News from Our Coasts :: Week of 4/27/2020
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Last Updated
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: To help our coastal community weather the pandemic, US Harbors is posting weekly news summaries of updates and announcements received from our coastal community, including timely information on the status of harbors and marinas around the country. The deadline for submission is Thursday, 11PM ET. Items received after that time will be put in the next week’s summary.
NEWS & UPDATES THIS WEEK
- Status Updates: Harbors & Marinas Around the Country
- News & Virtual Events from Our Partners
- Updates from Our Coastal Business Community
- Photos of the Week
Updates on Boating and Fishing During COVID-19
- See updates from your state’s Fish & Wildlife Department: https://www.usharbors.com/2020/04/links-to-coastal-state-offices-and-local-fish-wildlife-depts/
- Bald Head Island, NC – The Village of Bald Head Island met on Tuesday and decided to extend the State of Emergency (which prohibits us from renting slips) until May 29. We are still open for fuel, and pump outs, as well as having our ship’s store open. We are currently taking reservations for June (with our fingers crossed) and beyond. – Joene Williamson, Dockmaster
- Belfast, ME – The Belfast Public Landing update is that the floats are in and we are working on getting our shore power and water hooked up this next week. The fuel dock is open and we are welcoming boaters. Our transient rental moorings should be available by the end of next week. Hours currently are Monday through Friday from 7am to 4pm. We are asking all boaters to respect the safe distancing recommendations while on and around our docks and any out of state boats should call ahead as the 14 day quarantine is still in effect. We will be restricting the general public from being on the docks to allow for easier safe distancing for those on boats or who are working on the docks. If there are any questions the Belfast Harbor Office staff can be reached at 207-338-1142 or email at [email protected]. – Kathy Pickering, Harbormaster
- Dartmouth, MA – The harbormaster’s office has posted the recently released Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs comprehensive guidelines for boating and related public facilities. These include rules such as only persons from the same household should be together on a boat at one time and no gathering or groups of persons from multiple households will be permitted on boat ramps, docks, piers etc., and all users shall practice strict social distancing. The full set of guidelines is on the Harbormaster’s website.
- Hyannis Marina, MA – Hyannis Marina is still operating and providing assistance, following all CDC guidelines to keep our customers and staff safe. The buildings remain closed, you can call the staff for any services. Boat Sales – please call 508-790-4000 x 1, Monday – Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Parts Dept/Ship’s Store – offering curbside pick-up 508-790-4000 x 2, Monday – Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Service Dept – can be reached at 508-790-4000 x 3, Monday – Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Dockage and Fuel – Transient and Seasonal Dockage is available. Gas & Diesel is offered Monday – Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, the Dockmaster can be reached 508-790-4000 x 4. The Customer Heads – are not open at this time. Restaurants – Trader Ed’s and Tugboats Restaurants are not open, at this time. – Carla Sullivan, Dockmaster
- Jacksonville, FL – The City of Jacksonville is operating at full speed while maintaining the CDC, Governor and Mayor recommendations and orders. All of the City of Jacksonville Park System Boat Ramps and Marina facilities are open with all users following the recommendations and orders of no more than 10 souls in a vessel and vessels maintaining a safe distance of 50ft on the waterway as well as beaches and sand bars. No rafting of vessels. We will be following through with the re-scheduled BLESSING OF THE FLEET in downtown JACKSONVILLE on the South Bank on May 31 at 2:00pm. – Captain Jim Suber, Waterways Coordinator/Dockmaster
- Morehead City, NC – Transient docks are open for overnight stays but our showers/restrooms remained closed and not available to anyone. – Lee Everett, Dockmaster
- Portland, ME – A reminder from the harbormaster, Kevin Battle, that boats are not allowed to raft at docks or at anchor at this time, in order to support the social distancing rules that remain in place.
