Cornish Invention ScaffFloat Transforms Children’s Sailing Trust’s Ambitious Lake Expansion

A Groundbreaking Solution for a Unique Challenge

In a remarkable show of innovation and community spirit, the Children’s Sailing Trust (CST) has taken a significant step towards expanding its accessible watersports facilities at Trevassack Lake on the Lizard Peninsula. The trust turned to local company ScaffFloat to help transport heavy machinery across the flooded, 10-acre quarry—a vital step in the development of the South Bank of the site.

A Modular Pontoon for a Massive Task

With the South Bank inaccessible by land, CST faced the challenge of moving 50 tonnes of plant, machinery, and building materials across the lake. ScaffFloat, based in Penryn, designed and constructed a robust 8×6.4-metre modular pontoon made from scaffold and floats. The process, which took just one day to complete, involved using an electric Torqeedo Cruise 10.0 powerboat to ferry the load—a demonstration of both the pontoon’s strength and the powerboat’s capability.

The project began at the end of 2024, with the initial transportation completed successfully and reversed three weeks later to bring the equipment back.

Supporting a Growing Community Resource

The South Bank development is funded by Cornwall Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy Fund and aims to further CST’s mission to offer inclusive watersports and outdoor learning experiences. The plans include two activity hubs: one for outdoor learning and cooking around fire pits, and another dedicated to arts, crafts, and calmer activities by the water. The hubs will be connected by an accessible pathway featuring a landing platform, waterless toilet, and kayak and paddleboard launch points.

Jakie Jewell, CEO of the Children’s Sailing Trust, praised ScaffFloat’s efforts:
“We were fortunate that Diccon Rogers, Managing Director of Keynvor Morlift Ltd, introduced us to Toby Budd of ScaffFloat. His team was professional, efficient, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with. We were also impressed that our electric Torqeedo Cruise 10.0 powerboat managed to move such a large load!”

A Cornish Innovation with Global Reach

ScaffFloat, founded by Toby Budd, has quickly made a name for itself since its launch in 2022. Toby highlighted the company’s impact, stating:
“ScaffFloat is a Cornish invention that was developed and brought to market just three years ago. Since then, we have completed over 100 projects and have clients in the UK and around the world, including the Royal Navy, Network Rail, and Port of London. It was great to be able to help out a local charity that offers such great resources and makes sailing and watersports accessible to so many young people.”

The collaboration highlights the importance of local expertise in overcoming unique logistical challenges, ensuring that Trevassack Lake continues to be a beacon of inclusion and adventure for young people in Cornwall.

With more developments on the horizon, CST’s work remains an inspiring example of how partnerships with local businesses can transform community spaces for the better.