New boatyard investment at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour

In the latest investment in Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour as many as 48 new boat cradles have been bought to improve boatyard services for Beaulieu River berth and mooring holders. 

The £125k investment in top-quality galvanised steel cradles will enable the marina and boatyard team to offer the highest standard of care when moving, repairing and storing customers’ boats. Another 37 yacht cradles were previously bought, together with 90 motorboat stands. 

A 17-metre-high cherry picker was also recently purchased to enable boat owners to reach the top of their masts for wind instrument swap-outs and re-running halyards, as well as helping the boatyard team and dockmasters to carry out more maintenance work and repairs.

After a £2m redevelopment to reconfigure and extend the award-winning marina, Beaulieu Enterprises is now securing the yacht harbour’s future by investing in its boatyard. Luxury facilities were built as part of the upgrade, while environmentally-friendly boat pump-out and washdown facilities were also installed.

Harbour Master Wendy Stowe said: “Many customers prefer modern steel to traditional wooden cradles, which provide more protection and efficiency while moving and working on their boats. We are committed to delivering the best possible customer service with the investment that requires.”

Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour continues to offer an open policy boatyard and chandlery with full marina services, as well as a range of benefits. The yacht harbour won the title of Marina of the Year in recent British Yachting awards, after receiving the most votes for its warm welcome, facilities and services for sailors.

The investment has extended to its team, with the appointment of the yacht harbour’s first apprentice. Ollie Rickard, aged 23, is working towards achieving the British Marine apprenticeship standards to deliver the best service for boat owners and visitors.

The Beaulieu River offers a beautiful natural setting, which provides habitats for more than 200 species of birdlife at the gateway to the New Forest National Park. It has been kept special by the custodianship of the Montagu family for over four centuries. 

A packed events calendar also offers regular opportunities to bring together new and old friends in the Beaulieu River community. A restaurant, bar and tea shop are on the doorstep at the 18^th century shipbuilding village of Buckler’s Hard, with its maritime museum.