Marina of the year – A look back on 2021
December 2nd, 2021
We are thrilled to be able to share with you all, the wonderful news that Berthon Lymington Marina has won the British Yachting Awards ‘Marina of the Year’. We would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote for us, our brilliant berth holders and marina visitors. And of course, last but certainly not least, the fantastic team who make it all possible.
With exciting prospects on the horizon, we are taking the time to reflect on the events of 2021, and what a year it has been!
After accepting the award for Marina of the Year, Luke Machin, Berthon Marina Manager commented; ‘looking back on 2021, it’s safe to say it has been an eventful year. I feel we extended the ‘Berthon Family and Community’ where everyone is able to unwind and enjoy their leisure time knowing that their pride and joy is in the very best Marina with the very best staff. This award is not just for the Marina, but also for the Berthon family who all play a key part in offering the unique ‘Berthon one-stop-shop experience’.
It is quite extraordinary to imagine that at the beginning of 2021 we were in the midst of a national lockdown, and as a country, we hunkered down and embraced Covid-19 protocols that were in place. Despite the challenges of a global pandemic, many of us looked towards the new year, developing hope and desire to make up for what seemed to be lost time.
As a result of UK’s vaccination roll-out, the partial opening-up coincided with spring’s arrival signalling light at the end of a long tunnel. What better way to socially distance in a relaxed manner than to head out to the South Coast and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of rivers and sea – ebb tides flowing anxiety from us while flood tides confirm nature’s recurrent course. With guidelines from the RYA, DEFRA, British Marine, and The Yacht Harbour Association – not to mention counselling from the Coastguard and RNLI to take extra precautions – marinas along the coast evolved and adapted as necessary, preparing themselves for the collective return to boating. Demand for boats and marina berths had also hit unseen levels.
The Marina appeared to be in hibernation, whilst behind the scenes, our team was busy with preparations ahead of a bustling sailing season. For those keen on competition or just looking for camaraderie, we tentatively held our breath for racing and other waterborne events to go ahead, and over 6000 of the sailing community, including members of Berthon staff, united for the Round the Island Race that took place the first weekend of July.
This summer has seen the return of sunshine, sea breezes, and sailing, along with the odd soaking! It was a joyous occasion to see the revival of events such as Cowes Classic Week. Moreover, the legendary Cowes Week, marking the pinnacle of the racing season a key part of the British sporting calendar since 1826, just as Thomas Inman started building gentlemen’s racing yachts on Berthon’s site.
Throughout the summer months, who could forget our triumphant Music on the Marina events! The weather was on our side for all three headlining performances from the opening night where The Lion Men sang until the thunder started, followed by last year’s local favourites The All Stars, and for the grand finale, The FABBA Girls brought the house, or rather ‘marina’, down as everyone sang along to ‘thank you for the music’. In between our main stage events, local acoustic artists came to perform for berth holders and marina visitors for our sundowner sessions.
The UK hosted this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference, more commonly referred to as COP26, in Glasgow urging developed countries to boost their collective climate finance for adaptation in developing countries from 2019 levels by 2025, to ensure a balance between adaptation and mitigation. Many companies began to reflect on how they can make integral changes, and take steps towards becoming a ‘greener’ more sustainable establishment.
However, Berthon has already taken a number of steps over the years to become a greener company including extensive recycling not just for berth holders but the business as a whole. Our electrical charging points are used regularly and are due to be upgraded soon. There are also a number of projects in the pipeline across the group to ensure Berthon are taking steps towards a cleaner, sustainable future for future generations.
2021 will certainly be a year for the history books; Covid-19 has demonstrated the fragility of life, and in doing so, highlighted the importance of quality time. Getting out into nature, and onto the water has become the perfect way to socially distance and remove yourself, friends and family from the rigours of everyday life.
As winter is now upon us, and thoughts of Christmas and New Year fill us all with a festive spirit we raise a glass to the year that has been and look forward with anticipation to 2022. We do urge berth holders to consider safe cold-weather precautions.