Ferryman promises to keep Exe crossing in family

When it comes to keeping it in the family, the Rackleys have got it well and truly sussed, with a watertight business.

In 1985, Beverly Rackley bought the Starcross to Exmouth ferry.

Back then, Margaret Thatcher was prime minister, Queen and David Bowie rocked Wembley Stadium for LiveAid, and 13 million people tuned in to watch the first episode of Eastenders on BBC One.

The popular soap is still going strong and if Cody Rackley, Beverly's grandson, has anything to do with it – the family business will be ferrying passengers for the next for 40 years, with the 26-year-old now at the helm.

Mr Rackley said: "My grandad took it over in 1985 and he passed it down to his sons and hopefully they will pass it down to me, to just keep it going," he said.

"It's nice to keep it in the family."

Mr Rackley crews the vessel that crosses the estuary up to 14 times a day, with dad Jonathan in the wheelhouse, keeping a careful eye out as he picks his way through pleasure cruisers, moored yachts and rubber dinghies.

The Orcombe is a 90-seater boat painted in blue and white and could best be described as no-frills. There is no cafe, no shop and no bar.

"No that's it – you've just got to take in the breathtaking views and wildlife in the estuary, and it's lovely," said Mr Rackley.

"It's the best office in the world."

Bad weather does sometimes mean the 20-minute journey has to be cancelled, possibly one of the reasons Cody doesn't think there are many commuters.

Mr Rackley said: "To drive from Starcross to Exmouth can take between 45 minutes to over an hour sometimes, as the traffic can be an absolute nightmare so this is an nice way to get people across the estuary."

There are regulars such as Andrea Spain from Teignmouth.

She takes the ferry at least once a month and one of the reasons is for a well-known supermarket near Exmouth Railway Station.

"It's the best food hall in the area so makes for a great day out," she said.

The ferry is a cash only service costing £6 for an adult single and £4 for a child.

"I was surprised at just how cheap it is," said Natalie Gray from Exmouth, who was taking the ferry for the first time.

"I didn't even know it existed and I've lived in Exmouth for five years, but it's lovely."

She was travelling with dog Roo – it costs £1 to take a dog on the ferry.

Mr Rackley said: "We've had trips where we've had so many dogs that we couldn't take people, so it just makes up for it when there's lots of dogs on board."

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