Watchet Marina celebrated its 25th anniversary on Saturday as berth holders, visitors and members of the local community came together to mark the milestone and celebrate the marina’s progress under Western Marinas.
Held at the Phoenix Centre on Watchet Esplanade, the anniversary event featured welcome drinks, a hog roast, a Best Dressed Boat competition and the marina’s first boat jumble, bringing together people who have played a part in the marina’s story over the past quarter of a century.
The celebrations provided an opportunity to not only reflect on Watchet Marina’s history, but also on the significant progress made since Western Marinas acquired the site in September 2024. Over the past 18 months, a sustained programme of investment has focused on restoring confidence, improving reliability and creating a marina fit for the future.
Recent improvements include the installation of new hammerhead pontoons, a complete replacement of the pontoon electrical, water and lighting infrastructure, new pontoon safety ladders, a vehicle access barrier and new washroom windows. Work is also progressing on the marina gate operating system, with further improvements planned, including a new fuel pump, marina gateway access ladders and refurbishment of the marina washrooms.
These latest improvements build on extensive work already completed since Western Marinas took ownership of the marina, including a major dredging programme, the restoration of fuel sales, reinstatement of key services such as gas, hot water and WiFi, extensive health and safety improvements, the clearance of large areas of the boatyard and improved access across the site following years of underinvestment.
Johara Sykes-Dale, Managing Director of Western Marinas, comments, “Celebrating Watchet Marina’s 25th anniversary feels particularly special because it’s given us the opportunity to reflect on just how much progress has been made since we took over. When we acquired the marina, our priority was to get the fundamentals right. We’ve invested heavily in the infrastructure, improved reliability and focused on creating a marina that berth holders can have confidence in, while laying the foundations for the future.<
“There is still more to do, but seeing so many berth holders, visitors and members of the local community come together to celebrate this milestone was a wonderful reminder of how much this marina means to people. Their support gives us great confidence as we continue investing in Watchet and building on the progress we’ve made.”
Martin Stevens, who has berthed in Watchet for more than 40 years, adds, “I’m over the moon with the progress that’s been made. Western Marinas has done what they said they would and while there are still improvements to come, they’ve proved they’re here for the right reasons. It’s great to celebrate everything that’s been achieved and I’m looking forward to seeing the marina fill up again as more people discover what a wonderful place Watchet is.”
As Watchet Marina enters its next chapter, Western Marinas remains committed to a long-term programme of investment aimed at improving facilities, enhancing the customer experience and ensuring the marina continues to play an important role in both the local community and the wider Bristol Channel boating network. Twenty-five years after first opening, the marina is looking firmly to the future, with continued investment helping to ensure it remains at the heart of Watchet’s community for many years to come.
