Three marina results for smaller boats
For owners of boats under 12 metres, a good marina is often judged by practical arrivals, helpful staff and the ability to make a day ashore easy. The Yacht Harbour Association announced the 2026 Marina Awards at Southampton International Boat Show on 23 September, with the results published by British Marine on 25 September.
Poole Quay Boat Haven took the coastal category for marinas with fewer than 250 berths, Cowes Yacht Haven won the coastal category for facilities with more than 250 berths, and York Marina received the inland title. These are the programme's separate categories, not a universal ranking of all British berths.
Coastal stops with different settings
Poole and Cowes both feature on many southern England boating plans, but they answer different itinerary needs depending on a vessel's departure point and intended waters. The awards highlight their respective marina operations, while availability and the fit of an individual boat still require direct confirmation.
In the smaller-coastal category, Emsworth Yacht Harbour was runner-up and IGY ST Kats placed third. The larger-coastal shortlist included Mayflower Marina in second place and Jersey Marina in third, offering other names for boaters to research.
An inland award and the people behind it
York Marina topped the inland category, followed by Shepperton Marina and Overwater Marina. The same awards programme also recognised Shepperton Marina as Marina Team of the Year, making staff and day-to-day service part of the wider story.
Harry Durrah of Emsworth Yacht Harbour was named Marina Employee of the Year, while Parkstone Bay Marina received the sustainability award. For canal and river users, the human side of a marina can be as significant as berth dimensions or available facilities.
What the results mean for a weekend afloat
British Marine explains that boater voting and comments are central to the programme, giving the awards an owner-experience angle rather than a purely architectural one. The results can serve as a shortlist when planning a new coastal or inland trip.
They do not replace current local navigation notices, tidal calculations, booking rules or checks on depth and boat length. Small-craft owners should still use live marina information before setting off, particularly during popular weekends and show-season travel.