Europe’s largest marina operator, MDL Marinas has launched a new summer campaign to celebrate the best of the boating season with help from the UK’s leading single-handed offshore sailor Mike Golding.

Round the world sailor Mike Golding and MDL Ocean Village Site Supervisor Paul Atkins share their summer moments and join the online community @MDLSummer and on Facebook (2)

Golding, who has offices and berths his IMOCA Open 60 at Ocean Village Marina in Southampton, is joining MDL to help encourage boaters to share their favourite summer moments on and off the water through Twitter and Facebook.

Those who follow @MDLSummer on Twitter and like ‘Summertime at MDL Marinas’ on Facebook will also receive access to exclusive offers and discounts as well as be informed about regular competitions.

Currently preparing for the 2012 Vendee Globe,  the solo, non-stop around the world  race, Golding splits his time between managing the his sailing business and team, working with sponsors and competing in high profile yacht racing events.

Golding said: “Leisure time is really at a premium for me so it’s important to arrange family time well in advance.  I use Twitter and Facebook for recommendations on the best restaurants, family activities or places to travel and now I plan to join the online community around Ocean Village this summer to both share my plans on and off the water as well as her what others in our community are up to.”

Golding and MDL are encouraging people to share their sundowner moments on board, fun afloat in the sunshine or destination reviews.  Through Facebook and Twitter communities, MDL will build a story book of tips and recommendations for other boaters to enjoy.

MDL’s Facebook and Twitter pages, will enable people to upload photos, videos, tips, destination reviews and share how they relax onboard, the best place to have a coffee, or a stunning view from their boat. 

Dean Smith, Sales and Marketing Director at MDL Marinas, commented: “Many special times for people are created on board their boats or visiting new places when cruising around our spectacular coastline.  We want people to share these moments with fellow boaters to inspire others to try somewhere new or to just celebrate our wonderful summer pastime with others.”