A top prestigious award for high standards and facilities has been re-awarded to two Poole marinas.
Both Poole Quay Boat Haven and Port of Poole Marina, operated and managed by Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC), have once again been bestowed five Gold Anchors following assessment by the Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA).
The scheme awards anchors on a scale of one to five, which are achieved by maintaining standards of facilities and quality of service. The voluntary assessment evaluates customer services and facilities within harbours and marinas across the country.
John Binder, manager of Poole Quay Boat Haven and Port of Poole Marina, said: “We are one of only a handful of marinas with the full five anchors, so it is testament to the quality of management in place. With more than 160 marinas taking part from across 28 countries, this stands as a sign of lasting success on the part of PHC and the high regard held by our berth-holders.”
John added: “This award has arrived at an ideal time, with PHC’s Poole Harbour Boat Show being held at Poole Quay Boat Haven over the weekend of May 9 and 10. The free eventwill bring together a variety of marine-related businesses and family-focused entertainment.”
The scheme classifies marinas and harbours against a range of criteria, with five anchors being awarded to those who have achieved 86 or more points out of a possible 100. The awarding process comprises of both self-assessed and independently assessed evaluations, together with a mystery shopper visit and an anonymous berth-holder questionnaire.
Marinas which gain four or five anchors also gain an International Council of Marine Industry Associations’ ‘Clean Marinas Award’ which, as an internationally recognised qualification, establishes environmental marine standards across the marine industry.