The Harbour Master Challenge: A talk by Mark Ashley-Miller

Plenty of sailors come up with mad-cap ideas for nautical expeditions, but none quite so mad as the challenge dreamt up by Mark Ashley-Miller.

Between 2019 and 2023, Mark sailed his 34ft Nauticat, Good Dog, around theBritish Isles in a bid to meet every harbour master and, in the process, discovered the hidden world of the remarkable men and women who are the guardians of our ports and harbours.

Join us with Mark to hear the untold story of the Harbour Master and the harbours that they manage. He will explain how his ambitious expedition was conceived from a deep-seated passion for sailing and a desire to support the seafaring community. During the Challenge, he sailed 9,000 nautical-miles and, so far, has raised over £30,000 for The Seafarers’ Charity. He visited 310 harbours and met 256 Harbour Masters to learn about their unique challenges, stories and traditions. From ancient ‘Haveners’ to modern-day CEOs, their role has evolved over centuries, yet their influence remains as vital as ever. Whether they’re handling burning container ships, managing storm-ravaged harbour walls or juggling the ever-changing demands of commercial shipping, these unsung heroes work tirelessly behind the scenes.

“The thing that will stay with me now I’ve fulfilled this personal challenge, is just how incredibly welcoming and supportive every Harbour Master was.

“Working alongside The Seafarers’ Charity was an enormous privilege, as was meeting some of the people whom the charity helps, be it fishing communities receiving mobile dentistry, or the staff of the various seafarers’ missions who do so much behind the scenes. I now have a much better understanding of the near invisible life of international mariners, and I’m delighted to have been able to raise money to support them.”

Mark has now written a book about his expedition, entitled Harbours & Their Masters.

Published 16th September 2025.

With a foreword by HRH The Princess Royal, it was recently launched at the Southampton International Boat Show. All author royalties are being donated to The Seafarers’ Charity.

The event will start promptly at 7.00pm.

Ticket Plus Book £25.00

Tickets £8

Includes glass of wine/soft drink

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Author talks are held in our basement which is fully accessible via a nearby lift. Please ask a member of staff who will accompany you.

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