Carrickfergus marina, on the north shore of Belfast Lough, has been awarded a 5 Gold Anchor award – the highest standard achievable.

The judging criteria included not only infrastructure, investment and facilities but also quality of customer care, contribution of major international events and youth training, all in a safe and healthy environment.

The Gold Anchor award scheme has been established to improve the standards of facilities available to all boat owners, and ranges from 3 to 5 Gold Anchors. Any award is a sign of a quality marina, while the number of anchors indicates the level of the facilities available.