New appointment and former apprentice promotion

Experienced marine operator Gary Nicol has been appointed as the Beaulieu River’s new Marine Operative at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour.

During over 15 years in the maritime industry, Gary has worked as a boatyard operator, head bosun and river patrol officer. He now joins the Beaulieu River team, working alongside the boatyard team and dockmasters in the marina.

Meanwhile, the yacht harbour’s first apprentice Oli Rickard – who completed his apprenticeship in under two years and passed his final assessment with a top-scoring merit – has been promoted to Boatyard Supervisor.

Oli steps into the shoes of former supervisor Chris Wilson, who has worked at the yacht harbour for over three years and is leaving to pursue new ventures.

Harbour Master Wendy Stowe said: “We are very proud of Oli and his achievements and also look forward to welcoming Gary to the Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour team. Our berth and mooring holders will be able to benefit from his extensive boatyard and marina knowledge.”

Delivering five-star customer service is a top priority for the team, serving customers on the marina’s 200 fully-serviced walk-ashore pontoon berths, 300 river moorings and more than 10,000 visitors who stay there each year.

Gary, from Ferndown, joins the team after the completion of the £2m boatshed redevelopment. The project has provided stunning waterfront offices, high-quality workshops and a new marina shop with an expanded range of fresh food and drink, gifts and boating supplies. For details about new office and meeting room rentals click here.

To find out more about berths and moorings on the Beaulieu River, as well as the range of services provided, email harbour.office@beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 616200.