THE DIRECTOR and general manager of Cowes Yacht Haven is to take early retirement.

Roger Granger will leave his post on January 1 after ten years at the helm.

He will be succeeded by Steve Cole, who has been general manager of the yacht haven for the past four years.

Other changes include the retirement of chairman of the board, Sir Charles Nicholson. His fellow directors respected his wish to step down after two years' service because of his heavy commitments and other duties on the mainland.

Donald Parr, chairman of the Cowes Waterfront Trust, the charity which owns the haven, will take on the job of co-ordinating both boards.

Within the new structure, financial controller Andrew Bamford will take on new responsibilities while the business development function performed by Dick Emuss over the past two years will be incorporated in the new arrangements. Marketing and PR will be contracted out to a local agency.

Donald Parr commented: "After a relatively quiet 2002, the prospects for next year are looking exciting with the new regattas coming into the frame and the welcome return of the Admiral's Cup and IR Nationals.

"I am confident our new team will approach the forthcoming challenges with the level of professionalism which has contributed to the success of the haven in recent years, particularly during the America's Cup Jubilee."

Steve Cole said: "I have some excellent people around me and with their wealth of experience and support I hope to build on the reputation established by my predecessor."