#whitehavemarina – Whitehaven Marina in Cumbria, operated by specialist consultancy Marina Projects, has announced an increase in annual berthing numbers for 2015.  "Spring is in the air" which is traditionally the time of year when the majority of boat owners renew their annual berthing contracts. Whitehaven Marina are happy to report that their policy of continual investment in the marina and delivering consistent, professional yet friendly customer service has been recognised by an increase in berthing demand.

One of the few UK marinas last year to invest in additional berths, Whitehaven is delighted that demand is increasing too. Tony Taylor, the Marina Supervisor comments "berth holders are coming from all points of the compass but in particular from the Lakes, the East Coast around Newcastle and even as far as North Wales. It would appear that people are looking for new and exciting cruising grounds and Whitehaven is a great place for that. Last year we had 20 visiting boats from Ireland. Whitehaven is also a great spot to stop off before hopping over to the Isle of Man too"

In 2014 140 new berths were constructed in the West Stand basin. These berths have been popular with annual berth holders and visitors alike, and have proven to be particularly useful for events such as the Whitehaven Festival and Three Peaks Race.

The facilities and services at Whitehaven Marina have been dramatically enhanced in the last six years since Marina Projects Ltd took over the management. The Marina is now considered to be one of the best in the region and this is backed up by the healthy berthing numbers.

"Customer service is very important to our offer" comments Simon Morgan, Marina Manager for Whitehaven Marina. "We do endeavour to "go the extra mile" as we fully understand that our customers have the choice of other berthing locations. We appreciate our customers time in the Marina is precious leisure time so everything has to be safe, clean and well organised with a friendly smiling face!"

These are some of the many reasons why in the last completed customer satisfaction survey 99% of customers said they would recommend Whitehaven Marina to a friend!

Whitehaven Marina has links with Bangor Marina in Northern Ireland and Malahide Marina near Dublin through the TransEurope Marina Scheme.

For general enquiries about berthing in the Marina please contact [email protected]

Whitehaven Marina on the on the North West Coast of England and convenient for Irish boaters has completedits annual Sea Lock maintenance in readiness for the coming summer season. The lock gates, that have successfully protected the marina and the 400 boats inside from the awesome power of the Irish Sea after another year of heavy storms, have undergone a thorough structural inspection together with the maintenance of the hydraulics, electrical systems, seals, anodes and backup systems. This year the focus was to carry out repairs to the pontoons on either side of the lock that vessels secure to on entry or departure. Much of the work was carried out by the cheerful Whitehaven staff in very cold and wet conditions!

Mark Bowden, Operations Director of Marina Projects who operate Whitehaven Marina, commented "Like the massive sea walls which form the outer and inner harbours, the Sea Lock is a vital part of the infrastructure that protects the town from flooding; controls the water levels inside and provides a sheltered haven for the various types of vessels that use Whitehaven Marina".
The Sea Lock was constructed in 1998 at a cost of £6.7 million and formed the integral part of the regeneration of Whitehaven Harbour and town. Approximately 3400 vessels a year pass through the Sea Lock which is manned 24/7.

The Lock closure and its planned maintenance, has been timed to cause the least disruption to Whitehaven Marina users and this year, unlike in 2014, there was no requirement to fully drain the lock so the time that the Sea Lock was closed to traffic was reduced.

Whitehaven Marina is the most comprehensive marina on the North West Coast of England, with extensive facilities; friendly and professional staff and easy access to the cruising grounds of Scotland, the Isle of Man, Ireland and North Wales.