Four Gold Anchors have been awarded to Kinsale Yacht Club in Ireland and Brundall Bay Marina in Norfolk, following assessments by The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA).

Situated in the centre of Kinsale town, Kinsale Yacht Club lies in deep water and a sheltered estuary on the southern end of a well-known cruising ground.

The lively yacht club provides a relaxed environment for both transients and club members. The clubhouse is fully wheelchair accessible, with a lift to the bar and function area provided.
 
The marina, with 223 fully serviced berths, is operated 24/7. Run under the commodore, Cameron Good, vice commodore Tom Roche, marina manager Paul Murphy and club manager Brian Hunt. There is also a full time receptionist

The TYHA Gold Anchor international assessor, Kenny Jones, said he was impressed at the motivation and efforts applied to the Kinsale Gold Anchor Assessment.

He said: ‘The facility, staff and management have worked extremely hard and thoroughly deserve the four gold anchor award.

‘They should be very proud of their achievement and I am certain the berth holders and customers’ that transient through Kinsale, will seek comfort in knowing that this facility has now achieved a measureable standard in all elements of marina management. Well deserved!’

Brundall Bay Marina

The TYHA also recently awarded four gold anchors to Brundall Bay Marina, situated on the River Yare on the
southern Norfolk Broads and within easy reach of the City of Norwich.
 
Brundall
Bay Marina has 329 berths and is set in 50 acres of parkland in an area of outstanding natural beauty with National
Park status.

There is a RSPB reserve beside the marina, which is rich
in wildlife. The marina also has craning and hard-standing facilities
with on site workshops and engineers which includes a full range of
parts and service.

Norfolk Yacht Agency provide a large selection of
marine craft. With easy transport links into
Norwich, the village of Brundall is also close by with many shops, pubs and restaurants.

The onsite yacht club is open three evenings a week, not only providing a social base but also
organising cruises and training events.

Mark
Cookson, marina manager said: ‘The Gold Anchor Award Scheme
is a very good way of showing new and existing berth-holders that we
are always trying to improve the service, facilities and overall
enjoyment for everyone including the marina staff.’

TYHA general manager, Gareth Turnbull said: ‘We are delighted that Brundall Bay has
retained their 4 Gold Anchors.

‘In such a great location, this really
is a destination marina.’

What’s it all about?

The Gold Anchor scheme is a voluntary assessment programme which is focussed on customer service and providing quality berths for the boat owner.

Ratings range from one to five Gold Anchors and provide assurance of quality and credibility of the marina.

Qualifying technical criteria is based on TYHA’s Code of Practice for the Construction and Operation of Marina and Yacht Harbours. For further information visit www.whichmarina.com

Pictures: 

Kinsale Yacht Club.

Brundall Bay Marina staff celebrating their gold anchor rating: L-R, Mark Cookson, keith Joslin, Christine Sadler, Wesley Eastmand and Paul Frost