A HAMPSHIRE marina has won a top award after celebrating its 50th anniversary by completing a £2m upgrade.
Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour has been crowned Marina of the Year at the British Yachting Awards 2022 after fighting off competition from five other facilities that made the shortlist.
The marina was judged to be the one that provides the warmest welcome and the best facilities for sailors.
It comes just weeks after one of its employees, John Selman, was named Marina Employee of the Year 2022 at the Yacht Harbour Association’s Marina of the Year Awards.
Harbourmaster Wendy Stowe collected the latest accolade at a ceremony hosted by the Royal Thames Yacht Club in Knightsbridge, London.
She said: "We are thrilled to have won this award. 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 highly sought-after in the industry and it’s a real honour to have won."
The British Yachting Awards are the only sailing accolades voted for entirely by sailors, with the Marina of the Year prize honouring facilities that go the extra mile.
A Beaulieu Estate spokesman said: "As a jewel of the south coast, and with a busy social calendar, Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour is a favourite with mooring holders and visiting sailors alike.
"The award is a great source of pride to the friendly and helpful marina team, who are dedicated to providing the best customer experience.
"Following its 50th-anniversary celebrations last year, and a whole host of upgrades and improvements as part of its £2m redevelopment, the marina is looking to the future as it enters the next chapter of its history.
"The Beaulieu River is one of the few privately-owned rivers in the world.
"The custodianship of the Montagu family has protected it for over four centuries, maintaining its unique natural charm and protecting its unique habitats and species."
Last year Sir Ben Ainslie became one of the few people to be given the honorary freedom of the river.
He was presented with a certificate by Lord Montagu, who described him as the most successful sailor in Olympic history.
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