Hurricane Hole Marina

Hurricane Hole Marina is a protective harbor, and it’s about to become part of a synergistic waterfront community.

Just over 50 years ago, the iconic Paradise Island was largely an undeveloped private island known as Hog Island. The name change was no accident, as it reflected a development vision for the five-mile-long barrier island that encloses the historic Nassau Harbour.

The setting was sublime. White-sand beaches run along the entire north shore of the island, the southern, harbor-facing side has a long-standing reputation as a boater’s haven and the island’s proximity to the mainland is so close that it was easy to envision bridges connecting the island to the capital, Nassau.

How We Got Here

Bit by bit, developer by developer, the vision of a vacation paradise manifested itself on Paradise Island. Today, the upscale resort and residential community account for a lion’s share of the tourism economy in The Bahamas, in large part due to the success of the oceanside resort Atlantis, Paradise Island.

Homeowners and guests on the island have some 30 restaurants to choose from, an 18-hole, par 72 championship course, one of the largest casinos in the region, along with luxury shopping, nightlife, entertainment, and outdoor adventure.

Like this? Here’s more on a Changing Nassau

With all that Paradise Island has going for it, what more could a $300 million investment do that has not been done already? A whole lot, according to the development plans for Hurricane Hole, the legendary marina property that has always been a starring character in the Nassau boating scene.

Hurricane Hole

For the majority of its more than 50-year history, the most prestigious yachts cruising through The Bahamas have clamored for a spot at Hurricane Hole Marina. Before the Atlantis Marina opened in 1996 or the more recent Bay Street Marina, Hurricane Hole was the only transient marina in Nassau Harbour that could accommodate large yachts.

In the next few months, the marina is expected to undergo $12 million in renovations that will increase its dock space from 3,500 to 5,500 linear feet, add concrete floating docks with slips up to 500 feet, create a minimum 12-foot depth throughout the marina, and significantly expand the service offerings with a new fitness center, lounge and laundry for boat owners and their crew. Renovations are planned for completion by fall 2020.

On their own, these long-desired changes are expected to receive a warm welcome from the boating community, but they pale in significance to the broader development plans for the 13-acre property, which is not just about renovating a marina. The developers, Sterling Global Financial, intend to create an entire waterfront living environment unique to Paradise Island and The Bahamas that represents “the ultimate place for boats to visit and for those who love to be around boats to live.” It is planned to flawlessly integrate the convenience and connectivity of city living with the best of yachting life and the supreme quality of island living.

Where it Goes

That means a mixed-use development with luxury condominiums, workspaces and waterfront restaurants gazing over a legendary marina. That means urban conveniences not currently available on Paradise Island, including a gourmet grocery store, medical clinic, pharmacy, dry cleaner, liquor, and wine store, and hair and nail salon located on the property and all within easy walking distance. To complete the convergence of the sea, the city and the island ethos, there’s the actual location.

“We have one of the best addresses in the world,” says Khaalis Rolle, senior
executive vice president of Sterling Global Financial. “It is the last great piece of real estate for a mixed-use development on Paradise Island. This will not only be a transformation of Paradise Island but a completion, as we are adding everything that doesn’t currently exist to make it a livable community.”

Bill Green, president of Sterling Global Developments, describes the vision for Hurricane Hole as “urban connected, downtown living on the Paradise Island waterfront.” In fact, the developers are hoping to popularize the notion that the new Hurricane Hole represents downtown Paradise Island.

The property is 13-acres large, which seems small in real terms for downtown, but given the fact that Paradise Island is only five miles long, the notion is certainly plausible. The property will “not have a wall around it,” says Green about the public gathering spaces and pedestrian areas. “It is intended to be synergistic” with the neighboring environs, particularly the Atlantis Marina Village, which is a marina-facing promenade of restaurants, cafes and retail shops with a distinctly Bahamian cultural aesthetic.

What’s Ahead

The new development broke ground in January, and the residential units for the first condominium complex were released for sale in March. Overall occupancy is expected by early 2021.

The first phase in the development features Sterling Commons, a three-story, mixed-use residential and commercial property with 12 exclusive, top-level residential lofts, and a standalone grocery store. The second phase will feature One Paradise Island, a residential complex with two, seven-story sister buildings and two standalone waterfront restaurants. Future phases will bring additional residential condominiums.

