Author Archives: Lindsay Harris

• Sir Ben Ainslie sails to Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour for 50th anniversary and redevelopment celebration

  Special guest, the most decorated Olympic sailor Sir Ben Ainslie swapped his race boat for a traditional scow to sail along the Beaulieu River to the 50th anniversary celebration of Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour after its £2m redevelopment.

  ---

  More than 800 berth and mooring holders gathered in the sunshine to welcome ashore Sir Ben and Beaulieu River Sailing Club Commodore and Director of Beaulieu Enterprises, the Hon Mary Montagu Scott. They sailed together to the event, as part of a fleet from Beaulieu River Sailing Club, which was formed 90 years ago under the patronage of Mary’s grandmother Pearl.

  

  While the fleet continued with its race, Sir Ben was cheered on stage where he was presented with a certificate granting him the Honorary Freedom of the Beaulieu River by Lord Montagu. They were joined in the ceremony by round the world yachtsman Sir Chay Blyth CBE BEM, who was granted the ‘freedom of the river’ by Lord Montagu’s father at the original marina opening in 1971.

  Lord Montagu said:

  We were thrilled and indeed honoured to welcome Sir Ben Ainslie as our special guest to commemorate the completion of our rebuilt yacht harbour. With the recent Tokyo Games fresh in our minds, it is good to reflect that Sir Ben is the most successful sailor in Olympic history, winning medals at five consecutive Olympics from 1996. As a resident of the Isle of Wight, who will be sailing in the Solent, it occurred to me that safe harbouring in the Beaulieu River might occasionally be useful between races.

  Sir Ben Ainslie responded:

  Sailing here with Mary just reminded me of what a wonderful sport sailing is and how lucky we are to be able to get out on the water in such beautiful surroundings as the Beaulieu River. I am not quite sure how we’d get on coming up the Beaulieu River in an America’s Cup 75 footer that does 50 knots of speed but one day we may give it a shout.

  I enjoyed sailing with Mary, learning more about the Beaulieu River and Buckler’s Hard and being back in a small scow without the pressure of competing at speed. In years to come, I hope to have more time to use the ‘freedom of the river’ on the water here. It is a huge honour to have been given the ‘freedom of the river’ when the two previous sailors to be granted it were Sir Chay Blyth and Sir Francis Chichester.

  Lord Montagu said:

  A visit by a leading yachtsman really puts the seal of approval on any river offering new services to the sailing fraternity. And so it was in 1971 when Sir Chay Blyth came to open the Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour mark 1. In fact, Sir Chay had only recently completed his great voyage in 59-foot boat British Steel, making him the first person to sail single-handed, non-stop, westwards around the world. I know that he successfully took on many other challenges after that, little imagining that he would be here back 50 years later.

  Sir Chay Blyth said:

  It is hard to believe that I came here 50 years ago as a young boy and have now returned as an old man. Nothing has changed really – it is still a fabulous place to come. It was a privilege to be asked to perform the original opening and I am glad that in my lifetime, the Beaulieu River has kept its charm and is as special today as it was during my first visit. I am proud to be part of these celebrations to mark such a major new milestone.

  In a day of celebration (on Saturday 14th August), berth and mooring holders joined in with traditional regatta fun and games. Youngsters enjoyed a crabbing competition, while families competed in rowing and swimming challenges for prizes which were awarded later in the day.

  

  As Sir Ben judged helped to judge the best dressed boat competition, berth holders tried to bribe him with a glass of champagne and winner Kim Flury presented him with a Pirates of the Caribbean compass “in case he got lost and needed to find his way back to Beaulieu”. Many boats flew a limited edition golden anniversary burgee which was designed by mooring holder Philip Dyke for the celebrations.

  

  Despite coronavirus restrictions, the redevelopment of the yacht harbour was carried out over two winters with its completion providing 66 new marina berths, with larger berths to suit vessels up to 20m, upgraded electrical services, improved WiFi and a new dedicated visitor area. Specialist marina consultancy, Gosport-based Marina Projects managed the redevelopment, while the work was carried out by Fareham-based Walcon Marine – which undertook the original yacht harbour build 50 years ago. The Beaulieu Estate worked with agencies including Natural England and the Environment Agency to continue to protect the river’s unique habitats and species.

  

  Lord Montagu said:

  This investment is an important one in the river’s evolution, but it does not end here. With the water-based facilities now renewed, we will next be turning our attention to improved systems for the launching, lifting, moving and storage of boats. After that, we will be looking to upgrade our land-based facilities, the plans for which are already underway.

