World race winner opens new facilities at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour

Round the World race winner Mike Golding OBE has opened new facilities after a £400,000 investment at the Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour.

To welcome sailors for the start of the season, the upgraded showers and facilities building was opened on March 24th and will offer mooring holders and visitors services in keeping with the yacht harbour’s natural setting in the New Forest National Park.

The project has been overseen by Lord Montagu and his sister, the Hon Mrs Mary Montagu-Scott – who is High Sheriff of Hampshire and a keen sailor and interior designer. She has taken inspiration for the décor of the 11 large rooms from their New Forest surroundings. Heavy oak doors, portholes bearing the Beaulieu River emblem, underfloor heating and luxury fittings complete the contemporary interior. A cosy seating area to warm up after a sea voyage is also complemented by artwork from entrants to the annual Beaulieu River photographic competition.

Lord Montagu and Mary, who is also Commodore of the Beaulieu River Sailing Club, joined world champion and global record breaker Mike Golding to welcome mooring holders for the opening. A raffle also raised more than £200 in support of the Jubilee Sailing Trust.

Mike Golding said:

“When we were training Round the World race crews, we stopped at all of the marinas in the Solent area and always judged the venue by the quality of the facilities – and these at the Beaulieu River are outstanding.”

Mary Montagu-Scott said:

“This is part of a programme of investments in the Beaulieu River, with a new approach for modern times. We have been delighted to open the new facilities for moorings holders and visitors.”

The building includes a fully-equipped laundrette to refresh clothing and linen after days or weeks afloat, as well facilities for families and disabled visitors. It is the latest in a series of investments in the five Gold Anchors-winning Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour on the Beaulieu River.