Sterling Global is not new to real estate development in The Bahamas. The international financial services company, with nearly $10 billion under its administration and management, financed the Courtyard Marriott resort redevelopment in downtown Nassau and Ocean Terraces on West Bay Street. They are also in the process of developing Beach House Villas, also on Paradise Island, and are considering major Family Island developments on Matt Lowe’s Cay, Abaco and at Sky Beach, Eleuthera.

True Paradise

When the development is complete, Hurricane Hole will be more than its name implies. It will complete the island’s role as a yachting destination and provide a place where yachts, owners, families, and guests can tuck in for a time and enjoy paradise.

By Noelle Nicolls, Southern Boating May 2019

Marigot Bay Marina, St. Lucia

Marigot Bay Marina

While most marinas must prepare for hurricanes, tropical storms, and other weather hazards, Marigot Bay Marina in St. Lucia does not.

Bob Hathaway, marina manager for 6 years, says not even “Christmas winds” affect them at Marigot Bay. “The level of wind shelter is extraordinary regardless of wind direction.” It is a natural harbor that has never been dredged. In fact, Marigot Bay dredges itself. “The main entrance channel and berth approach have never been dredged,” Hathaway explains. “And it maintains its depth even clearing away silt after heavy rainfall.”

The reefs on either side of the marina’s entrance—as well as the sand spit that protects the inner lagoon—protect it from swells and surges. “While other southern Caribbean marinas may have to clear out large boats if there is a storm warning, we do not,” Hathaway says.

The Marina at Marigot Bay has deeper water than most other Caribbean marinas, with about 700 feet (218 meters) of the stern to dock. There are also some finger piers at the eastern end. The berthing allowances are as follows:

Max LOA: 250’
Max Draft: 15’
Max Beam: 44’

Marigot is said to be the original yachting base in Saint Lucia. The Canadian schooner, Captain Walter Boudreau, brought his 140-foot craft to Marigot in the late 1950s, which is when the industry started, according to Hathaway.

Hurricane Hole Restaurant at Marigot Bay Resort & Marina

Easter and Passover occur the third week of April and make a doubly good reason to
cruise south for a spring break holiday.

No Caribbean marina may be more delicious to dock at than the Marigot Bay Resort & Marina in St. Lucia. Every yacht 80-foot LOA or larger is greeted with a bouquet of flowers, local Piton beer, and freshly baked cookies compliments of the resort’s executive chef.

What’s more, the year-old Hurricane Hole restaurant offers farm-to-fork dining. Start your day with a US$15 Creole breakfast that features stewed codfish or smoked herring, St. Lucian bakes with banana jam, pickled local cucumber, and cocoa tea made with island-grown cocoa.

The 42-slip Marigot Bay Marina handles yachts up to 280-feet LOA and makes a great jumping off point to explore St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the south or the French island of Martinique to the north. The Marina Village oers several shops, including a full provisioning service by advance order, so it’s possible to leave with as good a taste as on arrival.

They are located only yards away from the Discover Hotel, which has their own dedicated entrance to the Hurricane Hole Bar, pools, spa, gym, and the Boudreau Restaurant, named after the Canadian schooner. (Marina guests have access to these facilities.) The Marina has its own dedicated Marina Village with a variety of shopping options, including a supermarket, bank and crew café. “Marigot Bay has all the facilities that any yacht can need. The setting, especially as viewed from the yacht, is completely unspoiled and is more reminiscent of a Pacific Island than the Caribbean,” says Hathaway.

Provisions:

• Complimentary WiFi and high-speed Internet connection
• High-speed fueling: diesel and gasoline
• Garbage disposal
• Liquor and food provisioning supermarket in The Marina Village
• Floral arrangements
• High-end boutiques for shopping in The Marina Village
• Bank and ATM
• Business Centre: FedEx, car rental, travel agency
• Chandlery Shop
• CCTV surveillance and 24-hour security
• Airport transfers (Vigie – 25 mins & Hewanorra Int’l – 1 hour)

Shore Power:

Berths are supplied with single and three phase electricity:
• 380V 3 Phase (50Hz) (100, 125 or 200 amps per outlet)
• 220V / 110V Single Phase electricity (50/60 Hz) (30, 50 or 100 amps per outlet)

