A former captain at the Greenwich Yacht Club has been cleared of harassment charges stemming from a dispute over mooring fees for an 80-foot Dutch houseboat, a legal battle that became known as 'Barge-gate'. Stefan Oloffs, 54, had been sued by the club's commodore, Richard Phillips, 60, who alleged a public campaign of harassment that caused him distress and embarrassment.
Phillips claimed Oloffs misused his position to accuse Phillips of receiving preferential treatment for his houseboat, named Verandering, which he was attempting to sell. Oloffs allegedly published these claims on a WhatsApp group and a website titled 'Barge-gate', and also filed a complaint with the Port of London authority.
Phillips sought £20,000 in damages, asserting the campaign caused him significant distress, loss of sleep, anxiety, and public embarrassment. However, Oloffs' defense argued the lawsuit was unnecessary and aimed at financial oppression. A High Court judge, Mrs. Justice Hill, dismissed the majority of Phillips' claims, ruling that Oloffs' actions, while potentially causing irritation, did not meet the threshold for harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act. The judge stated that the conduct was not "oppressive and unacceptable."
The dispute reportedly began after the two men, who had both held positions on the yacht club's council, expressed differing views on club activities and cruiser sailing participation. The central conflict arose when Phillips needed a berth for his barge, Verandering, which he had brought to London for sale. In June 2023, Oloffs accused Phillips of underpaying mooring fees, though Phillips maintained he had paid £15,000 for the berth.
Despite an internal investigation that reportedly exonerated Phillips of financial misconduct, his legal team claimed Oloffs initiated a public campaign to damage his reputation. Oloffs' website stated its aim was to "highlight a conflict of interest concerning a director of the club and the subsequent cover up by the club management." Oloffs was later expelled from the yacht club in 2024, and Phillips eventually relinquished his commodore post.
Oloffs had also complained to the Port of London Authority about the barge being moored illegally and posing a drowning risk, leading to its relocation two months later. Phillips formally complained about Oloffs' conduct in February 2024. While Oloffs initially offered an apology and took down his website, the matter proceeded to court, with Phillips also alleging breach of confidence, misuse of private information, and data protection violations.
The judge granted Oloffs summary judgment on claims of harassment, breach of confidence, and misuse of private information. A decision on whether Oloffs breached data privacy rights by publishing information on his 'Barge Gate' website is pending, unless deemed too minor for trial.
The Greenwich Yacht Club, established in 1908 and located near Tower Bridge, has over 400 members and is situated on a platform in the river.