TransEurope Members Triumph in the 2025 TYHA Awards

2 October 2025

TYHA Marina of the Year winners. Credit: Southampton International Boat Show 2025

The TransEurope Marinas network continues to chart a course for success, fresh off a highly constructive in-person meeting in this years Southampton International Boat Show. The gathering brought together an international group of network leaders hailing from the UK, Belgium, Spain, and the Netherlands, underscoring the collaborative spirit that defines our European alliance.

The uplifting news continued as the industry converged for The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) Marina of the Year Awards. We are incredibly proud to report that TransEurope Marinas members swept the board in an array of categories.

From Coastal Marina of the Year to Marina of the Year (under 250 berths) and culminating in the highly prized Marina Team of the Year, our members proved once again that they are setting the gold standard for management, service, and excellence, This trajectory was further cemented by Cowes Yacht Haven’s Ian “Aladdin” Shakespeare winning the Employee of the Year award, alongside several TransEurope member runners-up across the same category.

The TYHA Awards, which are customer-voted, tell a fascinating story of consistency and competitive success.

Poole Quay Boat Haven and Port of Poole Marina has maintained its place as a perennial favourite for smaller coastal facilities. This year’s win brings their incredible tally to eleven accolades (six wins and five runner-up placements) since 2014. This sustained performance is a reflection of the dedication shown by the on-site team, led by Marina Manager Kerrie Gray and Assistant Marina Manager Tom Killick. The duo’s operational skill is further acknowledged by managing the complex marina operations for the entire Southampton International Boat Show.

Emsworth Yacht Harbour have also had an outstanding run in the Coastal under 250 berths category. They achieved a notable feat by winning the top award for three consecutive years (2021 – 2023), temporarily taking the victor’s baton from Poole Quay. Their consistent quality has ensured they have remained in the top two, securing the Runner-up position in both 2024 and 2025.

Royal Quays Marina remains leader in the Coastal over 250 berths category. They secured the top award in 2019, 2020, and every year from 2022 through 2025. This impressive run is particularly meaningful due to new marina manager Keeran Stephenson stepping into the role at the beginning of 2025, succeeding the long-serving Matt Simms who retired at the end of 2024.

Jersey Marinas – TYHA Marina Team of the Year – 2025

New member to TransEurope, Jersey Marinas, enjoyed dual successes, to loud applause from the audience.

Customer Experience Manager for Jersey Marinas, Michel Le Moine, expressed his delight:

What a year! The team at Jersey Marinas is immensely proud to have been named the TYHA Marina Team of the Year and to be recognised as the runner-up in the highly competitive Coastal Marina of the Year (over 250m berths). Achieving this in a field of outstanding marina contenders is a major endorsement of our team’s dedication.

These awards celebrate excellence in the industry while proudly acknowledging the daily effort we invest in providing outstanding care. It confirms that both our 1200 berth-holders and the 5500 visitors we welcome each year continue to see Jersey as a top destination.

Mieke Vleugels CMM, TransEurope Marinas’ Vice Chair, Managing Partner at Jachthaven Wetterwille and a TYHA Gold Anchor assessor in her spare time, shared her thoughts:

The success of TransEurope Marinas members at the TYHA Marina of the Year Awards is truly something to celebrate. These customer-voted victories are a direct result of effective teamwork and dedication to outstanding customer service.

When boaters cast their votes in such impressive numbers, it signifies that our marinas are successfully building and nurturing meaningful experiences within the boating community – demonstrating the value for berth-holders of being based in a TransEurope marina.”

A Hub for Global Connections at Southampton

The TYHA ‘Find a Marina’ stand at the Southampton International Boat Show is always a great space to catch up with friends and international marina industry colleagues. The eye-catching TransEurope Marinas panels welcome visitors to the reception area, adding to the stand’s atmosphere of European connectivity and collaborative spirit.

Jon White and Hayley Cloke are The Yacht Harbour Association’s much-appreciated team, building community, supporting members, and driving forwards positive development for the industry, both in the UK and abroad.

As Hayley Cloke described:

Each year at the Southampton International Boat Show, it’s a pleasure to share the TYHA Find a Marina stand with our friends from TransEurope Marinas. Our partnership is built on a shared passion for great service, sustainable practices, and supporting marinas across Europe. By working together – especially through initiatives like Gold Anchor accreditation – we’re helping to raise standards and build a stronger, more connected community for everyone in the industry.”

The stand acts both an international marina showcase and an informal meeting point, giving professionals the chance to share best practices, discuss current challenges and network with counterparts from over countries. As ever, it provides a fantastic opportunity to meet up with old friends and make new connections.

Next year’s Southampton International Boat Show takes place from the 18^th – 27^th September. We’ll be there!

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TransEurope member success in the TYHA Marina of the Year Awards, powered by Haven Knox Johnson.

Marina of the Year (under 250 berths): 

• Winner Poole Quay Boat Haven
• Runner-up: Emsworth Yacht Haven

Coastal Marina of the Year (over 250 berths):

• Winner: Royal Quays Marina
• Runner-up: Jersey Marinas

Employee of the Year

• Winner: Ian Shakespeare, Cowes Yacht Haven
• Runners-up:
  • Lucas Alcon (Puerto Sherry),
  • James Cook (Royal Quays Marina),
  • Rebecca Reynolds (Brundall Bay Marina),
  • Harry Darrah (Emsworth Yacht Haven)

Marina Team of the Year

• Winner Jersey Marinas