend Chris and his services. We have worked with him twice to move our houseboat to different locations and both times came with their issues but every delivery was (thankfully) successful. Chris is helpful, knowledgeable, friendly and professional with great experience. Should we ever move again (which we hope won’t be any time soon haha), we’ll definitely be back in contact!” Helen C

“From the very first contact via phone with Chris he sets your mind at rest. Extremely Knowledgeable and very professional, knows his stuff !! Chris assisted my wife and I in sailing our recently purchased Moody 42cc from Ireland to Scotland. Having just purchased the yacht this was the first time off its mooring to complete a trip of 75 miles. Once Chris stepped on board he became part of the family he was like a long lost friend !! He also makes a mean cup of coffee and a sandwich. Will definitely use his services again.” Paula P

“Brilliant session of tuition today with Chris, friendly helpful and really calming and confidence building. Can’t recommend the service enough and will definitely be using again.” Mark C

“Thank you for a brilliant day on the Solent last weekend. Really helpful and well delivered, taking into account our different levels of
understanding. Lots of information but you explained really well and good opportunities to practise at the time. Thank you for being so patient, professional yet fun!” Sally R

“We had our 46 ketch delivered to Holland Paul and crew were very good and got the boat there on time. He is also experienced in boat maintenance so if things go wrong you could not be in better hands. Would use him again.” Paul W

“Had my first lesson with Chris and it was brilliant. My 1st ever lesson and spent the first hour thoroughly going over my boat, explaining to me everything, what it did etc. Then went through some very usual practical basics that every sailor should be aware of. We then went out on my boat and with great tuition had a fantastic 2 and half hours out on the water. Chris technique really put me at ease and I felt comfortable, and in control. Cannot wait for my next lesson.” Mark G

“This is the second time I’ve ask for help moving a yacht, and as it turned out I was very glad I did. The trip started well enough, leaving Chichester Marina in a force. 4. After some planning Chris successfully manoeuvred the boat off the pontoon. We crossed a choppy Chichester bar with no drama, as the weather built to a force 6. Even with a very poorly crew mate who was of absolutely no use at all, Chris was not phased in the slightest. When we arrived Chris did his usual end of day engine checks and replaced a frayed alternator belt in the time it took me to have a shower. The second leg from Brighton to Ramsgate was easy sailing with no drama, just sunshine and Chris’s good humour and interesting anecdotes to keep me amused and take my mind off my seasickness.

The good weather persevered, unlike our luck. The final leg was from Ramsgate to North Fambridge. There was little to no breeze as we motored past the big ship anchorage before crossing the Thames estuary and its busy shipping lanes. The engine revs backed off almost imperceptibly. I didn’t notice but Chris did, instantly recognising there was a problem. Chris dropped the hook and immediately started work. Unfortunately, a clogged fuel line coupled with a self detonating starter motor spelt an end to the prospect of diesel powered propulsion. Chris likes to involve everyone in decision making, and so asked how I felt about sailing her home engineless. Had I been alone, I would have been in a state of panic, but with Chris at the helm I agreed, confident that Chris was more than capable. There was next to no wind so off we plodded at around 2 knots to begin with, crossing the Estuary and catching the tide up river to North Fambridge. We arrived at around 3am, lassoing a mooring buoy and turning in for the night, an amazing job. In summary, Chris is one heck of a sailor, great company and an all round nice guy. What a dude, awesome. Thanks Chris!” Pete L

“Had an awesome trip with Chris – he came onboard to help me move my sailing boat around from the East Coast to the Hamble and it turned out to be such an enjoyable experience and achievement. Not only is Chris the ultimate professional with heaps of experience, he was an absolute pleasure to spend time with as a boat buddy. He is very calm, collaborative with a considered style – not to mention a great sense of humour. I’m sure I’ll be reaching out to Chris again at some point – not only for his experience, but enjoyable company. Thanks again Chris for an epic passage! Let’s catch up soon!” David S

