Port of Egypt Marine in Southold, N.Y., which has been the nation’s longest-running Grady-White fishing and cruising boat dealership for 50 years, has launched the North Fork’s first member-only boating club at its Southold Bay facility.
“What sets Port of Egypt Marine’s club apart is our membership structure, the club’s unique Southold Bay location and the decades of hands-on experience behind it,” says Elisa Ruroede, president of Port of Egypt Marine. “Our goal is to make the pleasures of boating more accessible so more people can enjoy the water the way our family and clients have for three generations.”
The club provides members with access to a fleet of top-tier Grady-White models—ranging from center-console designs to cabin cruisers—without the time, expense and upkeep that boat ownership requires. Membership covers professional valet-style service and maintenance; the only additional charge to members is for fuel. The program eliminates ownership responsibilities such as registration, insurance, slip fees, winter storage and routine maintenance.
Membership pricing for the season running May 1 through Oct. 31 is offered on a family basis: $3,995 for boats 18 to 25 feet in length and $5,995 for boats 25 to 27 feet. Members may schedule outings online or in person, with weekend and holiday bookings available in four-hour blocks and weekday outings available for eight hours. Each member may reserve one weekend or holiday outing at a time and may hold up to two unused reservations simultaneously.
Members also receive a 10 percent discount on Port of Egypt Marina pool membership, which provides access to a 30-by-50-foot solar-heated pool and an on-site cabana house. For more information about club offerings and services, contact Port of Egypt Marine directly.
Dinghy Doc opens inflatable boat service in Connecticut
Jeff Going, who brings more than 30 years of experience working with inflatable boats, has opened Dinghy Doc in Deep River, Conn. The new business offers comprehensive repair and maintenance services for a wide range of inflatables.
Going’s background includes early work with Boston Whaler inflatable designs beginning in 1978, years of professional involvement with Zodiac of North America, and factory training at Zodiac facilities in France and Spain. He also served as an instructor with the Zodiac Maritime Academy, teaching care, handling and maintenance of inflatable boats and RIBs.
“I’ve worked on nearly every type of inflatable—from small 6-foot tenders to large RIBs, and across materials such as Hypalon, PVC and PU, including various blended coatings and folded or welded constructions,” Going says. “My objective is to deliver clean, reliable workmanship at a fair price and to return boats to the water where they belong.”
Dinghy Doc is located at 430 Industrial Park Road, Deep River, CT 06417. Phone: (860) 961-5090. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.dinghydoc.net
Team Chance works to broaden youth access to sailing
Team Chance, based in Noank, Conn., has spent months preparing a summer program aimed at introducing children to sailing and removing financial barriers that can limit participation. The group is made up of sailing instructors and accomplished collegiate and high school sailors who want to expand opportunities for young people to try the sport.
“We aim to offer free introductory sailing experiences and provide scholarships so families face fewer financial burdens when participating in our sport or attending regattas,” says Jay Greenfield of Team Chance. “At the end of each session we also make sure families know where local community sailing programs are located and try to offer whatever additional support we can.”
Information about Team Chance and its programs is available at www.chancesailing.org
Concordia Company begins major restoration of classic yawl
The Concordia Company, located in South Dartmouth, Mass., has acquired Javelin, Concordia yawl No. 57, and initiated a significant restoration project. As one of the principal custodians of Concordia yawls and the holder of the original construction patterns, the company says preserving these yachts for future generations is a core mission.
“These yachts are magnificent examples of traditional craftsmanship,” says general manager Stuart MacGregor. “Restoring Javelin ensures she will remain available and seaworthy for our children and grandchildren to enjoy.”
Javelin remained in the same family from her launch in 1958 until the recent sale and is noted for her remarkable originality. Planned restoration work includes replacement of the horn timber, installation of new frames and floor timbers, replanking, and a comprehensive deck refit. Concordia owner Brodie MacGregor adds that the intent is to return Javelin to the higher, more active segment of the Concordia yawl market and prepare her for many more decades on the water.
The Concordia Company also stores two other yawls available for restoration: No. 95, named Diablo, and the Lawley-built No. 2 Malay 1, the latter known for winning the 1954 Bermuda Race under the late Dan Strohmeier’s ownership.
New chart-imprinted canvas bags from Not for Navigation
Ipswich, Mass.-based Not for Navigation has introduced five new styles in its custom canvas nautical bag line, including a square duffel, dopp kit, wristlet, purse and tote. The square duffel, priced at $195, is crafted from water-resistant polyester and is suited for storing wet or dry gear. A smaller side-panel tote is priced at $110 and offers a compact, practical option for everyday use.
All bags are customizable with a choice of domestic or international nautical charts, optional lining in six colors, two exterior canvas colors, and accents such as nautical flags or burgees. Businesses and events can also request logo customization. The bags are sold online and through select retail stores in the United States and Europe. For product details, visit www.notfornavigation.com
Temporary Coast Guard safety zone in Gravesend Bay
The U.S. Coast Guard has established a temporary safety zone near the location of unexploded ordnance discovered in Gravesend Bay, Brooklyn, N.Y. The restricted area covers a 110-yard radius southeast of the Verrazano Tower on the Brooklyn side. The zone is intended to protect mariners and the public and to prevent underwater activity near the munitions until they are rendered safe and removed.
Mariners with questions are advised to contact Coast Guard representatives on VHF channel 16. The safety zone was established on Dec. 18 and is expected to remain in effect until at least June 30, at which time authorities will reassess and may extend the restriction until removal and disposal are complete. For additional information on Coast Guard safety zones and waterway management, consult Coast Guard Sector New York resources.
This article originally appeared in the Connecticut and New York Home Waters sections of the March 2011 issue.