Meet The Team - Mercury Yacht Harbour

Home Marinas MDL Mercury Yacht Harbour Meet The Team

Debbie Burns

Marina Manager

Debbie is the manager at Mercury Yacht Harbour and brings an enormous amount of experience to the role having previously managed Hamble Point, Port Hamble, Ocean Village, Northney and Sparkes marinas. Debbie joined MDL in November 1994 and has since qualified as a Certified Marina Manager.

James Bills

Assistant Manager

James has been passionate about boating since the age of 8 and brings extensive experience to the team. Originally from North Devon, he moved to Torbay in 2010 after studying Business Management and Hospitality, quickly falling in love with the area. Following seven years in the high-end motor industry, he transitioned into the marina sector, with roles at Torquay Marina, Saxon Wharf, Ocean Village, our central sales team, and now at Mercury Yacht Harbour.

Alasdair McCabe

Night Dockmaster

Alasdair has been with MDL for over ten years working as a Night Dockmaster at Mercury Yacht Harbour on the River Hamble. He has always loved boating and was brought up locally messing about on the river from a young age. Mercury is a friendly marina in a beautiful spot on the river with good facilities, helpful staff and nice berth holders, making it a great place to work. Alasdair would love to meet you and say hi if you're at Mercury on an overnight stay.

Connie Radford

Marina Operative

Connie joined the team in early 2025, bringing a diverse background that includes hospitality and co-running an art gallery. A passionate sailor, she has restored her own 1970s 22-foot yacht, completed yacht deliveries, and is a qualified Dinghy Sailing Instructor. Outside of sailing, she enjoys bouldering, swimming, mac and cheese, and creating personalised artwork for friends and family.

James Foss

Marina Operative

James joined the team at Mercury in early 2024 following a summer season as a Dinghy Instructor. He enjoys being on and around the water and holds an RYA Powerboat Level 2 qualification, VHF training, and more. Outside of work, James enjoys playing golf and volunteers with his local scout group.

Jessica Smithurst

Administrator

Jess joined MDL in the summer on 2023. She comes with a background in childcare and working in legal offices. Jess has enjoyed getting out on the water after completing her Powerboat Level 2 course and VHF training.

Kate Baker

Seasonal Marina Operative

Kate joined the team at Mercury in early 2023, bringing with her a background as a Management Accountant and General Manager, most recently within the legal services sector. A keen sailor, she has crossed the Atlantic under sail and holds both RYA Day Skipper and Powerboat Level 2 qualifications. Outside of work, Kate enjoys a range of art and craft activities. She also sings with The Waynflete Singers and serves as both Treasurer and Trustee for the choir.

Mitchell Knight

Marina Operative

Mitchell joined MDL in 2021 for the summer season. Prior to joining us he worked in the insurance industry for 11 years. He is looking for a change in career and pursue his passion to work on the water.

Nick Meadows

Night Marina Operative

Nick has been with MDL since early 1991 and has worked in various different roles across the estate. He is a very experienced operative and is well liked by customers and colleagues alike. Nick has always been around boating and can often be found pottering around on his own boat which he keeps in the Hamble. Nick enjoys the challenge that his role brings and believes that the activity around the marina at night keeps him stimulated and alert at all times.

Sean Grimes

Holiday Park Operative

Sean re-joined MDL in 2025 as a summer Park Warden, following a couple of years working at a marina on the Isle of Wight and a year spent travelling. He previously worked for MDL as a Marine Operative at Mercury Yacht Harbour. Before his time with MDL, Sean spent over 20 years in the Records Management industry, where he managed several Government contracts.

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