Bembridge Harbour has been announced as the Winner of the 2024 Marina of the Year, with Shepards Marina in Cowes winning Highly Commended in the finals among six finalists in the national competition.
Presented by Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting, the 2024 Marina of the Year category “Honouring the marinas which go above and beyond in their offering to the sailing community … providing the best facilities, warm welcomes and options for sailors.”
It’s a fantastic result and a great accolade for these two marinas and the Isle of Wight. Both marinas have their own very distinctive characters, but share a common goal to deliver exemplary customer service from competent, safe, knowledgeable and friendly staff, welcoming customers with a smile and going the extra mile to help.
Malcolm and Fiona Thorpe, owners of Bembridge Harbour, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this award. Since being brought out of administration in 2011, Bembridge Harbour has been rejuvenated and regenerated, through substantial and ongoing investment, renewal, development, training and sheer determined hard work. We welcome visitors and rallies from across the south coast and beyond, with an onsite seasonal café and bar and a summer events programme – our Family Fun Weekend being a firm favourite in many diaries. We are hugely proud of what’s been achieved so far, and are looking forward to shortly moving into a new purpose-built admin and facilities building at the Duver Marina.”
Gary Hall, CEO of Cowes Harbour Commission which runs Shepards Marina was also delighted that Shepards Marina has been Highly Commended, saying: “The team at Shepards work consistently hard to offer a safe and modern marina and pride themselves in offering excellent customer service. I am therefore pleased this has been recognised by our visitors.”
The awards reflect the integral part these two marinas play within their communities and the Island as a whole, along with the marine businesses, sailing clubs, independent cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops, all enhancing what’s on offer to visitors, and contributing to the Island’s economy.
