Rhu Marina On The Firth Of Clyde Is To Get £1.4 Improvement

RHU Marina on the Firth of Clyde, Scotland, is to be transformed with a £1.4m investment by owners The Crown Estate.

In a statement issued this week the company said: "The Crown Estate is pleased to announce that it is making a significant financial investment of £1.4 million in Rhu Marina on the Firth of Clyde. By early 2011 the sailing community will benefit from a safer and all year around marina in one of the finest sailing areas in the world."

The existing floating breakwaters system is to be replaced, providing greater all round shelter to the marina. And the improvements will also include 58 new berths, increasing the total number of berths to 240.

But that is just the start, Mr Haigh, Managing Director of Quay Marinas Limited, added: "We are also keen to look further into improving the onshore marina facilities to provide a first class marina facility that caters for the future needs of our customers. Architects have now been appointed to take forward the master planning and design of the shore-side improvements."

And the news has been greeted with enthusiasm by Rhu councillor Provost Billy Petrie who said: "This is wonderful news. A revamped marina and the Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club both in Rhu will put the village right at the top of the yachting map. This is already one of the principal marinas on the Clyde and this can only take it further.

The Crown Estate purchased Rhu, one of Scotland's best known marinas, in April 2008 for £4 million. The site includes moorings, boat storage areas, marine workshops and a chandlery, as well as the RNLI station with slipway and HM Coastguard.

The marina has been leased to Quay Marinas since 2008, who also lease Deganwy marina in north Wales from The Crown Estate.

Source Helensburgh Advertiser.