The Yacht Harbour Association has announced its Coastal Marina of the Year, with Hampshire facility Lymington Yacht Haven picking up the top honour
Marina of the Year was a hotly contest award this year with 150 facilities vying for the honour, but the top accolade has been awarded to Lymington Yacht Haven.
The Hampshire marina, which was recently expanded to add new 55ft berths, scooped the top prize in the Coastal Marina (over 250 berths) category with more than 500 positive comments from voters.
Rupert Wagstaff, marina director at Lymington Yacht Haven, picked up the award at the London Boat Show in a ceremony hostel by The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) and sponsored by British Marine and GJW Insurance.
“This award is extra special as it is conducted by a public vote,” Rupert said. “We’re extremely grateful to our berth holders and visiting boat owners who voted for us.”
He added that he was keen to make his marina a “social hub” that can help to bridge the generation gap between old and young boaters.
Lymington Yacht Haven boasts the maximum 5 Gold Anchor rating from TYHA and has 550 berths for boats measuring up to 25m (82ft).
Key features include WiFi, laundry and 24-hour refuelling stations, which have all benefitted from a recent £1.2m shoreside refurbishment.
Other on-site facilities include dry stack berthing, 24-hour CCTV, bike and car hire, and food and drink at The Haven Bar.
Sarah Hanna, Chairman of TYHA, commented: “The standard of the entries was high but it was obvious from the comments of Lymington Yacht Haven’s nominees that they are doing a superb job and are well-deserving of this award.”
The full list of winners from the 2016 Marina of the Year awards is as follows:
UK Coastal Marina of the Year 2016 (over 250 berths)
Winner – Lymington Yacht Haven
Runner up – Mayflower Marina
UK Coastal Marina of the Year 2016 (under 250 berths)
Winner – Poole Quay Boat Haven
Runner up – Southampton Town Quay
UK Inland Marina of the Year 2016
Winner – Overwater Marina
Runner up – Caen Hill Marina
International Marina of the Year 2016
Winner – Marina de Vilamoura
Runner up – Saint-Quay Port d’Armor
Superyacht Marina of the Year 2016
Winner – IGY Yacht Haven Grand
Runner up – Porto Montenegro