Information:

Marigot Bay Marina Resort
P.O. Box MG7230
Marigot Bay
Castries, Saint Lucia, WI
(758) 451-4275
manager@marigotbaymarina.com
marigotbayresort.com

By Erin Brennan, Southern Boating April 2019

Glossy Bay Marina opens in Canouan

A new megayacht marina opens in Canouan

Exploring the Grenadines just got easier with the recent opening of the Glossy Bay Marina. The $250 million facility in Canouan, backed by billionaire Irish ﬁnancier Dermot Desmond, boasts 120 slips and 24 superyacht berths. There’s also in-slip water, electricity and high-speed Internet, and on-property backup power plant, waste water treatment, and fuel station. According to Marina Manager Bob Hathaway, construction on a marina plaza—with restaurants, bars, and boutiques—will open by the end of 2017.

glossybay.com

Carol Bareuther, Southern Boating August 2017

Fuel-Up at Joppatowne Marina

Boats are back and fuel is available in the Gunpowder River area now that the Joppatowne Marina, formerly Gunpowder Cove Marina, has opened under new ownership. Barb and Mark Gorrera have reopened the upper Chesapeake Bay marina with a familiar general manager running the show, Don Rogers, who worked more than 40 years for the former marina.

The marina has 245 wet slips (10 transient slips) and approximately 500 high-and-dry slips that can accommodate boats up to 40 feet. Mariners must pass under a railroad bridge to get there, which has a clearance of 12 to 14 feet with normal tides. The approach and dockside depth is around five feet.

—By Christopher Knauss, Southern Boating Magazine April 2017

Boatel on the Narrows

A full-service boatel that houses approximately 400 boats is planned for 7.5 acres on the northwest quadrant of Kent Narrows, Maryland, according to meeting minutes of the Kent Narrows Development Foundation. The boatel’s website states that it will open next fall.

The indoor boat storage facility (boatel) will be 55 feet tall and include a restaurant. A ship’s store, concierge service and boat rentals are also planned components of the project. The site was previously approved for a 49-unit condo building. Thankfully, that has been nixed for a much-needed facility that should fill up quickly. The developers also intend to provide public access to the waterfront with a boardwalk or deck, which will fulfill a public amenities requirement. The haul-out and splash area will be on the north portion of the property.

The boatel will store outboard and inboard-powered boats with a LOA of up to 34 feet, a beam of up to 11 feet and a max height of 14 feet. Boat rentals are planned for Sea Hunt center consoles and Hurricane deck boats by the hour, day or weekend. The facility will be open from 7AM to 6PM in season. kentnarrowsmarine.com

Virtual rivers

If you’d like to see what a Chesapeake Bay tributary looks like before you actually take a boat there, you can do that now thanks to the Chesapeake Conservancy and Terrain360. The goal of their partnership is to bring virtual tours of the entire Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail to your computer or mobile device.

Richmond-based Terrain360 built and operates a boat equipped with six cameras mounted 10 feet above the water’s surface to capture high-resolution, 360-degree images every 50 feet. The images are then stitched together to create a digital image map of an entire river.

Virtual tours already completed include the Nanticoke River, the Susquehanna, the James, the Rappahannock, and the Patapsco (including Baltimore’s Inner Harbor). Tours of the Elk, Northeast and Sassafras are scheduled to be completed this year. Links to the tours are available when you scroll down on the home page of the conservancy’s website chesapeakeconservancy.org.

Pump it out

Recent accounts indicate the overall health of the Chesapeake is slowly improving thanks to collective efforts of individuals and organizations within the watershed. One such effort is coming from the Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy, which teamed with government agencies to operate a pump-out boat on the Miles and Wye rivers this past year.

In May 2016, the conservancy, with funding from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in conjunction with the Clean Vessel Act administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, began operating a 22-foot pump-out boat for the two mid-Chesapeake rivers. In its first season, which concluded in October, the boat pumped over 8,500 gallons of waste from almost 350 boats.

The pump-out boat is the first of its kind on Maryland’s eastern shore and enables cruisers to conveniently and properly dispose of waste rather than discharging harmful pollutants into waterways. The free service is much needed since there are no pump-out services on the Wye and few on the well-travelled Miles. The boat’s operators can be reached on VHF Channel 9 or by mobile phone at (410) 829-4352.

