The Gold Anchor Award Scheme, brought to all boat owners by The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) has scooped the prestigious Practical Boat Owner (PBO) Green Initiative of the Year Award.

The PBO award aims to recognise marine businesses and individuals who have taken steps to make the leisure boat industry more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Since the Gold Anchor Award scheme re-launched in May 2011, it has taken a fundamental change in direction from assessing technical standards to focusing on customer services and facilities.

“We are absolutely delighted to receive this award.” said TYHA General Manager Gareth Turnbull. “I believe that good environmental practice should be a way of life for modern businesses and so any marina which is Gold Anchor accredited must show that they take care of the basics by managing waste properly and by putting an environmental plan in place with the help of organisations like The Green Blue.”

The Green Initiative of the Year Award was presented to TYHA Chairman Julian Goldie by PBO Editor Sarah Norbury at the PSP Southampton Boat Show.

The assessment criteria and details of any marinas in the scheme can be found at www.which-marina.com.