“Chris helped us move our 33m Motor Barge from Essex to the Isle of Wight, he was very knowledgeable about the route required & was very flexible with timings due to suitable weather conditions, Chris was all in all a great addition to the crew would use his services again without hesitation. Highly recommend.” Alan, D

“I bought an old boat on the Isle of Wight, like everything else on the island, it was circa in 1973, so I’m not a rich yachtie by any means. I had the boat a year and hadn’t even started the engine. Lots of friends offered to help me but real life often gets in the way of relying on favours etc and time moves forward. Then Markham Marine was recommended to me, I rang Chris and he was so helpful and reassuring on the phone. Next he went out onto my boat, replaced batteries, filters, cleared my gunked up fuel lines, checked over the whole boat. Then a few days later, he helped my partner and I sail the boat from the Medina to Ryde Marina. It was a most excellent day. Chris’ tuition along with his calm, experienced and good humoured nature was perfect for me. I learnt so much, I know I was asking dumb questions and I know Chris answered them at least twice because I didn’t take it on board the first time.

I also know when someone is the real deal, okay, I’m a monkeyman in a boat but whatever level someone might require, Chris would be spot on for it.

I’m definitely going to sign up for some more tuition days and now I know an honest, affordable marine mechanic, I’ll get engine services from him ( although he offered to teach me how to do them myself). A most excellent company, high recommended. Thanks.” Authur, C.S.

“Thanks Chris, for such a great introduction and helping sail our new boat. We learned so much, you guided us steadily all the way. It’s been a wonderful start to sailing.” Anna, B

“It was great to have Chris with me to deliver my 53 foot dutch motor barge from Hull to the river Crouch in Essex. He arrived with the passage fully planned and ready on his chart plotter. Apart from all the seamanship skills required Chris was great confident laid back company to have along. I look forward to the next passage with him.” Nick B

“Chris provides a relaxed and professional service with just the right mixture of practical and theoretical knowledge and is always available to give good advice.” Stephen C

“Chris helped me move my new sailing yacht from Essex to Westport in County Mayo, Ireland. Chris was hugely helpful in preparing my boat for launching and sailing to Ireland. We had a memorable trip, with challenging weather and seas at times. I couldn’t have done the trip without Chris and his expertise, patience and support. I would wholeheartedly recommend Chris.” Oliver, M

“Chris took us from North Fambridge via the River Crouch, Southend, central London by the Thames to our drop off point to the Kennet and Avon canal. Weather conditions were very choppy and tidal but Chris made it seem so easy! It was our first outing on our Dutch Barge and we couldn’t have asked for anyone better – so calm and it was a pleasure and more like a holiday with a friend. Highly recommend and think we’ll borrow him for France too! Thank you Chris from Karen, Rod and our 2 very vocal Jack Russells” Karen, D

“We had an enjoyable and wonderfully informative day with Chris Markham. His calm, clear instruction and gentle humour ensured our first ever day as yacht sailors was safe, enjoyable and inspiring. We will definitely be booking more training days with Chris and looking to Markham Marine Service for our ongoing advice and support. Thanks Chris. Yes another enjoyable, informative and inspirational day spent under Chris’ excellent tuition!” David C

“Chris helped me move my sailing yacht from Portsmouth to Shoreham and I couldn’t recommend his yacht relocation services more highly. He took care of the route planning, navigation, and safety checks with total professionalism. A wealth of knowledge on all things boat-related, Chris made the whole yacht delivery experience smooth and stress-free. Im going to do some sailing tuition and boat maintenance course with him soon. If you need expert help with yacht transport or sailing support on the South Coast, Chris is the person to call.” Simon H

“We have had two days of own boat tuition with Chris. Chris is professional with a wealth of knowledge. His calm demeanour and teaching style make the learning process enjoyable. We have been given a great knowledge base, which we can now build upon. We would thoroughly recommend Markham Marine.” NS

“Chris was kind enough to bring our President 47 motor cruiser from Lowestoft to the Medway . He was thoroughly professional , with safety at the forefront at all times . He was generous with his advice and this made for an informative and relaxed voyage . I would have no hesitation in recommending Chris and would happily avail of his services again.” Chris, E

“Chris helped me with my first passage on my new boat from Canvey Island, around to The River Crouch. Great guy, very knowledgeable and professional. Very easy going which is always nice when sailing with someone. I would highly recommend Chris.” Steven

“To have Chris deliver our ‘Little Acorn’ was without doubt the best decision.