  The Beaulieu River is one of the few privately owned tidal rivers in Britain and has been under the custodianship of the Montagu family for over four centuries. The yacht harbour, which was named as The Yacht Harbour Association’s Coastal Marina of the Year (for under 250 berths) in 2018/19 and runner-up in The British Yachting Awards’ Marina of the Year awards in 2020, has a long track record of giving a personal and outstanding service to its customers.

  For moorings and berths visit our annual berthing page, email harbour.office@beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 616200.

• Sir Ben Ainslie and Sir Chay Blyth join Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour’s 50th anniversary and redevelopment celebration

  The most decorated Olympic sailor, Sir Ben Ainslie is to sail along the Beaulieu River in a scow to become guest of honour at a celebration for the 50th anniversary and completion of the £2m redevelopment of Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour.

  ---

  Sir Ben will be presented with a certificate by Lord Montagu, granting him the Honorary Freedom of the Beaulieu River. He will be joined at the ceremony by round the world yachtsman Sir Chay Blyth CBE BEM, who was granted the ‘freedom of the river’ by Lord Montagu’s father at the original marina opening in 1971.

  

  As part of the celebration on Saturday 14th August, Beaulieu River berth and mooring holders have been invited to a traditional style regatta. Youngsters will enjoy a crabbing competition, while families compete in rowing and swimming challenges for prizes to be awarded later in the day. Guests will also decorate their boats for a best dressed boat and crew competition, flying a limited edition golden anniversary burgee which was designed by mooring holder Philip Dyke specially for the celebrations. Joining them on the water will be members of the historic Beaulieu River Sailing Club, which was created 90 years ago by Lord Montagu’s grandmother Pearl.

  Beaulieu Enterprises Managing Director Russell Bowman said:

  This celebration begins the next chapter in Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour history, offering new and improved facilities for modern day sailing while preserving the natural beauty which has made this one of the most desired locations on the south coast. We look forward to welcoming back old friends and meeting new ones, who will make the most of our expanded berths and walk-ashore pontoons. We will share an exciting future together.

  Sir Chay Blyth said:

  It was a privilege to be asked to perform the original opening and I am glad that in my lifetime, the Beaulieu River has kept its charm and is as special today as it was during my first visit over half a century ago. I am proud to be part of these celebrations to mark such a major new milestone.

  Despite coronavirus restrictions, the redevelopment has been carried out over two winters with its completion providing 66 new marina berths, with larger berths to suit vessels up to 20m, upgraded electrical services, improved WiFi and a new dedicated visitor area.

  Specialist marina consultancy, Gosport-based Marina Projects managed the redevelopment, while the work was carried out by Fareham-based Walcon Marine – which undertook the original yacht harbour build 50 years ago. The Beaulieu Estate worked with agencies including Natural England and the Environment Agency to continue to protect the river’s unique habitats and species.

  

  The Beaulieu River is one of the few privately owned tidal rivers in Britain and has been under the custodianship of the Montagu family for over four centuries. Lord Montagu’s sister and Commodore of Beaulieu River Sailing Club, the Hon Mary Montagu-Scott said: “The Beaulieu River is my favourite place on earth and there are many sailors like me who find it an absolute joy to sail on such an unspoilt river, with its estuary creeks and wooded banks. We really are privileged to have such a wonderful team in place, focused on delivering excellent customer service and helping everyone to enjoy their time here.”

  Harbour Master Wendy Stowe said:

  The sailors we have already welcomed back are really enjoying all of the new and improved facilities. There is a great sense of community amongst our berth and mooring holders and we are offering the opportunity for others to join it.

  The yacht harbour, which was named as The Yacht Harbour Association’s coveted Coastal Marina of the Year (for under 250 berths) in 2018/19 and became runner-up in The British Yachting Awards’ Marina of the Year awards in 2020, has a long track record of giving a personal and outstanding service to its customers.

  As the jewel of the Solent at the gateway to the New Forest, Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour offers full marina services, an open policy boatyard and chandlery and a range of benefits. A restaurant, bar and tea shop are on the doorstep at the 18th century shipbuilding village of Buckler’s Hard, with its Maritime Museum.

  For moorings and berths visit our annual berthing page, email harbour.office@beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 616200.

• Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour reopens for 50th anniversary

  Lord Montagu has reopened Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour following the completion of its major £2m redevelopment, 50 years after the marina was first built as a haven for boats on the Beaulieu River.