By Christopher Knauss, Southern Boating Magazine February 2017

Marina Palms Yacht Club & Residences, North Miami Beach, FL

The all-new, full-service marina at Marina Palms Yacht Club & Residences is now open and features brand new construction at a prime location on the ICW in North Miami Beach, Florida. Designed for vessels up to 100 feet LOA, the marina and private boat club allow residents to experience the benefits of a waterfront lifestyle. The property’s former marina built on the shores of Maule Lake was a popular boating destination in the 1970s and 80s, but the facility fell into disrepair until 2013 when crew started clearing the marina basin for a current depth of 9′ to 12′. The dock system features two fixed dock fingers that flank the north and south side of the marina and a floating dock spine that cuts down the center of the basin. All 112 slips have electricity and fiber optic cabling for voice, data and high speed Internet. The fuel station and high-speed dispensers are fed from two 12,000-gallon tanks providing both diesel and gasoline service. A fulltime dock master, dockhands and a yacht concierge will arrange for vessel cleaning, maintenance, provision, and even plan entertainment for yacht owners. The marina is the centerpiece of Marina Yacht Club & Residences, a development that features two, 25-story condominium towers with 468 units. marinapalms.com

By Nathalie Gouillou, Southern Exposure May 2016

Anguilla’s Altamer Resort

First megayacht resort to come

Altamer Resort, a collection of beachfront boutique villas on Anguilla’s Shoal Bay West is set to get a megayacht marina. New York-based real-estate development firm Time Equities, which acquired Altamer Resort in 2014 announced plans for an expansion of the resort including a megayacht marina complex, which will be the first marina resort built in Anguilla with the highest level of concierge services. The marina will also serve as an official port of entry to the island, with 30 percent of its berths designed to accept yachts stretching between 30 and 200 feet. The new facility is slated to include a 164-unit resort, in addition to duty-free retail shops and a restaurant promenade. Time Equities is partnering with Anaconda Holdings and Cross Island Development to bring its plans to fruition.

“For nearly a decade, Altamer Resort has offered the finest world-class hospitality experience on Anguilla, and we are certain that with the involvement of Jeff Boyd, Chairman of Anaconda LTD/Marine Management and Consulting, along with Cross Island Development, we will collectively enhance that reputation,” said Francis Greenburger, chairman and CEO of Time Equities, Inc. “Altamer Marina will rival some of the most renowned facilities in the region and will not only position Anguilla as a choice destination among the luxury yachting community, but will meet the rising yachting, shopping and dining demands of high net worth individuals.”

Anaconda LTD and Cross Island Development have strong backgrounds in designing and building luxury yachting destinations such as The Yacht Club at Isle de Sol and Port de Plaisance in St. Maarten, in addition to Yacht Haven Grand in St. Thomas.

“We welcome this marina development project as an important enhancement of Anguilla’s tourism product. It is just what the doctor ordered,” said Anguilla Chief Minister Victor F. Banks. villaaltamer.com

Southern Exposure Q&A: Jerry Cash, Marina Manager, The Boathouse at Harbor Club Marina

Jerry Cash, 31, an Iraq war veteran, took over as marina manager at The Boathouse at Harbor Club in Greensboro, Georgia. Thankful for the opportunity the marine industry offered him upon his return from Iraq, Cash works tirelessly to get the new marina up and running with principles that were instilled into him during his time in the military—strive for the best and get the job done, no matter what.

SB: Tell me about what you’re doing now.
JC: What I’m trying to implement is an all-inclusive dry storage facility and marina, where customers can come and not have to worry about service, maintenance or anything in regards with their boat. I want them to come out, call in their boat, leave, go out, enjoy their day, then come back and drop it off. So that’s something that I’m pushing to do, such as getting a mechanic on hand . . . that’s one of my main goals here at the Boathouse.

This is a new marina; they completed construction last year. I believe it used to be like a campsite from what I heard, and a hangout spot for a lot of old timers. The restaurant was redone, gas pumps were added and the dry storage was built. But when I came on board in August, nothing really had been implemented [as far as logistics and the creation of the all-inclusive facility]. We don’t have a [forklift] so I had a special trailer made, where we can move the boat from dry storage to the water. It’s actually safer believe it or not because you’re not traveling with the boat on the forklift, it’s sitting on the trailer. I got the idea from one of the other facilities I worked at, so I kind of took some dimensions and had it made for me.