We talked with multiple delivery companies and felt that their tone of approach was that of being…’just another job’!

Chris, from the outset, was fully engaged. Not only in the nuts and bolts of the delivery but also our boat, her past, ourselves as the owners and our requirements. Making us feel that ‘Little Acorn’ was not only our pride and pleasure but his too. That was the clincher. Being made to feel confident that Chris would look after her just as if she was his own, which he did.

His passage planning and all that goes with it was absolutely spot on. Being a yachtmaster and instructor myself, this was absolutely 100% reassuring to see.

I would loved to have joined Chris on the passage but sadly work and family commitments prevented me from doing so.
Throughout the passage Chris kept me up to speed with his progress and very kindly shared lots of pictures/videos.

The following morning, I met Chris onboard for a cup of tea, when we talked through how the passage went, he pointed out issues spotted (all very minor/superficial stuff) and suggested really helpful recommendations for those to be rectified.

Chris knows his stuff!
Extremely experienced, knowledgeable, competent and capable, thoughtful, respectful and reliable…the list could go on.

Chris left ‘Little Acorn’ immaculate. More so than when we last sailed her…err, thank you Chris and apologies for that.

I can’t recommend Chris highly enough.

Thank you Chris you are a star!

Cheers.” Phill

“Chris recently delivered a boat for us from Lyme Regis to Burnham. He was professional, friendly and went above and beyond to make the trip as quick as possible despite adverse weather conditions. He took excellent care of the boat and even gave us recommendations on which areas of the boat we should give some attention to. He gave us regular updates on the journey and resolved any issues he encountered without any fuss. We would highly recommend Chris’s services!”

“Chris helped me to bring my 35ft sailing yacht back from Falmouth to Birdham Pool Marina in Chichester. I really couldn’t fault him. His experience and calm persona gave me great confidence and settled any nerves I might of had. He was happy to teach, guide and cook. He formed an experience and journey that was bespoke to your needs, sometimes knowing before you did but was never overbearing. I would highly recommend Chris to anyone without hesitation and feel not only more confident in the boat and the way she handles but feel also that I have gained a friend. Thankyou” Sara F

“I whole heartedly recommend Chris as your first choice Delivery Skipper. His yacht handling skills are second to none but what really marks him out is his can do attitude to resolving mechanical/ electrical/ fueling/ rigging issues on route.
I also recommend you go with him when he delivers your yacht. You will learn so much and he’s great, easygoing company.” Carl R

“I met Chris when buying my Contessa 26 in North Fambridge. He is incredibly knowledgeable and helped prep the boat, he serviced the engine and talked me through it as he went, and then sailed it round to its new home in Portsmouth. Chris is very calm, helpful, flexible and resourceful. Despite getting into some engine trouble he managed to fix in on route and keep going. I would highly recommend using Chris for any delivery, tuition, servicing, I am sure I will again in the future.” Jack H

“I asked Chris to help me take my newly acquired sailing yacht upto Tidemill Marina Woodbridge. His attention to detail was first class and he even helped me service the engine rig the sails and check all was ready for our journey. I would enthusiastically recommend Chris for journeys long and short . Thank you so much Chris.” Paul T

“Having bought myself a Sadler 25 which was moored at Cowes on the Isle of Wight, I enlisted the help of Chris to skipper the boat (with me as crew) for the journey back to Medway Yacht Club over the course of three days. Chris was extremely knowledgeable and experienced, as well as fantastic company for the journey – an easygoing, relaxed personality, and very engaging to chat to! He was an excellent teacher too, and shared his knowledge with me thought the trip, adding significantly to my confidence in sailing my new boat. The journey home was extremely memorable, and one of the best sailing experiences I’ve had to date. I look forward to sailing with Chris again next season, when I plan to get some further tuition from him. Chris is a fantastic skipper, and all-round great guy. If you need a skipper for a yacht delivery, or are looking for tuition, I can’t recommend him highly enough.” Will H

“Great service, Chris made everything very straightforward communication before and during the delivery was excellent. Daily updates once underway, pictures and locations. Many thanks Chris, would definitely use again in future & wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. Thanks.” Shane

“I recently had Chris from Markham Marine deliver our yacht for us on an 180 nautical mile voyage.

