WATCHET Marina manager James Burnell has left his job after eight years at the helm of West Somerset’s only retained-water yacht haven.

And more than half the staff of there will have gone by the start of this year’s the sailing season.

Also leaving are parlour manager Allison Eastwood and two Rumanian marina workers.

“It has been a really interesting and challenging job,” James said this week.

“It was a real learning curve but I think after eight years it’s time to move on, although I hope to keep some links with Watchet. "

Marina owner Tim Taylor is acting as manager while he looks for James’s replacement.