The Boathouse at The Harbor Club in Greensboro, GA.

SB: How important is it for you to be able to implement that kind of all-inclusive service?
JC: That’s what boating is all about, your only concern should be getting here and to the boat, you shouldn’t have to worry about scheduling maintenance or details such as shrink wrap. . . . I just want to be a full service where customers just show up and get on the boat. I think it’s important to shoot for, customers are paying for storage and other amenities, so I want that to be the main focus of this marina.

I’m in the process of working out the maintenance, of determining whether I’m going to work something out with the local maintenance shop, where the customer can let me or one of my guys know that their boat needs to be serviced, or have someone on hand, maybe someone who’s versatile and can help dock the boats and do maintenance work . . . but shrink wrap and anything else to get the boat ready for winter, that’s something I can handle.

SB: What do you like most about your job?
JC: I like dealing with the customers, I like seeing them have fun while they’re out there. And at a marina, day-to-day operations are never the same, so it’s always a surprise coming in. New issues pop up. It never gets boring. There’s always something new to look forward to.

One of the boat lift at The Boathouse at The Harbor Club.

SB: Tell us about your background, where you’re from.
JC: I was born in Gardena, California, and I was raised in South East Los Angeles. After high school I joined the army and spent three years in service including a tour in Iraq. I was in Iraq from ’05 to ’06. I got back from Iraq in April and then got out at the end of that month. I was stationed in Fort Stewart, right outside of Savannah, Georgia. I had some family members, who moved from California to Woodstock, and I like Georgia, the slow pace, a lot slower than California and less expensive, so I just decided to stay out here.

SB: Is there anything you’ve learned while you were in the military that you still use in your day-to-day activities?
JC: Getting the job done. In the military if you’re handed an assignment it is your obligation to complete it, and I think that carries well to your work life. You start out with an idea and you pursue it until you get it done, just get the job done, see the task through. I think that’s one of the biggest things I took from the military. In the military you have to finish, you don’t have an option. Today for example I have a job, I know I could stretch out [my task] but that’s not part of me, so I get the job done, whatever it is.

SB: Did you grow up with a passion for the ocean, fishing, boating? How did that come about?
JC: Believe it or not I just kind of fell into it. I do have a degree in Information Technology, but when I got out of the military I was just job hunting and I started off part time at Little River Marina [in Lake Allatoona, Georgia] and just moved up the chain from there. Prior to that I had actually no experience with boats at all; I’d never been on a boat. Little River Marina offered me a part time position so I took it. At the time I had just gotten married so I needed an income. I started part time there, and I was doing construction. Eventually I was offered full time. I was there for about eight years. Before I left I got promoted to assistant manager, but prior to that I was operations manager.

SB: When was the first time you went on a boat?
JC: It was a few years when I was in Little River until I was able to take out a rental. It was a pontoon, a Harris float boat. I went out a little bit with one of the older guys who lived in the apartment complex I lived in. We did a little fishing with no luck; we didn’t catch anything, but it was a blast for the first time.

SB: Do you go boating more often now?
JC: Believe it or not, I don’t get out on the lake as much, but my experience with boats is plentiful, I tow boats daily, drive… I can drive just about any boats. I don’t get out as much as you would think working at a marina. I spend most of my time helping out customers making sure things are the way there’re supposed to be at the marina. Making sure people are having a good time on their boat, that’s my purpose.

SB: Would you want to own a boat?
JC: I do, definitely. Just a little 20-foot bowrider would be perfect for me and my little family; I have a 4-year-old daughter.

SB: Where do you see yourself in a few years from now?
JC: The marine industry has treated me pretty well, and I’ve developed a knack for it, so I think I will continue. I don’t know which avenue in the marine industry I’d like to pursue next, but I can definitely see myself sticking with it.

By Nathalie Gouillou, Southern Exposure, December 2015

ONE°15 Brooklyn Marina, Brooklyn, New York

Located in the heart of Brooklyn Bridge Park between Piers 4 & 5, ONE°15 Brooklyn Marina, the newest marina in New York City, New York, is under construction with new docks being anchored and a state-of-the-art wave attenuation system now in place. Construction is set for a fall completion and a grand opening anticipated for spring 2016.

