A boating group in Teignmouth is to fold after more than 35 years in existence.

The Boat Owners Association of Teignmouth (BOAT), based at Polly Steps, will close its doors on March 29.

The group was set up in 1989 as a network where members would watch over each other’s boats in the estuary to prevent criminal activity such as vandalism and engine theft.

However, after the nearby ABP Teignmouth port installed security cameras some years ago, incidences of criminal activity relating to boats disappeared and the association continued as a social group.

‘The cameras have been an amazing deterrent,’ remarked longstanding BOAT member Steven Bentley. ‘But they meant that the group’s function as boat watchers was defunct, so the group just carried on in a social capacity.’

After Covid stopped social gatherings in 2020, the group began to run out of energy. A number of committee members have recently stepped down. However, nobody was willing to take on their responsibilities, so BOAT called an extraordinary general meeting where the majority of members agreed that the club had run its course and that it was time to close.

‘The treasurer and the secretary have agreed to remain in position so they can fold the club sensibly and legally,’ Steven explained.

BOAT plans a social gathering on Saturday March 29 to enable members to reminisce and say their goodbyes. The group will also spend the day clearing out their club house and engine storage shed.

The wooden social hut and the metal engine storage shed at Polly Steps along with the walkway that led to the old pontoon will be removed early in April.

Once all the finances have been finalised, the group intends to donate any remaining monies to the Teignmouth Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI).