YORK Marina has been named Inland Marina of the Year.
The award was given at the 2026 Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) marina of the year awards, held during the Southampton International Boat Show.
The awards, sponsored by Haven-Knox Johnston, are highly regarded within the leisure marine industry as winners are chosen through votes cast directly by boaters and marina customers.
Richard Bleakley, marina manager, said: "I was stunned by the win, to be honest.
"We were hoping to make the top three this year, so when they announced the runners-up and our name wasn’t called, Phil and I exchanged a side eye, thinking we’d missed out.
"When we were announced as the overall winners, we both choked up a bit – we couldn’t believe it.
"Phil and I have worked together for 17 years now, so sharing that moment was incredibly special.
"The whole team loves working at the marina, and everyone has worked so hard to keep pushing our standards higher every year.
"Accepting the award alongside our industry peers was an amazing feeling, especially knowing that, for the first time in history, we’re bringing this trophy home to the North."
Members of the marina team enjoying a celebratory cake back at the office (left to right Michael Clark, Debbie Morton-Boyes, Gemma Dale and Phil Robinson) (Image: Contributed)
York Marina, located in the village of Naburn, is a family-owned and operated facility offering 300 berths.
Owned by the Bleakley family since 2006, the marina has seen continuous investment in modernisation and sustainability.
A new riverside conservatory has also been added to the Waterfront Café Bar, offering year-round views of the river.
Gemma Dale back at the marina with her special mention award (Image: Contributed)
Long-serving team member Gemma, who has been with the marina since 2011, received a Special Mention in the Marina Employee of the Year category.
Jon White, general manager at The Yacht Harbour Association, said: "What makes these awards so meaningful is that they begin with the experiences of boaters.
"Their votes and comments recognise the welcome, care and attention to detail that marina teams deliver throughout the year.
"Congratulations to every winner and finalist and thank you to everyone who took the time to celebrate the people and places that make their time on the water better."
York Marina secured the top spot in a competitive category, with Shepperton Marina named runner-up and Overwater Marina taking third place in the 2026 national rankings.