All the latest marina news on boating, berthing and harbour developments from around the UK.
Marina of the Year win for Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour
Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour has won Marina of the Year in the prestigious British Yachting Awards 2022, with the Beaulieu River marina voted as the best place for sailors to call home. Receiving the greatest number of votes from a shortlist of six leading marinas, the top accolade recognises Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour as the marina that provides the warmest welcome and the best facilities and services for sailors, and highlights it as a must-visit sailing destination.
Harbour master Wendy Stowe collected the award at the awards ceremony hosted by the Royal Thames Yacht Club in Knightsbridge, London, which celebrated the very best of the sailing industry. Wendy said: “We are thrilled to have won this award, and it’s a great reflection of the hard work and dedication of the whole marina team, as well as our upgraded facilities and increased range of services on offer. Marina of the Year is so highly sought-after in the industry, it’s a real honour to have won.” beaulieuriver.co.uk.
Much-loved vessel brought back to life
Francis Drake is being restored at a yard in Plymouth. Credit: H2Eau Projects
Specialist techniques and materials are being used extensively in the restoration of ex-Ocean Youth Club sailing vessel Francis Drake in Plymouth. The 46-year-old sailing ketch is being lovingly brought back to life by Dan Couchman who is running the build management restoration under the banner of H2Eau Projects, an arm of H2Eau Sports Ltd.
Francis Drake was originally commissioned for the Ocean Youth Club and took over 15,000 students to sea between 1976-97. The task of renovating the 1970s structure began less than two years ago and the project is now well underway with the re-building and alteration of the hull.The goal for the build is to maintain the classic hull shape but to re-purpose the vessel into a modern, high-end, yacht charter (with a totally new interior – featuring a master cabin, twin aft guest cabins and a two-berth crew cabin).
Project completion is estimated to be mid-2024, when Francis Drake will enjoy sea trials prior to heading to the Mediterranean as a commercial charter vessel.
Green-fingered winners of bloom awards
Shamrock Quay picked up two prizes in the MDL in Bloom awards. Credit: MDL
MDL Marinas has announced Shamrock Quay as the Outstanding Overall Site winner of its annual MDL in Bloom awards.
The awards are designed to celebrate the hard work of the greener fingered members of the team who plant and tend to the flowers and shrubs, adding a personal and homely touch to their marinas.
Winning in the Outstanding Overall Site for the second time, Shamrock Quay also took first prize in the Outstanding Borders and Tubs category with Torquay Marina coming first in the Outstanding Hanging Baskets category.
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