Poole's top marinas!

One of the highest accolades recognising quality of service and facilities at marinas has been awarded to two Poole marinas.

Poole Quay Boat Haven and The Port of Poole Marina, both operated and managed by Poole Harbour Commissioners, have achieved five Gold Anchors under the assessment scheme run by The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA).

The scheme ranges from 1 to 5 Gold Anchors depending on the standards of quality and service available to berth holders. It is a voluntary assessment programme focusing on customer service and facilities within marinas and harbours.

John Binder, Manager of Poole Quay Boat Haven and Port of Poole Marina says, “We’re delighted to get the recognition we deserve, as myself and my team of staff worked extremely hard towards this award. I’m very proud and we’ll continue to offer the best service we can to make sure we keep the Anchors when we are re-assessed in three years’ time.”

The scheme helps participating marinas improve their service and operate to higher standards through benchmarking against measurable criteria. As part of the assessment process the marinas would have been visited by an assessor, mystery shopper and an anonymous online survey would have been completed by berth holders.

Jim Stewart, CEO of Poole Harbour Commissioners, says:,“These awards couldn’t have come at a better time with the Olympics and the Jubilee this year.  With neighbouring Weymouth as the base for the 2012 sailing events, Poole Quay is a great location from which to access the Games whilst escaping the crowds. 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, particularly with Port of Poole being a relatively new facility. We are extremely pleased."

Marinas which gain 4 or 5 Gold Anchors also gain an International Council of Marine Industry Associations 'Clean Marinas Award'. Criteria to qualify for five gold anchors include access to the internet, tourist information and access to boat repair and service - all aspects which contribute to the overall customer experience.