STRONG'S MARINE SUMMER 2021
DESTINATIONS
LIFE AT THE MARINA
WOMEN ON THE WATER
OUR GALLEY TO YOURS
Dottie & Dave Strong focused on hard work & fun
More women than ever are taking the helm
The restaurant's team shares favorite boating recipes
AT STRONG'S WATER CLUB
Casual waterside Fare & Handcrafted Cocktails Bruce Miller, Executive Chef
2255 WICKHAM AVE, MATTITUCK
631.315.5252
WINDAMERENOFO.COM
CONTENTS
05
LIFE AT THE MARINA Dottie Strong reflects on life in 1965 after buying a marina on a dirt road in Mattituck Bay
08
NEW MARINE TRAVELIFT Service for yachts up to 95 ft. now available at Strong's Yacht Center
10
BOATS & YACHTS WANTED
Why to consider selling your vessel in this red-hot market
11
NEW LOCATIONS Expanded options in Southampton, a new Fire Island destination
12
CARING FOR OUR WATERWAYS Our growing partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program
13
WOMEN ON THE WATER With more women buying boats than ever, we chatted with two female clients about boat life.
17
FROM OUR GALLEY TO YOURS Onboard recipes from the Windamere restaurant team
LIVIN' LIKE A LOCAL! Strong's Marine team members drew on their decades of experience to offer these tips to all the new boat buyers we've seen in the last year.
"UNDERSTAND THE WATER ON THE BAY" "When it comes to docking, take your time; listen to what your captain has to say, and take it slow to be safe. Definitely get your boater’s license too.” — Transporter James Jacobs
"RED, RIGHT, RETURN!" — Service advisor Jaislyn Engellis This tool is to remind boaters to keep the red starboard-hand buoy on the right side of the boat when returning to harbor, heading upstream, or when entering a channel from open sea.
"HAVE A SLIP SECURED" "I always tell new boaters to imagine all the different ways they can use their boat. It doesn’t have to be burning fuel, you can go out, drop anchor, have lunch and have a great time just hanging out while the kids jump off the back.” — Sales manager Chris Suter DESTINATIONS | PAGE 3
PRESIDENT'S LETTER How wonderful it is to be together on the water again! I hope you’ll enjoy this issue of our Strong’s magazine, filled with fun summer reads and tips from Strong’s family, clients and team members.
Our team has been busier than ever, and we're loving every minute of it. We are thrilled to take on operations of Fire Island’s unique Atlantique Marina for the Town of Islip, and we’ve recently purchased a second Southampton Marina on Shinnecock Bay. Expanding our marina portfolio gives us more ways to delight new and returning boaters! Read about these two new properties on pg. 11.
If you haven’t yet visited Windamere, our new restaurant at Strong’s Water Club, I hope you’ll make plans to come by; you are in for a real treat! On pg. 17, Windamere’s Executive Chef and Bar Manager share their favorite onboard recipes.
Though it's admittedly an unusual topic to bring up right now, if you have been considering selling your vessel, there has truly never been a better time. We have helped more families than ever get out on the water this past year! As enthusiasm for boating continues to grow, the marine industry is experiencing serious inventory shortages. In this environment, we are seeing pre-owned boats sell extraordinarily quickly and at record high prices. Call our sales team to learn more; perhaps now is the time to put your boat on the market for a quick and profitable sale, and custom order next year's newest model.
The best part of our work has always been seeing you enjoying time on the water with family and friends. This season, as we emerge from the unprecedented year behind us, it is especially gratifying to play a supporting role in your recreation. I extend a heartfelt thank you from myself and the entire Strong’s team for your loyalty, friendship and business.
As always, if I can personally enhance your boating experience in any way, please contact me directly.
JEFF STRONG President jeff@strongsmarine.com 631.298.4480 DESTINATIONS | PAGE 4
SUMMER FUN
DOTTIE STRONG - LIFE AT THE MARINA Dolores and David Strong had never even heard of
David, who’d worked for his father at Strong &
Mattituck before visiting in 1965, but the trip
Holland, was the sole mechanic. He helped pay
changed everything. During that visit, their friends
the bills by clamming and scalloping — a vivid
convinced them to move to the North Fork with
memory for Jeff since his presence on the boat
their two young children, Jeff and Nancy, and buy a
doubled their bushel allocation. Dottie did
tiny marina on a dirt road. “Dave and I had never
everything from balance books to paint boat
heard of Mattituck in a million years,” says Dolores,
bottoms to pump gas, but it was her interaction
who is known to most as Dottie. “Of course, it was
with clients that gave her the social life she craved.
very different back then. There were no
Clients became like family, helping out when
streetlights.”
times got challenging.
