Weymouth Harbour has seen a 13 per cent increase in visiting yacht nights from April until the end of August.

The harbour clocked up 4,807 visitor nights during the period but moorings and berths continue to have vacancies.

A report to the Dorset Council harbours committee this week says 294 of the 411 inner harbour marina berth were occupied at the end of the period and 82 of the 106 commercial berths. All but one of the 30 chain and sinker moorings were in use.

“The financial performance of the harbour over the last two years has been strong and this continues in this financial year.  Income is showing a favourable position and there has been an increase in visiting vessels and annual moorings,” said the harbour master Keith Howorth in his report to councillors.

The harbour’s predicted revenue for the year, at £1.13 million looked likely to be exceeded if current trends continue by about £10,000 – however the harbour master reports that commercial vessel income is down and the Waverley and some tall ships cancelled visits during the year.

The report also notes that the 2019 engineering inspection has been completed and no significant concerns raised.