The marina will accommodate boats from 16′ to 250′ for seasonal docking, a sail club and school, and a members-only harbor club.

The new marina will be the first to be built in New York Harbor in 20 years. Arthur Tay, chairman of the SUTL Group, is the visionary behind the ONE°15 Brooklyn Marina brand, whose expertise and experience earned ONE°15 Marina Club Singapore the title of Best Marina and Yacht Club in Asia in 2009 and again from 2012 to 2014. “Boating and the water have long been passions of mine, and I recognized an opportunity in Singapore to bring the water and that lifestyle to a wider audience,” said Tay. “As we looked to expand the brand into international destinations we identified the perfect opportunity in Brooklyn, with the vibrant, lush public spaces of Brooklyn Bridge Park, Manhattan skyline backdrop and open water. Boaters and water enthusiasts from around the corner and around the world will feel at home at ONE°15 Brooklyn Marina.”

The marina will bring a state-of-the-art wave attenuation from a 17-foot-wide Marinetek concrete breakwater to New York’s busy waterfront. The marina will use 40 percent translucent decking materials to support the New York Harbor’s goal to reestablish a habitat for prey fish. With onsite amenities, concierge and top-notch security measures, the marina will offer 102 slips/berths.

Amenities:
• 102 slips/berths
• Docking for boats 16′ to 250′ in length
• Water, marine grade power and wireless internet to every slip
• Vessel maintenance assistance
• Sanitary pump-out facilities
• Concierge
• 24-hour security and gated access
• Dock master office with restrooms and showers
• Community dock
• Kayak spaces, kayaking instructions and small protected beginner basin
• Sail Club
• Sailing School

Contact:
ONE°15 Brooklyn Marina
Pier 5 (end of Joralemon Street) Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn, NY 11201
One15brooklynmarina.com

By Nathalie Gouillou, Southern Exposure

Lamb’s Yacht Center, Jacksonville, Florida

Located on the Ortega River in Jacksonville, Florida, Lamb’s Yacht Center began in 1936 and, with the exception of the past 12 years, has been owned and operated by the Lamb family. The marina is now back with the Lambs who are proud to call it their own again. PeggySue Lamb Williams recently re-purchased the marina and is now hard at work along with her three daughters and staff to reawaken the marine center and operate the family-founded marina in the “good old-fashioned way,” she says it was always known for.

Lamb’s Yacht Center offers 242 wet slips accommodating 15-foot to 90-foot boats, transient docking for up to 120-foot, as well as a covered and uncovered storage facility. The marina also provides a full service department boasting a 100 metric ton lift to accommodate haul-out and bottom jobs for all makes and models. Their service department is comprised of skilled painters, experienced mechanical repairmen and repower experts, as well as talented carpenters who can perform repairs both large and small—they can also provide complete refit and refurbishing services including classic and antique boat repair.

Located within the “Jacksonville Marina Mile,” the marine center is among the largest concentration of recreational boating services in the region and is proud to recycle and make an effort to keep waterways clean. Less than five miles from downtown Jacksonville, boaters will find all the additional services for their traveling needs (groceries, restaurants, post office, shops, etc.) within historic Avondale district and its tree-lined streets.

Amenities
• 242 wet slips
• Transient docking for up to 120-foot
• Covered/uncovered storage facility
• 50 Amp/30 Amp/120 V power available
• Two 30 ton hoists/one 40 ton hoist/one 100 ton hoist
• Warranty service center for Yanmar, Cummins and Mercruiser
• Warranty service dealer for Mercury and Evinrude
• Carpentry/paint/fiberglass services
• Concierge service
• Wi-Fi
• Pump-out
• Showers
• Restrooms
• Laundry facility

Contact:
Lamb’s Yacht Center
3376 Lake Shore Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32210
(904) 384-5577
lambsyachtcenter.com

Nathalie Gouillou, October 2015 Southern Exposure

Birdsong Marina, Camden Kentucky Lake, Tennessee

If cruising America’s Great Loop is on your bucket list, look for Birdsong Creek’s flashing light and the sign at MM103.7 marking the Birdsong Resort, Marina and Lakeside RV Campground. Located on the south side of Birdsong Creek, 1.5 miles in the deep buoyed channel from the scenic Tennessee River—halfway between the dams on Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley and Pickwick—seats the 58-acre recreational complex, family-owned and operated since 1961. Revel in true southern hospitality away from the daily grind while enjoying the greatest of the outdoors in western Tennessee’s Birdsong Marina.

