A good news story to cheer us this winter…
(Photograph and all words from the Buckler’s Hard team).
The second apprentice at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour has passed his final assessment with flying colours after completing the course in record time.
George Dunsdon began work on the Beaulieu River as a Marina Operative and completed his apprenticeship in just over a year.
Harbour Master Wendy Stowe said: “His Level 2 Marina & Boatyard Operative course usually takes two years to complete, so we are really proud of George for finishing in record time and earning outstanding results.”
George follows in the footsteps of the Beaulieu River’s first apprentice Oli Rickard, who won the ViewHR Award for Apprentice of the Year in the 2024 New Forest Brilliance in Business Awards.
Wendy added: “The independent examiner gave exceptional praise for the quality of service, facilities and overall experience we provide at Beaulieu. He has only ever awarded top marks to a small number of apprentices, and George and Oli are two of them.”
‘Start the day with a smile…’
The British Marine examiner praised George’s positive, professional, “start the day with a smile” attitude towards customers, helping in small ways to exceed their expectations.
Awarding a merit, he said: “I was impressed by the way George conducted himself throughout and his calm approach to work instilled confidence in those around him. This was an excellent assessment.”
Both apprentices are now using their skills to offer a quality service for up to 500 berth and mooring holders, as well as more than 10,000 visitors who stay at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour each year.
Extra facilities are also being offered after the redevelopment of the boatshed, providing stunning waterfront offices and workshops as opportunities for marine-based businesses to relocate to one of the most desirable marinas on the south coast. For more details and rentals see www.beaulieuriver.co.uk/boatyard-redevelopment, email wendy.stowe@beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 616200.
About the Beaulieu River
Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour was 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. It was also voted the best place for sailors to call home when it won the prestigious Marina of the Year title in British Yachting’s awards and came runner-up in TYHA’s Coastal Marina of the Year (over 250 berths) in 2024.
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.