Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour's first apprentice, Ollie Rickard, has been named as a finalist at the premier British Marine Apprentice of the Year award.

The announcement raised excitement among the local community who have come to appreciate Rickard’s hard work and dedication to the field.

The winner of this prestigious award, underlining outstanding apprentices within marine leisure, small commercial, and super yacht sectors, will be unveiled at the Southampton International Boat Show come September 17.

A respected team of national judges will be confirming the award's first recipient, who will be further honoured with a special engraved trophy.

Rickard, 23 years old, is a familiar face to the regulars at Beaulieu River.

Initially a river hand, he steadily worked his way up to his Level 2 Marina & Boatyard Operative qualification.

Rickard has been trained in an array of services, including boat lifting, launching, pressure-washing vessels and moving boats on water.

Beyond these manual skills, he has absorbed safety rules and regulations, carried out marina maintenance tasks, and honed his skills to assist boat owners and visitors.

Born in Plymouth, Rickard relocated to start his apprenticeship and presently resides at the Beaulieu Estate.

His apprenticeship at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour is set to conclude later this year.

Harbourmaster Wendy Stowe said: "We are so proud of Ollie’s achievements and that he has been selected as a finalist for this new top award.”

"Ollie has become a familiar, popular face with our berth and mooring holders and we wish him every success in the upcoming apprenticeship awards."

On another note, Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour has recently gained recognition as one of the UK's best marinas.

The esteemed Marina of the Year title, awarded in British Yachting’s 2022 awards, bolstered its standing, as did its ranking in the top five per cent of Five Gold Anchors winners by The Yacht Harbour Association.

Additionally, a noteworthy £2m redevelopment plan for the boatshed stands to provide opportunities for marine-based businesses looking to move onto the scenic marina.

With upgrades slated to include new waterfront offices, workshop units, and rental meeting rooms from Spring 2025, it certainly suggests an invigorating future.

Current leasing opportunities can be sought through www.beaulieuriver.co.uk/boatyard-redevelopment or by contacting the Harbour Master at wendy.stowe@beaulieu.co.uk.