Marina's golden thumbs-up from undercover inspector

An undercover inspector has visited the Port of Dover's marina posing as a customer, and given the facilities a top standards award as a result.

The Yacht Harbour Association - which sent the "mystery shopper" to assess service and facilities - says the popular boat haven has retained its coveted Five Gold Anchor rating.

The association's ruling came after it completed the second of two undercover visits to the marina this year. It had also quizzed berth holders and carried out a rigorous audit before coming to its decision.

Port of Dover chief executive Tim Waggott said: "This on-going recognition shows we're as painstakingly focused on small vessel customers as we are on our big ships.

"And we have major plans to create an even better marina when we start the Dover Western Docks Revival."

The Gold Anchor has been a benchmark for marinas for 25 years. Its rating system is similar to the stars awarded to hotels and restaurants - giving sailors quality assurance on the standards they can expect at anchorages around the coast.

The audit accounts for 85 per cent of the final score, the berth holder response is five per cent and the "mystery shops" ten per cent.

In the final "shop", the Port of Dover Marina was given nine out of ten.

Mr Waggott added: "Perhaps the fantastic new waterfront we want to deliver through our plans for the western docks will get us the 'ten' and secure Dover's position as an excellent destination to visit."

Berth holder, Nigel Scutt, said: "The choice of mooring my own boat here in Dover Marina was a simple one. Having been born in Dover, the opportunity to have an annual mooring here was obvious.

"That was more than five years ago and in that time the marina has consistently achieved the Gold Anchor award.

"Now there is even more to look forward to with the advent of a new marina facility and recreational outlets through the Dover Western Docks Revival - which is not only vital for the port, town and its people, but also for berth holders.

"I believe our marina will continue to receive this award and will ultimately receive the full ten out of ten once the development is completed. These are exciting and progressive times for everyone."