An award-winning marina, Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour is situated in the stunning New Forest.

The Beaulieu River forms the south-eastern edge of the Beaulieu Estate and is one of the few privately-owned estuaries in the world in the heart of the New Forest.

The marina has been awarded
The Yacht Harbour Association’s ‘International Clean Marina’ accreditation
Image: Beaulieu Enterprises Ltd

2021 marked the completion of the marina’s major £2m redevelopment, 50 years after it was first built. 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.

In 2022 the Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour was named ‘Marina of the Year’ in the British Yachting Awards. Receiving the greatest number of votes from a shortlist of six leading marinas, the top accolade recognises the yacht harbour as the marina that provides the warmest welcome and the best facilities and services for sailors and highlights it as a must-visit sailing destination.

More recently, the yacht harbour has been assessed and awarded with The Yacht Harbour Association’s ‘International Clean Marina’ accreditation, in recognition of its efforts to help protect the UK’s oceans and waterways.

FACILITIES & BERTHING
With a five Gold Anchor accreditation, Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour offers a sheltered setting for 208 fully serviced berths, more than 300 moorings and a boat park with a slipway. Plus, upgraded facilities, including a new black water pump-out and upgraded WiFi.

As well as friendly service from the experienced team, permanent berth and mooring holders can enjoy benefits such as 30 days’ free storage and 10 per cent off lift and launch throughout the year, 10 per cent off fuel, an annual mooring-holders party, on-site summer dining and bar and an on-site chandlery/grocery shop, open seven days a week. A membership card is also provided to berth and mooring holders, giving them unlimited access to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu and the Buckler’s Hard Museum.

There is an extensive range of boatyard services
Image: Baxter Bradford

Within the boatyard, their approved suppliers are known for their high standard of service and are pre-registered to deliver services on-site. This includes boat builders, marine electricians, ocean rigging and valeting services. In addition to this, the boatyard itself offers a competitive range of services all year round including a 40 tonne hoist which can lift vessels up to 60ft.

If a service is not readily available, the team are happy to help customers find the right specialist for their needs.

ACCESS
The Beaulieu River is centrally located on the Solent, close to the sailing centres of Cowes, Lymington and Southampton. It is also only 25 minutes from the M27 motorway if visiting by car.

When approaching by boat from the east, keep the lit south cardinal to starboard off Stone Point and steer to the vicinity of a lit, yellow special buoy close to the bearing to run in on. The bearing to run in on is 324° guided by the transit marks, the front mark is port post No.2 and the back mark is Lepe House. The Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour is a pleasant 3.5nm cruise upstream.

Visitors are welcome to enter the river at any time, day or night. It is recommended to book in advance for the popular walk ashore visitor pontoons. Report to the Harbour Master’s Office on arrival using VHF channel 68 and call sign Beaulieu River Radio.

“The top accolade recognises the yacht harbour as the marina that provides the warmest welcome and the best facilities and services for sailors and highlights it as a must-visit sailing destination”

CRUISING
Large sections of the Beaulieu River and its banks are part of the North Solent Nature Reserve which restricts public access, but from a boat, provide a special opportunity to see the wide range of habitats and wildlife the river supports.
Highlights include:
Mulberry Dock – as you head downstream see the old oyster beds where a floating dock was built for use in the D-Day landings.
Gins – now home to the Royal Southampton Yacht Club, Gins was once bustling with activity as the monks of Beaulieu Abbey used to keep their fishing boats and trading ships there.
Gull Island – this small island is home to a rare colony of Black-Headed Gulls (pictured) which, having been absent for a period of time, are now nesting again. Please note that Gull Island is closed to the public and landing is strictly forbidden.
Important: To protect important colonies of nesting seabirds, Gull Island and Warren Shore are closed to the public; however access to other parts of the North Solent Nature Reserve is possible by permit, issued in advance by the Beaulieu Estate Office (01590 614621 / estate@beaulieu.co.uk).

Image: Baxter Bradford

OUT AND ABOUT
The New Forest offers a range of activities and attractions, from museums and castles to gardens and tea rooms.

Just a short stroll from the marina, you will find the 18th century shipbuilding village of Buckler’s Hard where ships were once built for Nelson’s Navy.

