TYHA Marina Awards 2026: Full results and winners

Boats of various sizes and types sailing on a body of water with people engaging in different activities on board.

For the fourth consecutive year, Haven Knox-Johnston was proud to sponsor The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) Marina Awards, celebrating the marinas, teams and individuals who help make boating better for berth holders and visitors around the world.

Held at the Southampton International Boat Show, this year’s ceremony drew a packed audience to the Boating Academy Stage as representatives from Gold Anchor-accredited marinas gathered in anticipation of the results. With eight award categories recognising excellence in customer service, facilities, sustainability and marina operations, competition was as strong as ever.

The awards were co-hosted by former TYHA Chairman and Operations Director at Tingdene Marinas, Steve Arber, TYHA General Manager Jon White and Haven Knox-Johnston’s Sales & Marketing Manager, Paul Knox-Johnston. Together, they celebrated the marinas, teams and individuals whose commitment to exceptional standards continues to raise the bar across the industry.

A group of people stand in a row indoors, each holding a framed TYHA certificate, posing for a photo.

And the winners are...

Coastal Marina of the Year 2026
Under 250 Berths

Winner: Poole Quay Boat Haven

This category recognises those exceptional smaller coastal marinas that deliver big on service, atmosphere, and quality – proving that size isn’t everything when it comes to the customer experience. This year’s winner, Poole Quay Boat Haven, stands out not only for its outstanding location and exceptional facilities, but also for the warm welcome it extends to every visitor – whether you’re arriving by RIB, jet ski, or superyacht. From its prime position on the bustling Poole Quay, guests enjoy uninterrupted views across Brownsea Island and the stunning Purbeck Hills, with instant access to an array of quayside cafés, restaurants, and shops. In the spring and summer months, the Haven becomes a hub of activity, playing host to rallies and regattas – making it not just a marina, but a true community focal point for boaters and visitors alike.

Five people stand indoors, two holding TYHA awards, against a nautical-themed backdrop.
Three men pose indoors; one holds a framed TYHA award. A large ship photo decorates the background wall.

Runner up: Emsworth Yacht Harbour

This Yacht Harbour combines a wonderful location with excellent facilities and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, with a dedicated team committed to providing a great experience for berth holders and visitors. It is a fantastic achievement to be recognised as runner up amongst the best in this category.

3rd place: IGY Marinas – St Katharine Docks

Coastal Marina of the Year 2026
Over 250 Berths

Winner: Cowes Yacht Haven

This marina is a true hub for the boating community, combining excellent facilities, a fantastic location and a strong commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for its berth holders and visitors. Cowes Yacht Haven enjoys a fantastic reputation and is ideally placed for those wanting to explore the Solent and the wider South Coast. It is a marina steeped in boating heritage, with Cowes itself being internationally recognised as one of the world’s great sailing destinations.

What really stands out, however, is the team’s dedication to creating a welcoming and professional environment. From the quality of the facilities and marina operations to the service provided to berth holders and visitors, there is a clear focus on maintaining high standards and continually improving the customer experience.

It is this combination of location, facilities, professionalism and commitment to its boating community that makes this marina such a worthy recipient of the TYHA Marina of the Year Award.

Four people stand indoors; one holds a TYHA award plaque, another holds a trophy. A ship mural is in the background.
Four men pose indoors; one holds a TYHA certificate. Ship rigging decorates the nautical-themed background behind them.

Runner up: Mayflower Marina

Mayflower Marina provides an outstanding coastal boating experience, with excellent facilities, a great location and a strong commitment to its berth holders and visitors. Situated in Plymouth, this marina offers a fantastic base for exploring the beautiful South West coastline. With its dedicated team, welcoming atmosphere and continued focus on delivering high standards, it is a marina that is clearly valued by its boating community.

3rd place: Jersey Marina

Inland Marina of the Year 2026

Winner: York Marina

York Marina demonstrates that you don’t have to be on the coast to deliver an outstanding boating experience. Set in a beautiful and peaceful location, this marina provides an excellent base for exploring the waterways and enjoying everything that inland boating has to offer. It combines attractive surroundings with high-quality facilities and a welcoming atmosphere, creating a place where berth holders and visitors can truly enjoy their time on the water. What particularly stands out is the commitment of the team to their customers and the boating community. Their attention to detail, professional approach and dedication to maintaining high standards are all key elements of what makes this marina such a special place. York Marina has continued to grow and develop while retaining that friendly, personal feel – something that is hugely valued by its berth holders and visitors.

Four men stand indoors; two hold TYHA awards with a ship featuring masts and barrels in the background.
Three people stand indoors; the centre person holds a TYHA award, with a ship backdrop behind them.

Runner up: Shepperton Marina

Shepperton Marina offers a fantastic inland boating experience, combining a beautiful setting with excellent facilities and a welcoming atmosphere. Set on the River Thames and provides a wonderful base for exploring the inland waterways. With a dedicated team and a strong focus on its berth holders and visitors, it continues to deliver a high-quality marina experience.

3rd place: Overwater Marina

International Marina of the Year 2026

Winner: Ayla Marina

Located in a stunning setting, Ayla Marina provides an exceptional experience for boat owners and visiting yachts alike. It combines impressive facilities, beautiful surroundings and a strong focus on service, creating a destination that is both welcoming and memorable. What really sets this marina apart is its commitment to excellence. The team has demonstrated a clear passion for delivering high standards across every aspect of the marina operation, while creating a warm and professional environment for its customers and the wider boating community. It is a fantastic example of how a marina can become more than simply a place to berth a boat – it can become a destination, a community and a memorable part of the boating experience.

Three men stand together as one holds a TYHA award and certificate at an indoor event with nautical-themed décor.
Three men stand before a mural of a ship, the centre man holding a TYHA award plaque.

