That’s a wrap on the Southampton International Boat Show 2024! We want to thank all of you that were able to visit our show stand on our dedicated Universal Marina day and throughout the 10 days of the show. It was a pleasure to welcome nearly 4000 guests to the stand and we hope you found your visit both enjoyable and informative.
A message from Graham Bristowe
"Following the acquisition of Universal Marina in 2021, I have had the privilege of managing the integration of the site and team into the Premier Group, whilst also managing our sister marina Swanwick. Following the significant growth of our team and operations over the last 3 years, I am proud and delighted to announce I have now handed the helm over to Martin Bowman as Universal Marina Manager. I want to say a huge thank you to all of the berth holders, tenants and staff I have worked closely with over the last 3 years and hope to continue to see and work with you in the future."
Management changes
We are very proud and excited to confirm Martin Bowman will now be managing the team and operations at Universal Marina, using the experience gained working across other Premier marina locations in this new role.
We are also delighted to welcome James Montgomery back to Universal as permanent Duty Manager following his time at Swanwick Marina over the season building his knowledge and management experience.
Preparations for winter
Our team has been hard at work to ensure the site is in top condition following a busy summer and ahead of the winter weather. Works include painting the anchors and adding more gravel to the sideways at the site entrance, carrying out maintenance tasks on our equipment and pruning the greenery we are lucky to have around the marina.
Exclusive offers from Maritime Yacht Services
Onsite tenants Maritime Yacht Services are specialists in a range of boat maintenance services and are offering an exclusive offer for boats over 50ft this winter! When you sign up and pay in full for their comprehensive winter maintenance package, you'll receive a free 12 month valeting contract for your vessel - worth over £2,500.
Offer ends Monday 28th October. For full terms and conditions and to book your slot click below.
Celebrating apprenticeship achievements
We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of four incredible employees who have successfully graduated from the Marina and Boatyard Apprenticeship in collaboration with South Devon College! A huge congratulations to Albi Paris, Ava Cousins, Lewis Jones and Will Kilpatrick.
An extra special shout out to Ava, who was shortlisted as a finalist for British Marine Apprentice of the Year and given the opportunity to meet HRH The Princess Royal during the Southampton Boat Show, celebrating young talent within the marine industry.
James Ketchell sets off from Gosport Marina
Last month, adventurer James Ketchell began his planned record-breaking attempt to solo circumnavigation of the globe, starting at our very own Gosport Marina. James will be tackling a remarkable 30,000 nautical mile journey aboard his Class 40 yacht, "Mindset", of which Premier Marinas are proudly sponsoring.