Open weekend will celebrate new chandlery at Buckler’s Hard

Following the official opening of the new chandlery at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour by Lord Montagu on 31 March, family-owned BHG Service will hold a celebratory open weekend on 1–2 April.

Visitors will be invited to join tours on board Gipsy Moth IV on Saturday 1 April. The yacht made history 50 years ago when Sir Francis Chichester became the first sailor to single-handedly circumnavigate the globe.

There will also be rescue boats from the RNLI and Hampshire Marine Police on view. The RNLI will also offer free lifejacket servicing, HM Coastguard will be available to answer safety questions and Ocean Safety of Southampton will collect and dispose of out-of-date flares, which are handed in at the event when purchasing replacements.

A BBQ and refreshments will be served from noon to 3pm on both days.

Lord Montagu said, “I am delighted that BHG have agreed to take on the running of the chandlery; they have an excellent track record and I have no doubt the services they provide from the boatyard building will be of great use to our mooring holders and visitors to the river.”

Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour was recently named as ‘one of the most desired locations’ on ‘one of the most picturesque rivers in the UK’ by the assessor for its top-rating 5 Gold Anchors award. Harbour Master Wendy Stowe was also praised for her management since taking over her role last year.

The Beaulieu River is one of only a few privately-owned rivers in the world and has remained an unspoilt haven, which is rich in wildlife and history in the heart of the New Forest National Park. Four centuries of custodianship by the forebears of Lord Montagu has prevented riverside development and the number of moorings have been carefully controlled.

The new chandlery will be open seven days a week selling a range of rope, hardware, Calor and Camping Gas, provisions, outboards, dinghies and canoes.