I had contacted several other companies and Markham Marine services were at least 30% cheaper than the next nearest company.

Chris kept me in informed before and during the delivery along with pictures and information on how well the yacht was handling.

I met him at my Marina quite late on a Saturday evening and although very tired from a long day sailing, nothing was too much trouble in giving some great information about the yacht.

I cannot recommend Chris and Jayne high enough will certainly be using their services again.” Steve F

“I was an absolute beginner to sailing. Having bought my first boat I soon realised I needed help. I took some lessons with Chris at Markham Marine. We covered engine maintenance. leaving and entering the birth. picking up a mooring in the river and sailing. Including tacking. and trimming the sales.
The lessons gave me the confidence I needed and would recommend him to anyone needing professional advice.” John C

“Great half day boat handling and marina berthing tuition with Chris. Friendly, knowledgeable and calm. Picked up some invaluable tips. Thanks!” John W

“I hired Chris to help me move a 50-year-old Westerly Pageant from Essex to Devon. I was looking for boat delivery, upskilling from my day skipper experience and to get to know my boat. The weather was challenging and, despite some issues with the engine, Chris managed everything very well and achieved all of my aims. I would have no hesitation in using his services again.” Geoffrey H

“Chris was great helping me get my new boat Tonka from Burnham on Crouch to Milford Haven, he taught me a lot about passage planning and I learnt a lot about my new boat along the way.” Steve J

“I couldn’t recommend Chris and his team more! Nothing was too much for them and they safely delivered our houseboat in great time. Friendly and professional, we would use them again if needed” Helen C

“Having recently purchased a classic wooden sailing boat which was located in Suffolk, I asked Chris Markham to help me relocate the vessel to the Solent which was a 3-day passage. From the very first contact with Chris, I could tell that he was diligent and trustworthy. Communications were always timely and helpful, and Chris was very thorough in his pre-passage preparation. I knew I was in very safe and capable hands. The passage (and Chris’ company) was a joy and his knowledge and experience shone through in many occasions, especially navigating through the Thames Estuary which can be tricky.

Post this delivery passage, I have also used Chris to help me build experience on my own boat and this has always been money well spent.

I would recommend Chris whole-heartedly and without hesitation. He is someone I trust and his experience and knowledge is very reassuring.” Stephen D

“Thank you to Chris for his help and support in moving my Westerly Centaur at short notice. His experience and helpfulness are never ending many thanks again.” Kevin S

“Having used Chris’ services a few times. For Delivery, own boat training and general advice I have to say he is utterly professional, extremely knowledgeable and absolutely likeable. He is the first person I have and will continue to recommend in brokerage, delivery’s, training and boat set up.” Andrew T

“I’m just recovering from a 25 hour passage that Chris planned and skippered to bring my Nicholson 26 from Essex to Brighton. Chris is an absolute pleasure to sail with and he helped me through a steep learning curve, tailored beautifully for me and my new (to me) boat.

I’m still processing everything I’ve learned but I now feel confident in the boat and ready for independent adventures, thanks to Chris. Coming from dinghy sailing, with only limited practical navigation experience and Day Skipper theory under my belt, Chris gently taught and showed me all the practical stuff I needed to know, while confidently navigating the rather tricky overnight passage at the same time.

A great experience overall and thanks once again Chris, for your company and for sharing all that knowledge and experience.” Dave S

“Only have good things to say. Chris took my fiancée and I from Essex all the way down to Dorset, and as complete beginners we felt completely at ease. He helped us through our Competent Crew qualifications as well as some far more technical, off-syllabus navigational skills and night sailing. We had a fairly catastrophic mast issue half way through and not only did he help us with the problem there and then, he also helped us get it fixed before continuing on our way. All in all, great guy with tonnes of experience and we can’t recommend Chris enough.” Ed P

“We have now used Markham Marine services twice for moving our 34ft catamaran and each time we have had a thoroughy positive experience. I would not hesitate to recommend Chris for both yacht delivery and sail training.