  ---

  Faces from past and present came together to celebrate the milestone achievement in a special Covid-safe ceremony on board Gipsy Moth IV, the yacht that Sir Francis Chichester famously sailed around the globe. Lord Montagu and his sister The Hon. Mary Montagu-Scott were joined by Harbour Master Wendy Stowe and former Harbour Master Bill Grindey to mark the occasion and welcome sailors back to the marina.

  

  Half a century after it was opened in 1971, Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour is now ready for the next chapter of its history. The expanded marina boasts 66 new berths, an increased provision of walk-ashore pontoons and improved facilities, keeping pace with modern demands while maintaining the natural charm which makes it one of the most desired locations on the south coast.

  Gipsy Moth IV looked right at home on one of the new pontoons as she proudly flew a special burgee to mark the golden anniversary. One of the Beaulieu River’s most famous boat residents, the yacht was originally moored on the Beaulieu River before its epic journey around the globe, when Bill Grindey was Harbour Master.

  Lord Montagu said:

  After two winters of upheaval, and over a year of coronavirus restrictions, it is a great relief to see the marina reconfiguration completed just as the country is coming out of the third lockdown. I hope that the berth holders approve of the changes and that, for those who have kept their boat on the river for several decades, the atmosphere of the river does not seem too different to when the marina was built 50 years ago. It was wonderful to have Gipsy Moth IV in the river to mark the completion of work, making a connection to the years before the marina was built.

  Commodore of the Beaulieu River Sailing Club, The Hon. Mary Montagu-Scott said:

  The Beaulieu River truly is a special place. In fact, it’s my favourite place on earth and there are many sailors like me who find it an absolute joy to sail on such an unspoilt river with its estuary creeks and wooded banks. We really are privileged to have such a wonderful team in place at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour, focused on excellent customer service and helping everyone to enjoy their time here, 50 years after the marina was first established.

  As one of the few privately owned tidal rivers in Britain, the custodianship of the Montagu family has protected the Beaulieu River for over four centuries and the redevelopment was undertaken in a sustainable way to protect its unique character. Gosport-based specialist marina consultancy Marina Projects retain the traditional look and feel of the original 1971 marina, while updating it with the best of modern equipment and design. Meanwhile, Fareham-based Walcon Marine reused as much of the existing infrastructure as possible. Unique to the Beaulieu River, they pioneered a new way to reuse the Greenheart timber piles, reusing the piles in their entirety where possible, or creating a new ‘hybrid’ pile, which combines a section of the existing timber with a lower steel encasement for the below-water-line section. This sustainable method has helped maintain the traditional charm of the marina.

  Harbour Master Wendy Stowe said:

  We’re so proud that Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour has reached such an important milestone in its history and that we’re welcoming back sailors after the completion of its redevelopment, half a century after it was opened by the late Edward, Lord Montagu and Sir Chay Blythe CBE BEM. As has always been the way on the Beaulieu River, the protection of the river’s environment is still the most important consideration, and it was important to us that the redevelopment re-used some of the existing equipment to help preserve the feel of the original yacht harbour.

  As a key appeal of the Beaulieu River remains its natural beauty and scenic New Forest location, the redevelopment has included a new black water pump-out facility as well as a new wash down area, enabling pressure washing to be undertaken in an environmentally sensitive manner.

  

  The improvements include 66 new marina berths, including larger berths to suit vessels up to 20m, as well as upgraded electrical services, improved WiFi and a new dedicated visitor area. The new visitor area opened last summer and is already proving popular this year, with sailors eager to escape to the jewel of the Solent at the gateway to the New Forest.

  The redevelopment is part of a continuing programme of improvements at the yacht harbour, which was awarded The Yacht Harbour Association’s coveted Coastal Marina of the Year (for under 250 berths) trophy in 2018/19, then named runner-up in The British Yachting Awards’ Marina of the Year category in 2020.

  

  Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour has a long track record of outstanding customer service and offers full marina services, an open policy boatyard and chandlery, along with a range of benefits. The pleasures of the New Forest are on the doorstep, while the beauty spot of Buckler’s Hard village is just a stroll away, with its restaurant, tea shop and Maritime Museum.

  For moorings and berths visit our annual berthing page, email harbour.office@beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 616200.

• New Pop-Up Bar launches at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour

  The Solent Cellar, Lymington’s independent wine merchant, will be hosting a pop-up bar on the water’s edge at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour all summer.

