Former Clipper skipper joins Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour as moorings manager
Rupert Parkhouse has joined the Beaulieu River team as the new moorings manager for Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour. Parkhouse brings more than 30 years of experience in the marine industry, having previously worked as a skipper of offshore windfarm support vessels operating in the North Sea.
Parkhouse, from Lymington, skippered an ocean racing yacht during the 2002 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and has held positions as captain of various superyachts. His maritime career began at 16 as a dinghy instructor.
Parkhouse says: “The Beaulieu River is a beautiful place to work. I have spent my entire career at sea and look forward to bringing that experience to deliver the best service for customers, who can find me in the harbour office for enquiries or a chat.”
He holds a Master certificate from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and has also worked as a Yachtmaster instructor and examiner. In his spare time, he sails his classic motorboat.
Harbour master Wendy Stowe says: “With his extensive experience, Rupert is a great addition to our Beaulieu River team who can use his vast boating knowledge to help customers.”
Parkhouse succeeds Jane Paull, who has recently retired. His appointment coincides with the completion of the redevelopment of the boatshed at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour. New waterfront offices and workshops, offering panoramic river views, are scheduled to open for the summer season.
The redevelopment includes a new marina shop and chandlery, and the £2m project will expand the range of available food and drink, gifts and boating supplies. The marina says its new facilities aim to attract marine-based businesses interested in relocating to the site.
The marina accommodates 200 fully-serviced walk-ashore pontoon berths and 300 river moorings, and receives more than 10,000 visitor stays each year.
Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour received the Marina of the Year title in British Yachting’s 2022 awards and was runner-up in TYHA’s Coastal Marina of the Year (over 250 berths) category in 2024.
