Swanwick Marina Berth Holders' Association

Swanwick Marina on the River Hamble, is pleased to be working alongside the RYA to help support berth holders in the creation of a Berth Holders' Association for the Marina.

Why set up a berth holders' association?

Berth Holders' Associations are not a new phenomenon. Encouraged by the RYA and supported by many marina groups (including Premier Marinas), they are now quite a common feature.

Experience has shown that they offer a means of communication between users and providers that can be of benefit to all - and perhaps more importantly - they offer a channel for improved communication amongst the marina community in terms of organising social and cruising events for example.

Examples of other Berth Holders' Association achievements include:

• Improved marina security through the introduction fo Association "Pontoon Watch" schemes
• Local supplier discounts for Association members
• Organising cruising and social events
• Organising lectures and demonstrations
• Advising operators on priorities for improving facilities
• Maintaining discussions on how to increase value for money for berthing and facilities.
   

Proposal to set up a Berth Holders' association at Swanwick Marina

With support from Glyn Davis, the marina manager, Peter Waring, a consultant from the RYA was invited to discuss the establishment of an association here at Swanwick Marina. At that meeting, 27 berth holders expressed an interest in setting up an association and a small number of volunteers from that group offered to act as a steering committee to develop draft documentation and promote the idea further. Using materials provided by the RYA, they produced the following:

• A rationale that identifies the benefits of setting up an association
• A draft set of "Rules" (to be further developed/revised if the idea becomes a reality)
• A form for berth holders to register an interest and recruit committee members
• Proposals and an agenda for an inaugral meeting at which, if interest is sufficient, the Swanwick Marina Berth Holders' Association can be founded
   

Copies of all the available draft documents can be accessed via the links above or obtained from the marina office. For more details about the Association and to read about how you can become a member, visit www.smbha.org.uk