Looking at Strong’s Marine’s eight locations today —
"It was a lot of fun,” says Dottie. “That was a big
which are now run by son Jeff and his wife Re, and
plus, and that’s how we got to meet people. Moms
her grandson Ryan (grandson Jay sits on the board)
wanted other moms too!” They soon built a house
— it’s hard to imagine that it began with a dozen
at the marina so Dottie was there when the kids
boats, a gas house, and a shop with a little office.
came home from school. Life at the marina meant
But listening to Dottie reflect, it’s clear how much
the kids worked hard; everyone — kids, cousins and
hard work — and fun — went into the business. “It
friends — helped launch boats or smooth the dirt
was a lot of hard work," says Dottie. "It was a very
road. On Fridays, they held clam bakes. The kids
seasonal business. It was hard to find a playmate
sold Stewart’s sandwiches out of the gas house;
for your kids.”
the favorite, the Torpedo, sold out every Sunday.
Back then, there was no heat; Dottie and 4-year-old Nancy used a portable heater during the first bitter winter. “She used to sit alongside my chair, and we would keep our feet warm,” recalls Dottie. DESTINATIONS | PAGE 5
Jeff and Dottie Strong today.
“People today, kids younger than Jeffery, still say, ‘Mrs. Strong, don’t you remember those sandwiches?’” Dottie laughs. They named every boat they had Summer Fun — a testament to their affinity for laughter, even when times got tough. When they weren’t working, the kids would play in the mud flats behind the office in the early years, sliding and skidding and having mud fights before using a rope swing to jump into the creek and wash off. “Then we would repeat the process — mud fights, creek and rinse,” recalls Jeff. David put a new Lilco boom truck used to haul boats up to 23 feet next to the gas house, infringing on a patch of beach where Dottie sat with the kids. Dottie missed the quiet beach, but David occupied the kids by fastening a line to the boom cable so the kids could swing and jump in the creek.
The hard work paid off; when Dottie and David sold the marina to Jeff and Re in 1992, there were 125 boats, a small lift, and floating docks had been installed to replace the original overhead cable and pulley system. Forging those family bonds paid off, too. Dottie still lives at home at the marina, and she talks with her kids, grandkids and great grandchildren regularly. When Ryan spotted one of their former boats in the Mount Sinai Harbor — still named Summer Fun, to Dottie’s delight — he stopped and chatted with the owner so he could send his grandmother a picture. “It’s amazing that it’s still around,” says Dottie. “It was fun growing up at the marina with kids. It was a lot of hard work. Both the kids did lots of hard work. But we had fun.”
A young Jeff Strong at the gas house in Mattituck Bay.
DESTINATIONS | PAGE 6
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CRUISERS YACHTS 60 FLY
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With dual beach doors, a U-shaped dinette, full galley and a spacious bow, the entertainment possibilities are endless. A spacious stateroom and standing head with shower complete this remarkable yacht.
Call our yacht specialists at 516.304.5376 to learn more about available vessels or arrange your custom build.
INTRODUCING STRONGSYACHTS.COM Visit our new yachts website to learn about Strong’s yacht resources, catch up on yacht-related news, browse inventory and immerse yourself in the yachting lifestyle.
DESTINATIONS | PAGE 7
JUST ARRIVED
85-TON TRAVELIFT AT STRONG'S YACHT CENTER
We have ramped up our ability to deliver elevated service to our yacht clients with the addition of a new 85-metric-ton Marine Travelift at our Yacht Center on Mattituck Inlet. “We’re consistently growing in our yacht business,” says Strong's vice president Ryan Strong. The new lift, which accommodates yachts as large as 95 ft., is the largest on Long Island’s North Shore and supplements the 70-ton lift. Both will allow us to support the increasing number of larger yacht clients purchasing from us.
“Strong's is definitely now one of the big boys on the block in that market, no question about it. Strong’s is huge into customer experience and service — now they can control all that as they sell these bigger boats to people who are upgrading.” —Marine Travelift president & CEO Erich Pfeifer.
The lift is loaded with features — including wireless remote-control operation and all-wheel
The new lift splashed its first Sunseeker in March.
steering for enhanced maneuverability — that makes it easier for Strong’s Yachts service team members to service vessels safely and more
“We have the same values,” says Pfeifer. “We’re both
efficiently, says Pfeifer.
looking at the long term, not the short term. When you’re family owned, the way you’re able to take care
Employee health, happiness and safety is critical
of your employees gives you a competitive advantage.
for family-owned businesses like Strong’s Yachts
It ultimately allows you to give clients the best
and Wisconsin-based Marine Travelift, says Pfeifer.
customer experience. It’s a different care factor than just a hired gun. It’s an extra level of care and support.”
DESTINATIONS | PAGE 8
WHAT’S IN A NAME? We love our clients’ creative approach to naming their prized possessions. Here are some of our favorite boat names of the season.
WE WANT YOUR BOAT!
HOW CAN SUMMER BE A GOOD TIME TO SELL? Well, if you’re thrilled with your boat, you should probably keep it because as you probably know, a spike in demand has caused a nationwide boat shortage. That's driven up values of pre-owned boats — some have fetched enough to pay for their owners' last year or two of boating. “We’re seeing brokerage boats sell well above market value within one to two weeks," says sales manager Chris Suter.