- Port of Friday Harbor, WA – Port of Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands is still closed to all guest services whether by dinghy, for the day, or overnight. We believe this will change very soon so watch our website at www. portfridayharbor.org for updates and opening dates. We can’t wait to see everyone soon! Where Friday Begins! – Tami Hayes, Harbormaster
News & Events from Our Partners
Boats of the Year Magazine
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Boats of the Year 2020 — a co-production between US Harbors and Maine Boats, Homes, & Harbors Magazine — highlights stories of special projects, new launches, impressive restorations, and marine companies working together to provide clients with their dream boats. They each deserve a closer look. Dive into this first installment of profiles featuring Alerion Yachts, Arey’s Pond Boat Yard, and Back Cove Yachts. Their products are described as iconic, elegant, expansive, custom, and luxury—qualities that are baked into each project. |
Inventech Marine / LifeProof Boats
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Our new 35’ to 41’ models show strong response as we roll them out for 2020. Life Proof Boats have been busy developing new larger full cabin models to meet the demands of our clients. The origins of which come from a single I/O 23’ Diesel Full Cabin launched in 2014. From that point in time clients love for the product has progressed the brand into larger models. For 2020 we are splashing a number of new models over the 33’ mark, which was previously our bread and butter segment. Our new 39’ Yachtline model is the first to hit the boat ramp, followed shortly by a new 35’ Full Cabin, 35’ GT Coupe, and 41’ Full Cabin. Our engineering team has been working overtime to help us get ready for these exciting new models. The 41’ Full Cabin will even feature a twin step hull design for added efficiency and speed. If you haven’t seen these new models yet, head over to LifeProofBoats.com and see them for yourselves. |
Cape Yachts
 Read the full Cape Yachts statement on reopening here. |
After weeks of planning and successfully having our team on property safely at work, we are confident we can keep our team and our customers safe as we welcome in the boating season. We ask that you join us in following our protocols:
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Chesapeake Light Craft
The team at Chesapeake Light Craft is ready to get back out on the water! We invite you to join us for some virtual fun with our Tenderly 10-foot dinghy. This lapstrake dinghy is a smart sailer that rows, tows, and motors well, too. Great traditional lines (“Swallows and Amazons forever!”) and easy to build at home from a kit Read more at www.clcboats.com/tenderly.
Formula Boats
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We have had a limited return of personnel in our R&D (Research and Development) areas, including our Propulsion folks, who were busy testing our new outboard-powered 380 Super Sport Crossover (the boat originally was built with sterndrives, which are still an option for power). Otherwise, we are hoping to get back to work Monday, May 4th, if the Indiana governor eases the stay-at-home order. |
Great Island Boatyard
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Solar Soft Top – Teamwork (3 Maine Businesses Unite)
New solar panels by Oceanplanet Energy, Inc. have been installed atop a canvas bimini aboard a Sabre 426. While Hallett Canvas and Sails, Inc. worked to waterproof the canvas and secure the panels to the bimini, a Great Island Boat Yard systems tech, prepared for connection and operation, boat-side. “Our scope was to layout, supply, and install charge controllers and wiring, and provide the necessary circuit protection from the panels to the batteries,” says a GIBY Service Manager. “The driver behind the project was for the owner to be able to run the SeaFrost DC fridge/freezers – which we installed last summer – while the boat is at anchor or on a mooring.” The lightweight, flexible panels are perfectly suited for the soft mounting surface and allow for panel location in an area of maximum sun exposure, in a space that is otherwise unusable. |
MJM Yachts
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Get Ready For Summer Entertaining Aboard
Looking forward to better days ahead? Join a fun, online webinar Thursday, May 7th at noon when Charleston’s premier design service, The Proper Knot, will show you cool new essentials for your galley and table. Elite Marine will join in with indispensable tips for keeping your boat in Bristol fashion. Hosted by MJM Yachts. MJM will send you all the details for joining the session when you register. |
Updates From Our Coastal Business Community
| Charleston Tours & Events is still suspended as of April 30. We are continually monitoring CDC guidelines as well state and local authorities as to when and how we will return to operation. We are currently offering 30% off gift cards to be used anytime in the future on narrated harbor history tours aboard the Carolina Belle, sailing excursions aboard the Schooner Pride tall ship, or special events aboard our newest motor vessel, The Charleston Princess. We also have a smaller motor vessel called the Charleston Lady that we think will be popular for private tours. We look forward to getting back out on Charleston Harbor and entertaining our guests soon! |  |
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum -The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum has extended its closure to the public, on a 24-hour basis, through Friday, May 15. CBMM’s staff continue to work remotely, and we are monitoring COVID-19 and the Governor’s Office very closely to provide ongoing communication as the situation unfolds. We currently anticipate reopening on May 16 – but this is subject to change as we continue to monitor this situation.
