Newcastle City Marina Awarded Industry Accolade
Published on 18/10/2012
Three gold anchors from The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) have been awarded to NE1’s Newcastle City Marina.
NE1’s Newcastle City Marina has received this prestigious award, one of the highest accolades the yachting fraternity can bestow, in its first season of operation. The Newcastle City Marina officially opened at the end of June and in its first season has welcomed over 500 visiting vessels to the River.
From short day visitors to overnight guests, the marina has proved very popular with both UK and foreign sailing visitors. The quality of the Marina and the service provided received official recognition in September when sailing’s governing body, The Yacht Harbour Association, TYHA, awarded three Gold Anchors to the Marina.
Another unique feature of Newcastle City Marina is the welcome offered by NE1’s team of Street Rangers. The rangers manage the marina on a day to day basis and provide a meet and greet service for marina guests. On arrival, the rangers conduct an orientation session for boats and provide a welcome pack with tips on what’s on and where in Newcastle city centre.
Commenting on the gold anchor awards, Adrian Waddell, NE1’s Director of Operations said: “We’re delighted with the success NE1’s Newcastle City Marina has achieved in its short life span. In launching the marina, we were keen to attract new audiences into the city and to infuse new life into the river. With one season under our belt – we’ve started to spread the word about what’s on offer here at the Marina and we’ve had official recognition that not only are we doing it right – but we’re doing it to three gold anchor standard.”
Gareth Turnbull, TYHA General Manager and Assessor explained: “NE1’s Newcastle City Marina is unique and is designed to attract new boaters to Newcastle city centre. The Marina caters exclusively for visitors and offers an excellent level of service, as well as very competent and thorough management. It is a great alternative day trip for berth holders at the local marinas which all the family can enjoy.”
The Marina is made up of 12 permanent pontoons which are nestled on the Quayside between the Tyne and the Millennium bridges. It was the brainchild of Newcastle city centre business improvement district company, NE1 Ltd and was developed in a record nine months from concept through to launch to infuse new life into the river and to encourage new visitors to the city.
The Three Gold Anchor award will be proudly displayed on a plaque at the Marina.