For over 50 years, Tom Richardson has been the proud owner of the renowned Elephant Boatyard. He’s built a reputation as one of the best traditional boatbuilders in the country – a highly regarded institute executing exquisite workmanship for the most prestigious of yachts. Even Britain’s very own sailing bastion, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston commissioned the yard to undertake the enormous task of refurbishing his Farr 56, Sanjula for his voyage around the east coast of Greenland.
BUILDING A COMMUNITY
Tom’s life has always been centred around the River Hamble; small craft and sailing yachts line the river’s edges but most tie up along central moorings, acting as helpful navigation, holding on to the edge of the channel. The tide rushes recklessly, racing up and down its course and even on the stillest of days, the sleepless chitter chatter of tide can be heard clattering off the crowded vessels.
Camouflaged behind a flurry of traditional boats, armoured with columned masts and canvas awnings sits the pre-eminent Elephant Boatyard. The steep ridge behind the workshop is rumoured to be teeming with underground tunnels – a
