ONE of the south’s premier sailing facilities has won a top accolade for the second time.

Lymington Yacht Haven has again been awarded five gold anchors by the Yacht Harbour Association (YHA) after spending more than £1m on improvements.

The prestigious prize, widely regarded as the highest award available to marinas, salutes the quality of service provided to sailors.

Judges involved in the awards scheme – the equivalent of the star system used to rate hotels – examine marina facilities and analyse levels of customer satisfaction.

Lymington Yacht Haven boasts a 100 per cent success rate, having also been awarded top marks following a previous inspection carried out by the YHA in 2010.

Facilities include The Haven restaurant, run by Lymington businessman Rob Smith and awardwinning DJ Chris Evans.

Marina director Rupert Wagstaff said: “This award marks our continued efforts to exceed customers’ expectations and provide the best marina experience on the south coast.

“We have invested more than £1m in the past year, improving our shoreside facilities and refurbishing the hugely popular Haven bar and restaurant.

“The award is especially satisfying for our staff, who continue to provide an outstanding service.

We’re delighted that the YHA has recognised this.”

Daily Echo:

Lymington Yacht Haven

Lymington Yacht Haven has 500 berths, all fully serviced with water, electricity and free Wi-Fi.

Facilities include new, state-of-the-art washrooms and laundry facilities, a well-stocked chandlery and a small convenience store.

The huge site in King’s Saltern Road also boasts a 24-hour manned security system, a specialist waste disposal service and extensive car parking.

Experts based at the marina include engineers and specialists in a wide range of subjects including marine electronics, yacht maintenance and rigging.

This year’s calendar of events at the marina includes the Lymington Classic Regatta, which is due to take place in September.