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The Herreshoff Marine Museum – The Herreshoff Marine Museum in historic Bristol Rhode Island is opening it’s waterfront for the season on May 15 this year and is currently accepting reservations for seasonal and transient dockage and moorings. More information on waterfront accommodations is available at herreshoff.org/visit/#sea . The current Rhode Island guidelines for marinas and the pandemic can be viewed online. Although the museum is currently closed to the public you can still view our collection of boats and artifacts by downloading the museums app and taking a virtual tour. Get it today! The museum’s staff have been keeping busy with the Code Flag Lima Project – Entertaining Content for the Quarantined while working from home. This twice weekly blog post delivered to your inbox is filled with Herreshoff history, maritime content and marine related activities for all ages you can do at home. If you are looking for that perfect gift for the sailor in your life the museum’s store is currently shipping online orders and lots of items are currently on sale! We are looking forward to the time when we can once again welcome you into the museum, until then stay safe. |
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Mack Boring & Parts Co. – We continue to operate with the safety of our employees and the support of our customers as our top priority. We have limited crew working in the facility as necessary to assemble product and fulfill orders, and we have maintained all other employees fully employed from home. This is allowing us to keep supporting customers and at the same time minimize infection risk as New Jersey continues to be hard hit by this disease. We do not anticipate that the limited crew in the NJ facility will negatively affect our ability to support customers.
Mack Boring thanks our employees, customers and vendors for their continued support. We are very grateful to be associated with such an incredible and committed group of people.
During these complex times, it’s nice to hear some good news in the midst of all the coverage regarding the virus. We would like to recognize one of our team members for going the extra mile and helping his community and one of our most loved markets, the Maine fishermen and lobstermen.
Jay Perrotta, our New England Sales Representative, started an amazing group on Facebook with the aim to help a few local lobstermen sell their product while most suppliers and distributors were forced to close during this pandemic. Seemingly overnight, the Facebook group “Maine Fish Direct” has grown to over 5,400 members and is providing a wonderful resource for fishermen and lobstermen to sell their product to the consumer and stay stable during these changing days. Hopefully, this will help to give lots of families some sense of normalcy along with the freshest seafood you can find!
Thank you Jay for going the extra mile and putting your community first. And a special thanks to Jess Daniels and Monique Coombs for the excellent administration of the page. Your actions and effort are commendable! Click here for a direct link to Maine Fish Direct
| SiriusXM Marine – Join us for a FREE live webinar to help you understand the key benefits of SiriusXM Marine’s Fish Mapping or Weather services! Sessions are specific to your hardware provider – Garmin, Navico, Raymarine, and Furuno – so make sure to pick one that corresponds with your boat’s electronics.
Visit www.siriusxm.com/marinewebinars to view the full session list and sign-up today! |
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Maine Marine Trades Association – Maine is excited to be working on reopening marinas, boatyards, and boat dealerships starting May 1. We would like boaters to know that opening our industry includes many restrictions, especially a 14-day quarantine for anyone arriving from other states. We ask that boaters check with their boatyard, marina, harbormaster, and/or yacht club first before rushing to Maine to go boating or work on their boats here. We just received our guidelines from the state, so please give us a little time to sort out safe operations within those rules that will help protect our Maine people and visitors. Boating rules differ slightly between states, between municipalities, and between individual businesses. Let’s all stay informed and act responsibly so we can all enjoy social distancing on the water soon.
| Nauset Marine – In an effort to prepare boats for summer use, Nauset Marine will re-open on a limited basis, the functions of the business as allowed and deemed essential per Governor Baker’s order.
For the well-being of our employees, we will maintain social distancing, disinfect daily, wear masks, and practice the guidelines issued by the CDC and other authorities. Our most important focus is the health and safety of our employees, customers, friends, and families. Public access to our buildings or to area’s where employees are working, will not be allowed. All customer communication will be handled by phone or email only. There will be no in person contact at this time. Call 508-255-0777 |
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Photos of the Week
NOTE FROM OUR EDITOR: Do you have a beautiful or fun photo of your harbor, what you’ve been doing for social distancing, or a project you’re working on? Send it to us!
