Two marinas on the Isle of Wight are celebrating national award success at this year's British Yachting Awards.

Bembridge Harbour has been named Marina of the Year for 2024, while Shepards Marina in Cowes has been highly commended in the finals.

Presented by Sailing Today with Yachts and Yachting, the award category honours marinas which go above and beyond in their offering to the sailing community.

Earlier this month, Islanders were urged to cast their votes before the deadline for public voting passed.

Bembridge Harbour beat off competition from five other marinas to take top prize.

Owners Malcolm and Fiona Thorpe said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this award.

"Since being brought out of administration in 2011, Bembridge Harbour has been rejuvenated and regenerated, through substantial and ongoing investment, renewal, development, training and sheer determined hard work. 

"We welcome visitors and rallies from across the south coast and beyond, with an onsite seasonal café and bar and a summer events programme – our Family Fun Weekend being a firm favourite in many diaries.

They added: "We are hugely proud of what’s been achieved so far, and are looking forward to shortly moving into a new purpose-built admin and facilities building at the Duver Marina.”

Run by Cowes Harbour Commission, Shepards Marina has capacity for 130 visiting boats and 40 resident berth holders. 

Having been highly commended, Gary Hall, CEO of the commission, said: "The team at Shepards work consistently hard to offer a safe and modern marina and pride themselves in offering excellent customer service.

"I am therefore pleased this has been recognised by our visitors."

Fiona Thorpe added: "It’s a fantastic result and a great accolade for these two marinas and the Isle of Wight.

"Both marinas have their own very distinctive characters, but share a common goal to deliver exemplary customer service from competent, safe, knowledgeable and friendly staff, welcoming customers with a smile and going the extra mile to help."

Made up of 11 categories, the British Yachting Awards is an online-only awards.