The Yacht Harbour Association Executive
The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA), which is one of 23 British Marine associations, supports around 353 UK-based marinas and a further 104 international marinas from 30 countries.
Playing a pivotal role in all aspects of the association’s operation is TYHA Executive, Hayley Cloke, who brought with her a wealth of experience from the hospitality industry when she joined British Marine in June 2019. Initially working part time, her role has significantly developed since then to include a wide variety of responsibilities, from managing key accreditation schemes to organising industry-leading events.
Much of Hayley’s focus lies in co-ordinating three of TYHA’s accreditation schemes: Gold Anchor, Clean Marina and Superyacht Ready, which set the standard for - and form pathways towards - improving facilities and services within marinas around the globe. As the central point of contact for all TYHA scheme operations, Hayley handles everything from enquiries and applications to assigning assessors and managing the process of accreditation, which involves extensive co-ordination and attention to detail.
The Gold Anchor scheme - which enables marinas to achieve recognition for operational excellence - is of particular significance for Hayley, having been her primary responsibility when she first joined TYHA. Drawing on some 16 years of prior experience in managing a 1200-member leisure club for Marriott Hotels, Hayley has ensured an exceptionally high level of customer service in delivering this scheme. Effecting such a direct benefit to marinas – and in turn, their customers - is an aspect of the role that Hayley takes particular pride in.
“This is the part of my job that I feel most supports the marinas operationally. It’s highly rewarding, as I see directly the value it brings to marinas in providing a framework they can use to work towards different levels of accreditation. It’s an area that’s had fantastic uptake and grown from strength to strength, and one I want to continue to grow. Ultimately, I really enjoy looking after our marinas as customers and supporting them to look after their customers, their berth holders and visitors.” she says
Hayley is currently co-ordinating a review of The Gold Anchor scheme. It’s a comprehensive project - involving a lot of early morning zoom calls, as it’s being undertaken in tandem with the Marine Industries Association (MIA), based in Australia, which shares all three of TYHA’s accreditation schemes.
Running alongside this review is a re-write of the TYHA Code of Practice - a substantial industry standard document that outlines recommendations for building and operating marinas. Hayley describes it as a “bible of operational expertise for any marina.”
A re-write is being undertaken in order to ensure that standards and advice are up to date. We want this to reflect the expertise and insights of our members, so we invite you to contribute to the process via this questionnaire.
Hayley is helping to co-ordinate the re-write with support and input from Marina Projects, a global waterfront design and management consultancy, as well as with working groups involving British Marine members. This significant project is already well underway, expected to take 18 months to complete, with publication due in October 2025 in time for launch at the World Marina Conference in Venice.
TYHA runs a busy events calendar for which Hayley is responsible for managing; for example, the biennial TYHA Marina Conference (Thursday 8 May 2025) for British Marine and International members, the aim of which is to improve best practice and marina operations. Hayley also coordinates TYHA’s presence at Southampton International Boat Show, where a joint stand space gives members a cost-effective option to market themselves and network with co-exhibitors; this year, some 19 marinas/suppliers took up the opportunity. Additionally, this year, Hayley has arranged a series of TYHA networking events touring inland marinas, as well as a boat trip up the Medina River on the Isle of Wight for coastal delegates. She says: “These events were very well attended, and it was very rewarding to be able to provide an opportunity for marinas and suppliers to get an insight into the wider industry and to share ideas on best practice.”
Having robust, two-way communications in place also allows Hayley to disseminate industry knowledge to members; for example, from the European Boating Industry body to which TYHA itself has direct membership.
“Recently, it has been particularly important to provide our members with insights into the European boating market in order to help them understand impacts on the UK marina sector and access for boaters to UK.” she says
Hayley also produces TYHA’s ‘Fore & Aft’ magazine – available quarterly to members in both print and digital versions – co-ordinating editorial and advertising content from members. This is an excellent platform to allow members to share knowledge, experience and insights. She also manages communications through social media and oversees the online TYHA website member directory.
Hayley’s role additionally includes supporting TYHA General Manager, Jonathan White, in his work with other bodies - for example, with the Marina Industries Association, ICOMIA and with our GMI joint venture – and in representing TYHA members’ interests, liaising with the TYHA Council and TYHA Board of Directors.
It also requires her to collaborate closely with colleagues in British Marine’s Training department, as TYHA frequently advises on pathways and requirements for marina staff; promoting the benefits of attending courses, such as the Marina Management courses, and working with the MIA and GMI on this area.
Hayley finds the diversity of her role hugely enjoyable: “No two days are the same,” she says. “One day I will be sourcing operational support for a marina; the next I will be advising on a Gold Anchor application.
“Above all, I love the friendliness of this industry - people are always willing to share knowledge and help each other, something which is particularly notable among TYHA members, and which is very different from the competitive environment of hotels."
Hayley’s commitment to TYHA members and the broader marina industry shines through in everything she does. "If I don’t know the answer, I’ll find out," she says.
"That’s where the wider British Marine and our TYHA Council and Board of Directors especially comes in - we have a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw on,
and that’s a huge benefit for our members."
It’s her ability, dedication and passion for supporting marinas across the UK and overseas that have made Hayley an invaluable asset to the association and its members.
To Learn more about The Yacht Harbour Association and how to become a member click here.