Onsite boat sales, engine repairs, prop sales, 140 covered slips—daily, weekly, monthly, and annual rates are available—ship’s store, and boat rentals are among the marina’s offerings. The resort also includes 26 cottages and lodges furnished with all the amenities of home. Transient cruisers may use the resort’s “courtesy car” for a trip into town for groceries or dinner with a vast choice of restaurants. Catering services (southern style barbecue, country breakfast and more) can be accommodated and served on site under the open-air pavilion—or delivered to your rental units.

Revel in activities including fishing on the Tennessee River, home to more than 100 species of fish and famous for its crappie, bluegill, catfish, stripers, sauger, largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass. Artificial fish attractors marked by buoys have been built near all major creeks holding at least 10 feet of water. On land, stop by The Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Museum, Farm and Tour to learn about North America’s only freshwater pearl-culturing operation and shop for some unique jewelry.

Amenities
• 140 slips
• Overnight docking for five boats up to 80′
• 65′ x 65′ lighted, concrete launching ramp
• Citgo gas and diesel
• 30-50 amp electrical service
• OMC, MerCruiser, Volvo Onan engine repairs
• Prop sales and prop repair service
• Emergency towing and underwater divers on call
• Ice, cold beer
• Hot showers
• Laundry room
• Bait, tackle and nautical supplies

Contact:
Birdsong Marina
255 Marina Road
Camden Kentucky Lake, Tennessee 38320
(731) 584-7880
birdsong.com/marina/index_marina.php

By Nathalie Gouillou, Southern Exposure, September 2015

Sunset Marina, Portland, ME

We can accommodate sailboats and motoryachts up to 250′.
All reservations must be secured with credit card.

We gladly accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover.
Best Spot in the Harbor
Discount Gas/Diesel Dock
Haul/Launch/Storage
Bathrooms/Showers/Laundry
LIVE Harbor WebCam
Bait/Ice/Supplies
Water and 30/50 amp hookups
Free Wireless Internet
Certified Marine Mechanics
Marina Weather – Click Here!
Transients welcome (up to 250 feet)
Dinghy Dock in Portland’s Old Port
Family Owned and Operated
Restaurant on site
Deep Sea Fishing Charters
VISA/MC/DISCOVER accepted

Sunset Marina
231 Front Street
South Portland, Maine 04106
Dockmaster – Call on VHF Channel 9,12 or 16 or (207) 767-4729
Fax:(207) 767-4721
Email: info@sunset-marina.com
sunset-marina.com

By John Lambert, Southern Exposure

Anchorage Marina, Atlantic Beach, NC

Located on the Southern Outer Banks in beautiful Atlantic Beach, NC, Anchorage Marina boasts a protected, deepwater harbor, making it a perfect spot for deep sea fishing as well as sound fishing.

Add to that one of the area’s best boat ramps, ample parking, and a fully-stocked ship store—featuring everything for the serious fisherman along with food, drinks, boat parts/supplies, navigational charts, and more—and Anchorage Marina truly is A Fisherman’s Paradise!

The ship store at the Anchorage Marina is your COMPLETE fishing resource center, featuring a full line of the newest “must have” tackle as well as those proven, old favorites for deep sea and salt water sound fishing. We have shrimp, squid, mullet, and feature Bionic Bait for ballyhoo, cigar minnows, and Spanish mackerel.

[photomosaic ids=”4598,4599,4600,4601,4602″ orderby=”rand”]

In addition to bait and tackle, they carry marine parts and accessories, batteries, food and drink, beer, ice, cleaning supplies, engine oil (featuring Yamalube), T-shirts and jackets, US Coast Guard required safety equipment (life jackets, flares, etc), fuel (diesel and 89-octane gasoline), anchors and much more.