Visit the Buckler’s Hard Museum to discover the history of this fascinating village, then explore the reconstructed cottage interiors to experience what life would have been like in the 18th century.

Just beyond the museum, you will also find the Captain’s Table, serving a range of refreshments, all day snacks, light lunches and afternoon teas.
In the local village of Beaulieu, you will find the popular Beaulieu visitor attraction. Best known for its world-famous National Motor Museum and Palace House, home of the Montagu family.

The closest mainline railway station is eight miles away in Brockenhurst, with a regular service running between London Waterloo and Weymouth. A taxi from Brockenhurst to Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour will take approximately 20 minutes.

BUSINESSES AT THE MARINA

Boat Builders & Boat Maintenance:
Cooks Maritime Craftsmen & Yacht Surveys
Fully qualified and insured. Pre-purchase, insurance surveys. A wide range of repairs and refits carried out and craft maintained, from internal joinery, GRP and timber repairs to boat-washing, antifouling and painting.
T: 07952 955906 / 01590 675521
E: cooksmcraftsmen@gmail.com
W: www.cooksmaritimesurveys.com

Jeremy Rogers
Boat repair, maintenance and refurbishment.
T: 01590 646780
E: production@jeremyrogers.co.uk
W: www.jeremyrogers.co.uk

ROC Marine Solutions Ltd
System engineering, antifouling services, running gear check and cleaning services, complete yacht refit management, marine woodwork and carpentry, marine exterior and interior valeting service.
T: 023 8251 4436
E: info@rocmarinesolutions.co.uk
W: www.rocmarinesolutions.co.uk

Yacht Rigging:
Ocean Rigging
All-round ocean rigging service.
T: 01590 676292
E: info@oceanrigging.co.uk
W: www.oceanrigging.co.uk

Marine Electronics:
S.D Electronics
Marine electronics and electrical engineer. System installs, repair electrical and electronic systems. Mast wiring, connections and servicing masthead units, checking batteries, repair of electric winches and bow thruster. Alternator and starter motor repairs.
T: 07551 949083
E: Eastaugh.pipistrelle@talktalk.net

Marine Engineers & Valeting Services:
Marine Tec Ltd
Inboard and outboard engine service and repair.
T: 07717 155871
E: info@marine-tec.co.uk

Solent Yacht Care Limited
Specialist valeting services including polishing and waxing, teak renovation, antifouling, anode replacement, for sale preparation, regular exterior wash programme and general maintenance.
T: 07917 543877 / 01590 719587
E: enquiries@solentyachtcare.co.uk
W: www.solentyachtcare.co.uk

iBoatValet
Boat valeting and management services.
T: 07881 107560
E: matt@iboatvalet.co.uk
W: www.iboatvalet.co.uk

Aqua Yachts
Yacht valeting and maintenance services.
T: 07950 928182
E: info@aquayachts.co.uk
W: www.aquayachts.co.uk

RECOMMENDATION
“As a mooring holder on the Beaulieu River for eight years, I have witnessed Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour undergoing impressive upgrades and improvements of its facilities. One aspect that stands out for me is the commendable efficiency of the Harbour Master, Wendy Stowe, ably supported by her superb team in caring for our boats. Wendy and her team at Buckler’s Hard are true professionals. Their dedication to their work and their love for boating is evident, and it instils confidence knowing that our vessels are in capable hands. Beyond boat care, the marina has fostered a sense of community among berth holders. Adding the pop-up bar and food offerings on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings during the summer has been a huge success, providing an informal setting for boaters to unwind and socialise. It is a perfect opportunity to connect with fellow boat owners, share experiences and make new friends. Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour has become more than just a place to moor my boat; it is a place where I feel welcomed among like-minded individuals. The camaraderie and warm atmosphere make it a standout location.”

GET IN TOUCH!
Harbour Master: Wendy Stowe
Deputy Harbour Master: Adam Lewis
E: harbour.office@beaulieu.co.uk
T: 01590 616200
W: beaulieuriver.co.uk

Address:
Harbour Master’s Office
Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour
Beaulieu, Hampshire SO42 7XB
VHF Channel 68
‘Beaulieu River Radio’

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