A day in the life: Anti Nurmine, Base Manager at Emerald Star Chertsey (River Thames)
At our Chertsey base, Anti Nurmine and his team are the people who make every Emerald Star boating holiday on the Thames possible. Long before guests step aboard, Anti is preparing, maintaining and perfecting each boat so customers can enjoy effortless cruising from the very first moment. This behind‑the‑scenes work is what keeps our fleet safe, comfortable and adventure‑ready for the season ahead.
Meet Anti
Anti has a lifelong passion for boating and loves sharing the magic of the river with others. Working year‑round on the Thames, he knows every bend, every willow tree, and every secret local spot worth visiting along the route.
“Hi, I’m Anti Nurmine, Base Manager here at Emerald Star in Chertsey. I’m here today, prepping for the start of the season.”
Preparing the fleet for spring
For Anti, the new season begins in the coldest months of the year. While the river is quiet, the Chertsey team is at its busiest.
“We look after these boats all throughout the year, including winter when they’re not being used.”
Boat care follows a strict annual cycle: winterising, repairing, maintaining, painting and finally de‑winterising, ready for guests. Some boats are even taken fully out of the water to allow for deeper work:
“We fix and repair the hulls, we repair the interiors, we repaint them, we varnish them… winter is the time to do it.”
What winterising really involves (expert insight)
Winterising is a technical process that protects the fleet during the colder months. It includes:
- Draining and protecting onboard water systems
- Safeguarding engines from frost damage
- Inspecting, repairing and refinishing hull surfaces
- Replacing consumables and worn parts
- Repainting and varnishing high‑wear areas
- Testing and resetting safety systems for the new season
These meticulous steps ensure every boat meets Emerald Star’s safety and comfort standards by the time guests arrive.
Life on the river: why Anti loves it
Despite the hard work, the river offers something special, a way of slowing down that Anti believes every guest should experience.
“Being on a boat, being on the river… time stops. It’s almost like a different time zone because everything is so relaxed and peaceful.”
Even familiar surroundings feel transformed when seen from the water:
“You can experience this area very differently from the river. The river looks different from the river…”
And when spring comes, the environment becomes a seasonal marker of its own:
“The massive willow trees outside the base grow so quickly — you can really tell when the season starts.”
Anti’s local tips along the Thames
Nobody knows local cruising like the Chertsey team. Anti’s top recommendation?
Hampton Court Palace – a peaceful and picturesque overnight mooring.
“It’s a lovely place to wake up from in the morning.”
And if you stop there:
“Go to The Mute Swan and have a coffee and ice cream – it’s to die for.”
What the team misses most in winter
Even though winter is essential for maintenance, there’s one thing the team longs for:
“We all miss driving the boats and taking them out on the water…”
The return of warm weather and the first customers of the season is a highlight:
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming people back and letting them experience the boats. It’s wonderful.”
What’s new this season
This year brings a particularly exciting addition:
“We have a brand‑new model called Liberty. It’s a premium boat with finer luxuries and beautiful details inside.”
The Liberty model offers guests a refined, comfortable and effortlessly modern cruising experience.
Anti’s dream destination
Although Anti spends his days on the Thames, he has one location firmly on his bucket list:
“Personally, I’d really like to go to Venice. We actually have a base near Venice… but I haven’t had the privilege yet.”
Why this job matters to him
For Anti, boating isn’t just a profession – it’s a lifelong passion.
“This is the way of owning a boat but not owning one… or utilising one but not owning one. A perk of the job.”
Key takeaways
- The Chertsey team prepares and maintains the fleet all year, especially during winter.
- Anti recommends cruising to Hampton Court Palace and visiting The Mute Swan for a memorable stop.
- The new Liberty boat brings premium comfort to the 2026 season.
- Life on the river offers a peaceful, time‑stopping escape from everyday life.
Blog article FAQs
Yes. Winter is dedicated to maintenance, repairs, winterising and preparing boats for the next season.
Popular stops include Hampton Court Palace, peaceful stretches of the River Thames and village moorings perfect for walks and pub stops.
The Liberty model – a premium boat with modern interiors and luxury touches.
It’s peaceful, scenic and feels worlds away from daily life, even though you’re close to London.
Inspiration and booking
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