MDL has announced that its flagship Ocean Village Marina in Southampton has been named Marina of the Year at the 2025 British Yachting Awards for the second time in three years, following its previous win in 2023. The award, voted for by readers of Sailing Today with Yachts and Yachting, reflects the strong support Ocean Village continues to receive from the boating community.
“The British Yachting Awards are a 100% public vote, so any win is simply down to what the yachting public feels merits voting for,” says Sam Jefferson, Editor of Sailing Today with Yachts and Yachting. “In the case of Ocean Village, I’m sure that its location in the heart of the Solent and the fact that it has excellent modern facilities and friendly staff has ensured that the marina came out as the overall winner.”
Located in the heart of Southampton’s waterfront, Ocean Village Marina is known for its premium berthing, outstanding customer service and high-end facilities, including dedicated superyacht berths, luxury hospitality and easy access to the Solent. The award reflects the marina’s continued investment in delivering a first-class experience for berth holders, visiting yachts and long-term residents alike.
MDL has continued to invest heavily in the marina, with £2.2 million committed to upgrades at Ocean Village in 2024/25, strengthening its appeal. The investment has delivered new south-side pontoons and smart electric meters giving customers full online control of their power. Superyacht berths have been upgraded with new concrete pontoons and 3-phase electricity, alongside improved wave attenuation for a calmer berthing experience. These enhancements elevate the customer experience and enable Ocean Village to accommodate vessels up to 80m year-round.
This latest accolade follows a strong year for MDL. In October, the company secured two major wins at the Maritime Solent Awards 2025 – Clean Maritime Innovator and Sustainability Leadership – recognising significant progress in reducing emissions, rolling out solar infrastructure and implementing BREEAM standards across its marina network.
Together, the awards highlight both the quality of MDL’s customer offering and its broader efforts to lead positive change across the UK marina sector.
“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award,” says Lauren Bright, Marina Manager. “Ocean Village is a special place to work, and this recognition reflects the effort our whole team puts in every day. It’s a wonderful endorsement from the boating community, and we are hugely grateful for the support we receive from our berth holders and visitors.
“We will be celebrating as a team at Figurati, our award-winning waterfront restaurant, which feels like a fitting way to thank everyone for their hard work.”
“We are incredibly proud that Ocean Village has been voted Marina of the Year,” adds Tim Mayer, Sales and Marketing Director at MDL Marinas. “Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for us. Ocean Village has seen major investment in recent years, and it is fantastic to see those improvements recognised and valued by the boating community. We look forward to continuing to enhance the marina for our berth holders and visitors.”
Ocean Village Marina features state-of-the-art pontoons, premium shoreside facilities, on-site restaurants and bars, and secure berths for vessels of all sizes. Its superyacht berthing capability continues to attract international visitors, strengthening its position as one of the South Coast’s standout marine destinations.
For more information about Ocean Village Marina, visit www.oceanvillagemarina.co.uk
