Meet The Team - Sparkes Marina

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James Rizzi

Marina Manager

James first joined the Sparkes Marina team in January 2021 on a Worker Contract and a year later was put on a permanent Marina Operative role, where he has proudly worked hard in all areas of the marina. In 2023 he was promoted to the position of Manager and is very ambitious to drive the growth of the marina into the future. James also has a long and meaningful connection with Sparkes as his family built, owned and ran the site since the early 1970’s before selling it to MDL in 2007. In his spare time James is a keen musician, gym enthusiast and family man.

Robert Temple

Assistant Manager

Rob initially joined MDL in 2016 as a Dockmaster at Port Hamble Marina for 5 years, before leaving to help launch a boat club. He returned as Assistant Manager at Northney and Sparkes in 2023. Before joining us, Rob served 24 years in the Army spending many years as a sailing instructor. Outside of work he enjoys playing football, walking and spending time with his family.

Joseph Sargent

Seasonal Marina Operative

Joe joined the Sparkes Marina team in April 2024 and enjoys working as a Dry Berth Operative alongside his career as a Marine Ecologist. Joe is passionate about ocean conservation and enjoys time on the water fishing and diving.

Matthew Coton

Marina Operative

Matthew has spent the last 10 years passionately living and working in Chichester Harbour and has 10 years of experience with all things boats and boating. He joined the RNLI in August 2022 and Sparkes Marina in November 2023. He has a strong love for being out on the water and very much enjoys being one of our Marina Operatives.

Nick Murphy

Night Dockmaster

Nick is one of our Night Dockmasters at Sparkes and joined MDL in the summer of 2019. Before Sparkes, Nick worked as a bosun in a marina for six years.

Patrick Norval

Dry Berth Marina Operative

Patrick joined the team here at Sparkes in September 2023. He originated from South Africa and has enjoyed many years sailing on his yacht especially now with his 4-year-old grandson. He cut his teeth on wind farm construction and did seven years at sea commercially. He is now very passionate about Sparkes Marina and operating the dry berth forklift.