Mike Nicholls and Wendy Stowe
One of Britain’s first female harbour masters has been appointed to run the Beaulieu River, taking over from Mike Nicholls who retired at the end of March after 42 years 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.
Wendy (aged 42), is the first female harbour master at Beaulieu and one of only a handful in the country. She is a keen sailor and races yachts in her spare time. She 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 he was delighted to welcome Wendy to her role and grateful to Mike for so many years at the helm.
Mike is a professional skipper with more than 40 years experience on the river. Ten of those 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 will be to oversee changes at Buckler’s Hard Boatyard, which came 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.
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.
Situated in the heart of the New Forest National Park, it has a coveted top rating of five Gold Anchors and has 115 marina berths, over 300 moorings and a boat park with slipway.
For further information on the Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour, visit www.beaulieuriver.co.uk
