The Agile Mindset in Unexpected Places: A Boatyard on the Move
When people think of the “Agile mindset,” they often picture fast-moving tech teams, digital tools, and daily stand-ups. Rarely do they imagine shipbuilders relocating a boatyard. But what if that’s exactly where Agile thinking can shine?
Let’s take a real-world case — a successful British boatyard recently bought by an American entrepreneur. With six high-value yachts in mid-build and the original site set for demolition, the new owner must move the entire operation to a leased hangar six miles inland — in just six weeks.
Traditionally, this kind of project would follow a strict sequence: design everything up front, set timelines, and follow the plan. But what happens when the weather changes? When the road isn’t ready? When the workforce has better ideas? That’s where an Agile mindset makes a difference.
🔁 Focus on What Matters Now
Instead of locking down a full project plan, start by asking:
What’s the most important thing we can deliver or resolve this week?
In the boatyard case, that might mean setting up the new office inside the hangar while waiting for road access to move the boats.
🧩 Work in Chunks, Not Chains
Break down the six-week move into short bursts of focused activity. This might look like:
Week 1: Office construction begins.
Week 2: Cabling and decorating.
Week 3–4: Dismantling and moving machinery.
Week 5–6: Preparing and transporting yachts once the road is open.
This approach helps teams stay focused, celebrate progress, and pivot quickly if needed.
🤝 Listen to Those Doing the Work
When the foreman says the hangar is “perfectly adequate,” don’t second-guess — involve him and the crew in the planning. When the builders offer to construct the office, say yes. Agile teams aren’t top-down; they’re together-forward.
🔄 Be Ready to Adapt
If the road isn’t finished on time, don’t freeze. Shift focus: finalize the office setup, prep the yachts, or enhance internal systems. Change isn’t a failure; it’s part of the job.
🔍 Keep Learning Along the Way
After each stage — office, machines, yacht move — pause and reflect. What went well? What didn’t? What can we improve for next week? Agile isn’t about perfection. It’s about getting better, together.
Agility isn’t just for software.
It’s a mindset that belongs wherever people are working in the face of change — even on a boatyard six miles inland.
✂️ The Boatyard Case Study
Boatyard Relocation:
A new owner has acquired a successful boatyard in southern England. The site is being sold, and the entire operation — including six luxury catamarans in mid-build — must relocate to a hangar six miles inland.
The move must be completed in six weeks. The hangar has no built-in office space, so the team must build one. A new road to the site is incomplete, delaying the transport of yachts until at least December 10th. The electricity supply needs upgrading, and all machinery must be dismantled, moved, and reassembled.
One crane and transporter are available to move the yachts, each requiring two days of work. The shipbuilders and foreman are willing to help build the office. All staff are moving with the business.
The new owner has hired a project manager to oversee the move.
Your Opinion
- If you were the boatyard owner, what would you think?
- What if you were the project manager or even the foreman?