Runner up: Marina de Vilamoura – Nova Marina

This award recognises an exciting new addition to the international marina community, combining modern facilities, a fantastic location and a fresh approach to the boating experience. As a new marina, it is already making an impression through its commitment to quality, service and creating an outstanding environment for boat owners and visiting yachts. To achieve recognition at this level so early in its journey is a fantastic accomplishment and a real testament to the team behind Nova Marina.

3rd place: Setur Antalya Marina

Superyacht Marina of the Year 2026

Winner: Marina De Vilamoura

Retaining the title for a second consecutive year, Marina de Vilamoura once again claimed the award for Superyacht Marina of the Year.

Over four decades, the marina has established itself as one of the world’s leading destinations for large yachts, with 825 berths for vessels from 6 to 60 metres and a comprehensive range of superyacht support services. From its full-service boatyard to its prestigious 5 Gold Anchors Platinum accreditation, the highest distinction awarded by TYHA, Marina de Vilamoura continues to set the benchmark for excellence in the superyacht sector.

This latest accolade further reinforces its reputation as a world-class destination for superyachts and their crews.

Three people stand indoors; the woman in the centre holds a TYHA award. A ship image is displayed in the background.
Three men stand indoors; one holds a framed TYHA award. A nautical-themed backdrop is behind them.

Runner up: Yalikavak Marina

This marina has established an outstanding reputation within the superyacht industry. Located in beautiful Turkiye, Yalikavak Marina offers an exceptional destination for superyachts, combining impressive facilities, a stunning setting and a strong focus on service and hospitality. With its commitment to high standards and its ability to deliver a first-class experience for yacht owners, captains and crew, this marina is a fantastic ambassador for the international superyacht marina sector.

3rd place: YAS Marina

Sustainability Award 2026

Winner: Parkstone Bay Marina

This award recognises a marina that is demonstrating a real commitment to sustainability and to creating a more environmentally responsible future for our industry.

Parkstone Marina has shown that sustainability can be embedded into the everyday operation of a marina, with a clear focus on reducing environmental impact, thinking outside of the box for ways to create sustainable working practices and looking at ways to improve the marina for the benefit of both its customers and the surrounding environment.

What particularly stands out is their commitment to continually looking at what more can be done. Sustainability is an ongoing journey and this marina has demonstrated a genuine passion for making positive changes.  Their approach is a fantastic example of how marinas can play an important role in protecting and enhancing the environment, while continuing to provide an excellent experience for berth holders and visitors.

Three men stand indoors; the man on the right proudly holds a TYHA glass award and a plaque with text.

Marina Employee of the Year 2026

Winner: Harry Durrah of Emsworth Yacht Harbour 

Ian’s first few days working at this marina he found a 12v lamp on one of the pontoons and came to the office asking what to do with it, that’s how he earned the name ‘Aladdin’. Daniel Jehan, Cowes Yacht Haven Marina Manager said that ‘Aladdin’ is a truly unsung hero, goes above and beyond, loved by everyone, and nothing is too much trouble.

 

Special mentions:

Emma Gardiner – Emsworth Yacht Harbour
Amy Ferrier- Cowes Yacht Haven
Lucas Alcon – Puerto Sherry
Mandy De La Cour – Jersey Marina
Jayde – Shepperton Marina
Gemma – York Marina
Kelly Hockley – Shepperton Marina
Mucella Kara – Karpaz Gate Marina
Freya Knox-Johnston – Shepperton Marina

Three men stand indoors; one holds a TYHA award certificate before a large nautical backdrop.
Five people stand indoors; two women hold TYHA awards, others pose beside them, with a nautical backdrop behind.

Marina Team of the Year 2026

Winner: Shepperton Marina

What stood out so strongly when reviewing the feedback for this award was the phenomenal number of positive comments received about the whole team — and importantly, it wasn’t just one or two individuals being recognised. Every member of the team received fantastic feedback. That really says something about the culture, teamwork and commitment within this marina. It is clear that everyone plays their part, supports one another and goes above and beyond to provide an exceptional experience for their customers and berth holders. This award is therefore a true reflection of an outstanding team effort.

Special recognition: Dubai Harbour Marina

In addition, the judges presented a Special Recognition Award to Dubai Harbour Marinas in recognition of its innovation, dedication and resilience.

The marina received an exceptional number of comments from customers praising its use of technology and systems to enhance the customer experience. Particular recognition was also given to the way the team supported berth holders and visitors through a challenging period for the region, demonstrating a commitment to customer care in difficult circumstances.

This special award highlights Dubai Harbour Marinas’ determination to continue delivering outstanding service, while embracing innovation and putting its customers first.

Four men stand together; one holds a TYHA certificate while another speaks into a microphone; ship in the background.

The trophy

A prestigious accolade calls for a truly exceptional trophy.  Once again, the honour of designing it was entrusted to Jo Munford of Seaview Studio. Jo is a celebrated artist known for her distinctive stained-glass work, often inspired by her deep ties to the marine world.

Working from her studio in Hampshire, Jo crafts striking sculptures, panels, and wall art that blend glass, metal, and naturally foraged wood. Her creations are as much about storytelling as they are about craftsmanship. For this award, Jo produced a series of beautifully fused-glass trophies, each one individually handmade and rich with character — a perfect reflection of the achievement they represent.

A row of TYHA glass and wood marina award trophies labelled “Winner Coastal Marina Under 250 berths” on a table.
Three men stand on stage with microphones and papers, presenting as a ship image and the TYHA logo appear in the background.

The 2027 awards

Haven Knox-Johnston’s sponsorship of the TYHA Marina Awards continues for 20267 and nominations can be made from 1st October 2026 and closes on 28th August 2027. Visit tyha.co.uk/marina-awards for more details.

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