Plymouth’s Mayflower Marina is celebrating a significant double achievement after successfully retaining its 5 Gold Anchor status, and for the first time, being awarded Clean Marina accreditation.
The 5 Gold Anchor Award recognises Mayflower Marina’s exceptional facilities, dedication to outstanding customer service, and operational excellence. It stands among a select few marinas globally that have received this prestigious accolade. Administered by The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA), the Gold Anchor scheme involves expert assessors conducting rigorous assessments every three years, evaluating all aspects of modern marina operations, facilities, and customer service. The process includes customer feedback and a mystery shopping initiative to gather insights into the customer experience.
Charles Bush, Managing Director of Mayflower Marina, says, “We are very pleased to learn that after an exhaustive assessment process, Mayflower Marina has retained its 5 Gold Anchor status. This award reflects the individual contributions of each staff member to help achieve the collective goal, not just in the run-up towards the assessment, but day and night, week in and week out, in fair weather and foul. Each member of our team should be very proud of what we have achieved.”
In addition to this accolade, Mayflower Marina has also received Clean Marina accreditation from TYHA. The Clean Marina Programme, a voluntary scheme introduced at the Southampton Boat Show in 2021, enables marinas to demonstrate their commitment to preventing pollution in coastal and inland waters. The Programme helps marinas get the basics of sustainability right, such as correctly managing segregated and hazardous waste, spill prevention and treatment, washdown capture, using sustainable products, and preventing plastic pollution.
Charles Bush remarked, “Achieving Clean Marina accreditation has been an objective that we have been targeting for a few years, so it is immensely satisfying to have reached the required standard, and to be one of only 9 UK marinas with the award. The programme has provided awareness, advice, and an incentive to adopt better environmental practices in all areas of our operation. We will continue to work closely with our staff, our tenants, and our berth holders to raise awareness in order to minimise our collective impact.”
David Crouch, Chair of Sailport PLC, which owns and operates Mayflower Marina, added, “I am aware just how much effort is required to meet the increasingly high standards these awards demand. We are delighted that Mayflower Marina has retained its 5 Gold Anchor status for the sixth consecutive time and, to have attained Clean Marina accreditation for the first time, is particularly pleasing. Congratulations are due to Charles and his team for their exceptional achievements.”
