Meet the Sovereign Harbour team
You’ll find a friendly and knowledgeable team ready to help you make the most of your time at Premier’s Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne.
Daniel Heckford
Marina Manager
Dan has worked at Premier for over 15 years. Well known in Sovereign Harbour, he is also the area Harbour Master and a keen British Marine Committee Member. Dan spends his limited spare time with his young family, out on his motorcycle or on the water.
Kim Rees
Duty Manager
Kim has been with Premier Marinas since 2019 and has enjoyed getting to know all our berth holders. Previously, Kim served in the Royal Navy for over 11 years. On her days off, she loves walking her dogs in the forest.
Amy Walker
Duty Manager
Since joining the Premier team in 2014, Amy has worked in various roles at Eastbourne Marina. She became Duty Manager in 2018. Outside work, Amy likes to explore new adventures with her family and has a passion for boating.
Ava Cousins
Customer Service Advisor
Ava joined the team in 2022 under Premier’s Marina and Boatyard Operative apprenticeship scheme. Alongside her graduation certificate, Ava was also further awarded a certificate of recognition by British Marine for being an 'Apprenticeship of the Year' 2024 finalist and also given the opportunity to meet HRH The Princess Royal at the Southampton Boat Show's opening ceremony. Having learnt a lot since joining, she sees every day as an adventure and feels lucky to be part of a vibrant and exciting community. She is focussed on developing her knowledge of sailing.
Jill Wakefield
Boatyard Supervisor
Jill has been in our boatyard since 2018. She has always been around boats having owned her own previously, so is always keen to help. She loves to travel and take her dog for walks on the beach.
Tom Stafford
Lock Operative
Tom started in 2022 as our Lock Operative and thoroughly enjoys the role, it’s nothing like he’s ever done previously. He loves the outdoors and cooking for his family. He is also a huge rugby enthusiast.
Vanessa Cottington
Customer Service Advisor
Vanessa has been with us since 2020, after a long career with the British transport police. In her free time Vanessa is heavily involved in the local sea cadets and likes to take long walks with her Beagle, fin. Vanessa has spent many years crewing in the racing community.
Adam Barrett
Maintenance Supervisor
Adam has been with Eastbourne for many years as our Maintenance supervisor. He specialises in bespoke metal work and has even built his own car. Adam is always happy to help and get stuck in!
Sovereign Harbour features
Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne has all the services you’d expect from a premium marina.