AN auctioneer in Suffolk is aiming to provide yacht, cruiser and power boat owners with a fast and secure way of realising the value of their vessels.

Goldings Nautical, the idea of Tim Golding, who is based in Ipswich, is to hold the first in what is planned to be a regular series of auctions for boats located within the UK on May 16.

Mr Golding said the aim was to provide boat owners wishing to sell with a swift but safe alternative to waiting for a buyer, often over a lengthy period while still having to pay storage and insurance costs .

“An auction is the best way to realise the value of a boat quickly,” he says. “We are encouraging bids from both home and abroad for boats – power and sail – lying anywhere in the UK.”

The auctions are being supported by the boat sales website boats.com but Mr Golding stresses that his service is a live saleroom facility, not an online auction.

“Buyers unable to attend can submit written bids or bid by telephone by prior arrangement with the auction house,” he adds.

The May 16 auction is being held at Wherstead Park, near Ipswich, starting at 10.45am. The closing date for entries is April 5 and all the vessels listed will be available to view on set days before the auction.

Future sale dates include July 25, October 10 and December 12.