Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour has been named Coastal Marina of the Year by the Yacht Harbour Association

Now Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour has been named Coastal Marina of the Year by the Yacht Harbour Association after fending off competition from 160 other facilities around the world.

It comes less than a year after new “five star” facilities at the harbour were opened by round-the-world sailor Mike Golding following the completion of a £400,000 complex housing showers and toilets for mooring holders and visiting yachtsmen.

The waterway is one of the few privately-owned estuaries in the world.

Lord Montagu, chairman of Beaulieu Enterprises Ltd, which owns the yacht harbour, said: “I’m delighted that Buckler’s Hard has won this award, especially as it’s based on the votes of people who visit and keep their boats on the river.

“The work done by the harbourmaster, Wendy Stowe, and her staff to improve the facilities and services is evidently appreciated by our customers and I’d like to thank them for this ringing endorsement.”

Wendy, who was appointed three years ago, is one of only seven female harbourmasters in the UK out of a total of 200.