  ---

  The team will be showcasing a handpicked selection of reds, whites, and of course rosés. Each week will also feature a different beer from a local brewery as well as a local craft gin, plus plenty of Pimm’s. A selection of soft drinks and bar snacks will also be available.

  The bar will be open on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer, starting on Friday 30th April and running until the end of August. The team look forward to welcoming visiting sailors as well as permanent berth holders.

  Opening times:
  Fridays: 4pm – sunset
  Saturdays: 1pm – sunset

  For the launch weekend, the bar will also be open on Sunday 2nd May, from 4pm until sunset.

  Just look for the blue beach hut in the boatyard, opposite the harbour office. Outdoor seating will be available (no reservations). Please note the bar will only be able to accept card payment.

  

• Winning burgee design marks 50 years of Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour

  The winner of the Beaulieu River burgee competition has been chosen, with a brand new design to celebrate the golden anniversary of Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour.

  ---

  Selected by Lord Montagu from a number of impressive competition entries, the elegant design by resident mooring holder Philip Dyke has been made into a limited edition golden anniversary burgee, and will be given to all resident mooring holders to proudly display on their boats.

  Incorporating golden ’50’ numbering and the marina logo, the design draws upon the subtle beauty of the shape of the Beaulieu River as it runs down to the Solent.

  

  The magnificent sight of the burgee fluttering from masts and flagpoles will truly mark this landmark year in style.

  Half a century since it was opened in 1971, the newly remodelled marina is not only celebrating its proud past, but also looking towards the future. 2021 sees the completion of the second phase of its £2m redevelopment, yet Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour retains its unique character, which has made it one of the south coast’s most cherished sailing destinations for 50 years.

• Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour redevelopment completed for 50th anniversary

  The major £2m redevelopment of award-winning Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour will be completed in the year that marks the 50th anniversary of the Beaulieu River marina.

  ---

  Half a century since it was opened by Edward, Lord Montagu with round the world yachtsman Sir Chay Blyth CBE, BEM, the new-look marina contains 66 additional berths, many of which have already been allocated to new customers.

  

  A celebration is being planned to mark the milestone completion, with some of the original guests from the 1971 launch – and will go ahead virtually if guests are not able to meet in person.

  The reconfiguration and extension of the marina has taken place over two winter phases in order to secure the marina’s future as one of the most desired locations, while keeping pace with modern boating demands for bigger berths, more convenient walk-ashore pontoons and improved facilities.  

  Beaulieu Enterprises’ Managing Director Russell Bowman said:

  We are very pleased to mark this significant moment in the history of the Beaulieu River. It is fitting that the redevelopment should be completed in our golden anniversary year and we look forward to a bright future, with new and improved facilities while maintaining the charm of the river which has made it so popular over the last 50 years.

  The private custodianship of the Montagu family has protected the Beaulieu River for over four centuries, as one of the few privately owned tidal rivers in Britain. The redevelopment has been undertaken in a sustainable way and applied the same concept as the original designs. As much of the old infrastructure as possible has been refurbished and reused to maintain the unique character of the special area. New construction work was awarded to Fareham-based Walcon Marine which carried out the original build, with James Walters taking over the helm from his later father Robin.

  Mr Bowman added:

  It has been a pleasure working with Walcon Marine, which shares our vision of creating the highest quality marina for our customers. My thanks also go to Gosport-based specialist marina consultancy Marina Projects, who designed the new marina and has since project managed the redevelopment for us.

  As a key appeal of the Beaulieu River remains its natural beauty, tranquillity and scenic New Forest location, the redevelopment has included a new black water pump-out facility as well as a new wash down area, enabling pressure washing to be undertaken in an environmentally sensitive manner. Beaulieu Enterprises Ltd has worked with agencies including Natural England and the Environment Agency to ensure the protection of the river’s unique habitats and species.

  

  The improvements include 66 new marina berths, including larger berths to suit vessels up to 18m, as well as upgraded electrical services, improved WiFi and a new dedicated visitor area. The new visitor area opened last summer and has already proved popular with sailors eager to escape to the jewel of the Solent at the gateway to the New Forest.

  Harbour Master Wendy Stowe said:

  We’ve always been committed to providing a friendly and personal service to all of our visitors and that’s particularly important to us in these uncertain times. We are proud of the Beaulieu River community and can’t wait to celebrate our anniversary with berth holders and visitors when we open our new facilities.