Rates:

Big Slips
Monthly:$600
Weekly: $240
Nightly: $40

Small Slips
Monthly:$500
Weekly: $210
Nightly: $35

Large Floaters will accommodate boats up to 35’. Small Floaters will accommodate boats up to 25’. Boat Ramp is $5 for a one-way launch and $10 for a round-trip.

Nightly rate for fixed docks is $1.25/foot (boat length) year-round. Monthly and Annual fixed dock rates vary per slip and can be arranged by contacting the Ship’s Store.

Contact:

Anchorage Marina
517 East Fort Macon Rd
Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
Phone: (252) 726-4423
info@anchoragemarina.net
anchoragemarina.net

By John Lambert, Southern Exposure

Farley State Marina, Atlantic City, NJ

Atlantic City’s Farley State Marina offers entertainment for everyone.

Yachts up to 300 feet can take advantage of the 630 floating slips at Farley State Marina, which is managed by the Gold Nugget in Atlantic City, New Jersey. They are located just off the Absecon Inlet in Marina District, across from the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino. Marina guests have full access to the renovated resort.

Clyde Rawls, Director of Marina Operations, recommends The Chart House and Vic & Anthony’s if you want fine dining. He said there are plenty of other restaurants and bars if you’re looking for something a little more laid back.

Built in 1990, the Golden Nugget took over the Farley State Marina facility in 2011. “We are one of the largest marinas on the East Coast and offer our guests a unique place to eat, drink, party, shop, be entertained, play, or simply relax,” Rawls says.

Farley State Marina offers Cable TV, WiFi, 24-hour room service, access to the pool & spa at the Golden Nugget, as well as other basic amenities, such as showers, laundry, and a fuel dock. Their fuel dock has Shell products. A high-speed dispenser is coming soon.

Amenities:

Dock Amenities
630 floating slips
Dockage for up to 300 ft.
Laundry, Shower & Restroom Facilities
Complimentary high-speed internet access
Access to Wine & Wifi Business Center
Sanitary pump out service
Water, cable, and electric up to 100 AMPs, 480 Volts
High-speed diesel dispenser with competitive pricing and quality discounts available
Access to the H2O Pool + Bar. Heated pool & fire pit lounge – open seasonally.

Information:
Farley State Marina / Golden Nugget
600 Huron Ave
Atlanta City, NJ 08401
Phone: 609-441-8482 or 1-800-876-4386
Fax: 609-340-5093
VHF Channel: 65
CRawls@gnacm.com
goldennugget.com/AtlanticCity/marina.asp

By Laura Dunn, Southern Exposure

Marina Pez Vela, Quepos, Costa Rica

Marina Pez Vela currently has 100 slips and its construction has begun the expansion to 300.

Marketing Manager Andrea Vargas says this expansion will make it the largest marina in Central America. New amenities will be added, including four new restaurants, a full-service yacht yard, a 100-ton haul out, and dry storage facility.

Since opening in 2010, Marina Pez Vela has made guests feel like part of a family. “We are able to deliver anything you need directly to your boat by golf cart. Our staff of service attendants offer personalized attention to our guests’ needs,” Vargas says.

Visit nearby Manuel Antonio National Park, which has been mentioned as one of the twelve most beautiful national parks in the world. The park is considered one of the most bio-diverse areas in the world. Sportfishing ranks highest among many activities at Marina Pez Vela with sailfish, marlin, tuna, dorado, and wahoo among some of the trophies available to catch. Ziplining, surfing, boogie boarding, parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, snorkeling, and horseback riding will also keep you busy.

Provisions and Amenities:

• Floating concrete dock system
• Dockside electricity – 30, 50 100 amp connections, single- and three-phase
• Potable water at every slip
• Dock boxes at each slip
• Free sanitary pump out capabilities at each slip
• Dock attendants at your service from 6AM to 6PM
• Medical and emergency services available (Coast Guard, Red Cross, fire station, private medical clinics, regional hospital, non-emergency or special needs issues)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi at every slip
• Trash disposal, fully stocked marine store on site
• Waste removal and recycling program
• 24-hour security
• Ample parking

Information:

Marina Spotlight: Marina Pez Vela
Quepos, next to the national pier
1 (866) 739-8352
+(506) 2774-9000
info@marinapezvela.com
marinapezvela.com

By Laura Dunn, Southern Exposure