The first time was a move between Eastbourne and Grimsby in September. Our yacht suffered engine issues along the way, which for many skippers would have warranted putting into port and calling off the rest of the delivery. Chris used his fantastic skills and knowledge of engines to suggest options that would let the delivery continue, and brought her into our home port with no delays despite the issues. As we were not on board, he kept us updated constantly throughout so there were no surprises or worries from our side.

More recently we were moving our boat back down the coast towards France but making very slow progress ourselves as novice sailors. Because of our great experience last time and trust in Markham Marine, we asked if Chris could help us with a 200NM passage from Grimsby to Calais. This would be a quite technical passage with several busy shipping lanes to negotiate, a longer distance than we’d ever done and entry to a foreign port. What a good decision! This time we were on board as crew, and learned so much over the 3 days at sea from Chris. He came prepared and was always considerate of our skill level. I sometimes get anxiety when sailing but now my confidence has gone up massively thanks to Chris’ tuition – he let us know what to expect and when well in advance, and I felt very safe at all times. He even sorted some problems with the autopilot which would again have otherwise caused delays to the trip. Overall our experience has grown massively now and Chris has taught us more about all aspects of sailing along the way.

It was also generally just a pleasure having Chris around as part of the crew. I will definitely be recommending to anyone else who might be looking for these services, and would not think twice about going with him if we ever need anything in the future. Thank you!” Emily B

“I recently purchased my first sailing boat, a 33ft Moody (1978). As exciting as it was, I didn’t know exactly where to begin with it; but luckily someone recommended Markham marine to me.

Chris’ help has ranged from high level advice, to a very hands on fuel filtration system service and I’m sure I will be asking for more help in the future. Given it is my first boat, I didn’t want to just pay someone to service the engine and tick it off my list. Chris was incredibly kind and agreed to do the service with me, taking me through it step by step. He was extremely patient with me; really taking the time to ensure I understood everything. I don’t know if it’s Chris’ background in academia or not, but his recommendations are always studied and considered, so I felt in very safe hands. He also has a wealth of real-world experience from a lifetime of sailing and delivering boats, so, it was always pleasant to hear that the suspect parts of my boat were not the worst he had ever seen!

I have gone from being slightly overwhelmed to relishing the project ahead of me, in no small part due to Chris’ help.

Suffice to say I have not only learnt from Chris but also enjoyed our interactions immensely and I can’t recommend his services more.

Thanks Chris!” James T

“Chris has helped me with a range of issues on the boat, including with the engine and rigging, and talking through how to solve and prioritise various problems. I wanted to learn how to do things so I could do them myself the next time, rather than pay for someone to fix the issues. Chris is very knowledgeable and pleasant to deal with.” Tymon K

“Chris helped me move my yacht from near Ipswich to Hull. He did an excellent job and I would not hesitate to recommend him to others.” Graham, N

“Exceptional service received for transporting my boat. The communication was outstanding, with regular updates that kept me well-informed throughout the process. Chris was not only friendly but also incredibly accommodating, addressing all my concerns and ensuring a smooth experience. Their confidence when delivering my boat further instilled trust, making the entire process stress-free. I highly recommend their services for anyone seeking reliable and customer-focused boat transportation.” Imperial Marques Ltd

“Chris has helped me out twice now and both times he has been worth his weight in gold. Very knowledgeable, professional and passionate about boats. His a great guy, goes the extra mile and I Would highly recommend and use his services again!” Sam P

“Chris helped us enormously with all aspects of our sea trial and made the whole experience a relaxing and enjoyable one. His professionalism and expertise were much appreciated by us both and gave us confidence in our boat and ourselves.

Top service and we would not hesitate in recommending Chris to anyone” Graham D