The first apprentice at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour has been shortlisted as a finalist for the inaugural British Marine Apprentice of the Year award.
The winner will be announced at Southampton International Boat Show on Tuesday 17thSeptember, after being chosen by a distinguished panel of judges.
Ollie Rickard, aged 23, has become a popular face with Beaulieu River berth and mooring holders after helping as a river hand, then working towards his Level 2 Marina & Boatyard Operative qualification. He has been learning to deliver a wide range of services, from lifting, launching and pressure-washing vessels to moving boats on the water. He has also studied safety rules and regulations, undertaken marina maintenance tasks and developed skills to assist boat owners and visitors.
British Marine’s new award is one of the highlights of this year’s boat show. The prestigious accolade will celebrate the talents of outstanding apprentices within the marine leisure, small commercial and super yacht sectors. The winner will not only be its first title holder but will also receive a specially engraved trophy to mark their achievement.
Harbour Master 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.”
She added: “Ollie has become a familiar, popular face with our berth and mooring holders and we wish him every success in the upcoming apprenticeship awards.”
Ollie moved from his home in Plymouth to start his apprenticeship and now lives on the Beaulieu Estate. His Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour apprenticeship will be completed by the end of the year.
Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour was recently ranked as one of the UK’s best marinas by being placed in the top 5% of 5 Gold Anchors winners by The Yacht Harbour Association. It was also voted the best place for sailors to call home when it won the Marina of the Year title in British Yachting’s awards in 2022.
A planned £2m redevelopment of the boatshed is providing new opportunities for marine-based businesses to relocate to the desirable marina, with upgrades providing new waterfront offices, workshop units and the use of meeting rooms for rent from spring 2025. Notes of interest are now being taken and preference will be given to tenants who provide value-added services for owners of boats on the marina’s 200 fully-serviced walk-ashore pontoon berths and 300 river moorings.
For more information about the available space to let, visit www.beaulieuriver.co.uk/boatyard-redevelopment or contact the Harbour Master at wendy.stowe@beaulieu.co.uk.
Or meet members of the harbour office team on the Beaulieu River stand at Southampton International Boat Show from September 13 – 22.
To find out more or check the latest availability for berths and moorings, visit the website at www.beaulieuriver.co.uk, email harbour.office@beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 616200. Follow the latest news on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn /beaulieuriver.
