Toni Dawson

Growing up in Ayrshire on the west coast of Scotland you would think life on the waves would've been a no brainer, but no, my introduction to sailing only came about in 2017 as a result of a gin festival at my local marina in Largs.

My parents' business was in the leisure industry and licensed trade; mainly tenpin bowling centres, ice cream and catering outlets, bars and restaurants. As a family business life was very busy and hectic, especially during the summer months when everyone else was out sailing or enjoying themselves on holiday.

I opened my own shop called Geraldo's, (named after my late father) in Largs in 2000, specialising in artisan ice cream, handmade chocolates and premium spirits. My mum (Sweet Caroline) heads up production on ice cream and I'm chief buyer and taster for everything else. Known locally as the 'Gin Queen of Largs' I was invited by Largs Yacht Haven to run a gin festival during their annual Regatta Week and, as a result, I met Ian Sawkins, owner of Boatshed Scotland.

We've been together now for almost 2 years and share a sail boat with close friends. Together we've enjoyed several sailing trips with them and family, both locally around the Isle of Arran and the Cumbraes and further afield to Tarbert, Portavadie and Campbeltown this year for their annual Whisky Festival, combining business interests for both of us in one visit. You can read my blog on that trip here @

https://www.geraldos.co.uk/blogs/news/campbeltown-malts-whisky-festival-2019

I've already visited several marinas around Scotland and met with marina staff and managers whilst accompanying Ian visiting boat owners and attending viewings. It's easy to see why Boatshed is one of the world's largest brokerage groups and why it's so efficient, having just completed my training down at Boatshed Headquarters in Portsmouth where I met up with the team and Boatshed founder, Neil Champman. I'm now on board with Ian assisting with admin and marketing for Boatshed Scotland and look forward to meeting many more of you along the way.

Having travelled around with Ian on Boatshed business it's very clear why:

#LIFE'S BETTER ON A BOAT!