  The redevelopment is part of a continuing programme of improvements at the yacht harbour, which was awarded The Yacht Harbour Association’s coveted Coastal Marina of the Year (for under 250 berths) trophy in 2018/19, then named runner-up in The British Yachting Awards’ Marina of the Year category in 2020.

  Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour has a long track record of giving a personal and outstanding service to its customers. Full marina services, an open policy boatyard and chandlery are offered, along with a range of benefits. A restaurant, bar and tea shop are on the doorstep at the 18th century shipbuilding village of Buckler’s Hard, with its Maritime Museum.

  For moorings and berths visit the annual berthing page, email harbour.office@beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 616200.

• Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour launches appeal for memories to mark 50th anniversary

  As they prepare to celebrate their golden anniversary, the team at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour on the Beaulieu River are appealing for sailors and local people to share their memories of the marina’s establishment 50 years ago.

  ---

  Half a century since it was opened by Edward, Lord Montagu and round the world yachtsman Sir Chay Blyth, the team at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour are inviting sailors and locals to share their recollections of its early years.

  Maybe you were one of the first to hold a berth in the new yacht harbour, or were one of the first visitors to sail in? Maybe you lived in the local area and saw the marina taking shape during the summer of 1971?

  

  Whether you have photos, videos or stories from the time, the Beaulieu River team want to hear from you. The memories will be shared via the Beaulieu River’s social media and email channels throughout their anniversary year.

  If you’d like to get involved, please email your memories to social@beaulieu.co.uk or get in touch via the river’s social media channels:

  Facebook @beaulieuriver

  Twitter @BeaulieuRiver

  Instagram @beaulieuriver

  You can stay up to date by signing up to the river’s newsletter here.

• Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour is runner-up for major maritime award

  Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour on the Beaulieu River is delighted to have been announced as the runner-up in the Marina of the Year category of The British Yachting Awards 2020.

  ---

  The marina was one of six UK marinas to be nominated for the prestigious award, which recognises marinas that have gone above and beyond in providing excellent service. With Falmouth Marina taking the top spot, Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour was the best-performing independent marina in its category, beating its Solent neighbours to the runner-up position.

  Harbour Master Wendy Stowe said:

  Although we didn’t win, it was still a great privilege to be nominated and shortlisted for the award by the yachting industry. This was especially so during such a challenging year for the industry and while we are mid-way through our redevelopment.

  The result comes as the marina enters the second phase of its £2m redevelopment to increase capacity and improve services, as part of a continuing program of improvements which has already seen it become TYHA’s Coastal Marina of the Year 2018/19.

  

  The final phase of work is now underway, with the final unveiling to take place in the spring of the marina’s golden anniversary year of 2021.

  For sailors who would like to moor their boats on the Beaulieu River, a small deposit will secure their reservation for permanent river moorings and marina berths. For more details visit the annual berthing section, email harbour.office@beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 616200.

• Beaulieu River mooring holders star in new promotional video

  The Beaulieu River has launched a new promotional video starring the people that matter the most – their sailors!

  ---

  Based in the heart of the New Forest, the natural beauty of the Beaulieu River has earned it a reputation as one of the most peaceful sailing destinations on the south coast. Now its beauty and tranquillity are showcased in a new promotional video, featuring some of the sailors who call Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour and the Beaulieu River their home.

  Filmed by local production company Robin Creative Media, the shoot took place in September 2020 following the completion of phase 1 of the Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour redevelopment. A gorgeous sunrise and early morning mist were followed by bright blue skies as the generous volunteer sailors prepared for their starring roles.

  

  As well as permanent mooring holders, the filming also captured visiting rally participants, paddleboarders, and even a few dogs! All filming was undertaken in a Covid-secure way, with the safety and wellbeing of the cast and crew the first priority.

  Harbour Master Wendy Stowe said:

  A big thank you to everyone who took part in the video. The Beaulieu River has a friendly and welcoming community, so it’s wonderful to be able to feature some of the people who help make it such a special place. The team from Robin Creative Media were great to work with and we’re thrilled with the final result.

  Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour has now begun the second and final phase of their redevelopment to increase capacity and improve services, and have already begun taking reservations for an additional 35 berths which will be available by April 2021.

  Harbour Master Wendy Stowe and her team will continue to provide swinging moorings while work is underway this winter, enabling visiting sailors to continue to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this unique environment. Although overnight stays are not permitted during the national lockdown, visitor buoys remain available for short daytime visits from local sailors as part of an outdoor exercise regime.

  Find out more about the redevelopment

  Find out more about annual berths on the Beaulieu River