Beaulieu River appoints one of the first female Harbour Masters

Harbour Masters Mike Nicholls and Wendy Stowe © Beaulieu River

One of Britain's first female Harbour Masters has been appointed to run the Beaulieu River, taking over from Mike Nicholls who is retiring after 42 years of working for the estate.

Wendy Stowe, who was previously Deputy Harbour Master on the River Hamble, will manage the river and marina with a team of staff and take responsibility for all activities on the privately owned estuary, which is one of only a few in the world.

Four centuries of custodianship by the forebears of Lord Montagu have ensured that the Beaulieu River remains an unspoilt haven which is rich in wildlife and history and where riverside development and the number of moorings at Buckler's Hard Yacht Harbour are carefully controlled.

Wendy (aged 42), who is a keen sailor and races yachts in her spare time, said: "I am privileged to live and work in such a stunning location and to manage the beautiful Beaulieu River.

"My challenge will be to keep pace with modern demands which make it a popular boating destination, while keeping its natural charm and unique character."

Russell Bowman, Managing Director for the Beaulieu River, said: "We are delighted to welcome our new Harbour Master to her role and grateful to Mike for so many years at the helm. The Beaulieu River is one of the most picturesque locations on the south coast and its award-winning yacht harbour has a long track record of giving a very personal and outstanding service to its customers which we will continue to build on in the future."

Mike Nicholls, who retires at the end of March, is a professional skipper with more than 40 years of experience on the river which is considered the gem of the Solent, close to the sailing centres of Cowes, Lymington and Hamble. Ten of those years have been as the Beaulieu River's Harbour Master from its mouth at Lepe to Mill Dam at Beaulieu, bordering the edge of the Beaulieu Estate.

One of Wendy's first tasks in her new role will be to oversee changes at Buckler's Hard Boatyard which have come under Beaulieu River management from the start of March. The Harbour Master's staff will be running lift out and storage services at the boatyard in future.

Buckler's Hard Yacht Harbour, in the heart of the New Forest National Park, has a coveted top rating of five Gold Anchors. With 115 marina berths, over 300 moorings and a boat park with slipway, this is a fully serviced marina offering a boatyard, fuel and valet service with provisions on sale for the convenience of mooring holders and visitors. For further information on the Buckler's Hard Yacht Harbour, visit www.beaulieuriver.co.uk