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New towing boat and Beaulieu River barge gets a makeover

27th August 2026

George Dunsdon in the new towing boat on the Beaulieu River.

The Beaulieu River Team tells us…

A new towing boat has been put to work on the Beaulieu River to help the boatyard team meet the needs of berth and mooring holders.

Purpose-built Pickle will give more flexibility, while towing customers’ boats to and from the marina and boatyard.

The new investment will help provide a key service for residents, making life easier by bringing their boats from river moorings to the marina ahead of stays.

Meanwhile, Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour’s trusted barge Dextrous has been undergoing a makeover in the new boatshed workshop.

The 13m barge, which was built for the Beaulieu River in the Eighties, is being refurbished and given a new steel deck.

With an 11 tonne winch on board, the barge helps to keep work on the river running smoothly. It is usually used daily for inspecting and servicing moorings, as well as navigation markers.

After making the most of the summer to undertake the upgrade, Dextrous (pictured below) will be back at work on the river carrying out maintenance tasks for the autumn and winter.

Barge refurbishment – ‘Dextrous’ in new boatshed workshop at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour.

Harbour Master Wendy Stowe said: “The new purchase and refurbishment will help us to continue providing a five-star customer service for berth and mooring holders, while ensuring we’re ready for the seasons ahead.”

The new investment follows the completion of the yacht harbour’s redevelopment of its boatshed, creating stunning waterfront offices, meeting rooms and workshop bays.

Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour has been ranked as one of the UK’s best marinas by being placed in the top 5% of 5 Gold Anchors winners by The Yacht Harbour Association.

For fully-serviced marina berths and moorings in the beautiful setting of the Beaulieu River, call 01590 616200 or email harbour.office@beaulieu.co.uk. For more information visit www.beaulieuriver.co.uk.

About the Beaulieu River

Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour was voted the best place for sailors to call home when it won the prestigious Marina of the Year title in British Yachting’s awards.

At the gateway to the New Forest National Park, it provides habitats for more than 200 species of birdlife. The custodianship of the Montagu family for over four centuries has kept it special, yet it is only a short sail from the yachting hub of Cowes. 

A packed events calendar offers regular opportunities to bring together new and old friends in the Beaulieu River community, while a restaurant, pub and tea shop are on the doorstep at the 18th century shipbuilding village of Buckler’s Hard with its maritime museum.

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