THREE WAYS TO SELL YOUR BOAT 1. Sell us your boat for cash 2. Consign it with us at an agreed-upon price 3. Set an asking price and allow us to broker the boat for you
SELL US YOUR BOAT! Record interest in boating, along with supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19, pushed new boat orders way out. With fewer vessels to choose from, some families found a boat that was not a perfect fit. Others were new to boating and didn’t quite know what they wanted. If that's you, you can sell the less-than-perfect boat at a premium and customize your ideal boat for next summer, as many business-savvy owners have done. We are seeing higher-than-average brokerage activity, with leads coming from around the country. That's because demand hasn't waned and people understand how scarce boats are. They don't want to miss the boat! “The market values are very high,” says Suter. “We had a guy pay exact asking price this week. He knew if he didn’t pay it, someone else would.”
CALL 631-333-0081 FOR YOUR MARKET REPORT & APPRAISAL! DESTINATIONS | PAGE 10
NEW LOCATIONS A FIRE ISLAND DESTINATION MARINA and a SHINNECOCK BAY HOMEBASE
ATLANTIQUE AT FIRE ISLAND
SOUTHAMPTON SHINNECOCK BAY
In our second partnership with Freeport’s Al
We have expanded our marina presence in
Grover’s Marine, we have entered into a long-
Southampton with a second property on Old
term agreement with the Town of Islip to
Fort Pond, with direct access to Shinnecock
10 Shore Walk. Bay Shore, NY 11706 (631) 469-3868
74 Little Neck Road, Southampton, NY 11968
(631) 283-4841
operate the 150-slip transient Atlantique
Bay. Renovations are in progress to create an
Marina on Fire Island. Atlantique is located on
environment modeled after the Southampton
an 875 ft. wide strip between the bay and the
Peconic Bay marina, broadening our ability to
ocean, surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
offer the highest quality service to
We are investing in a multi-year plan of
Southampton boaters. Slips are available at
significant upgrades and improvements to the
favorable rates this season, taking into account
property. Learn more and reserve slips at
the transitional nature of the facility. To learn
atlantique-marina.com.
more, call 631.283.4841 or visit strongsmarine.com.
Progress & improvements at Southampton Shinnecock. DESTINATIONS | PAGE 11
Atlantique Meet & Greet BBQ - June 2021
Sunset at Atlantique.
CARING FOR OUR REGION’S WATERWAYS Strong’s has been a longtime supporter of Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Marine Program’s shellfish and habitat restoration in our waterways as a partner in the Long Island Shellfish Restoration Project (LISRP), helping to enhance our region’s natural stocks of clams and oysters, establish selfsustaining shellfish populations and improve water quality. Strong’s Yacht Center is an ideal location for nurturing baby shellfish. For several years, our docks have been home to a fleet of FLUPSYs -- Floating Upwelling Systems – which hold shellfish seed in barrels supported below the floating structure. Baby clams are housed in the FLUPSYs in the spring, and grow in this nursery setting until being seeded in a sanctuary site in the fall. We’re happy to report that millions of clams have grown out of our FLUPSYs over the years! This year, we have become a Back to the Bays Stewardship Site Sponsor to play a more significant part in marine habitat and shellfish restoration work. We’ve made a long-term commitment to support shellfish seeding and eelgrass restoration in the vicinity of Mattituck Inlet, enabling the establishment of a spat-on-shell oyster reef, free planting of clams and oysters, and eelgrass restoration plantings. Curious about FLUPSYs or CCE Marine’s Back to the Bays Initiative? Back to the Bays membership information and merchandise is available at Strong’s Water Club and select other Strong’s locations, and be on the lookout for collaborative Strong’s-Back to the Bays events and volunteer opportunities. Learn more and get involved at backtothebays.org/strongs.
AT STRONG'S WATER CLUB
Join us on our expansive waterside patio, on the Water Club’s Great Lawn or poolside for creative summertime cocktails and casual, seafoodforward fare. Inspired by the historic Windamere guest residence built on the Water Club property in the 1890’s, we capture the spirit of that bygone era in the warm welcome that greets our guests, and the memorable experiences that follow. We can't wait for you to visit! Join us on Mondays from 4-6pm for Happy Hour benefiting CCE Marine's Back to the Bays Initiative! CALL 631.315.5252 OR RESERVE ON WINDAMERENOFO.COM
Tina Novogratz & her kids love spending time on their new Cobalt.
WOMEN ON THE WATER More women are taking the helm and buying boats. Tina Novogratz grew up on boats in Virginia Beach,
That’s especially true because 2020 saw a record
but like many, only saw men at the helm. “Growing
number of first-time boat buyers, and women make
up, my parents always had a boat, and my father has
up 23 percent of that group. Family boats like
always been the captain,” recalls Tina. “My
runabouts (13 percent, 18 percent of first-time
grandparents had a boat, and my grandfather was
buyers) have seen the needle tick up a bit more
always the captain. Women just didn’t drive the
quickly.
boat.” Tina and her ex had a boat that he'd captain, but when they separated, she still longed to spend
“I think it’s a safe bet that a lot more women are
time on the water with her five kids.
involved in the purchase process than what is reflected in these figures," says Info-Link founder
“There was a moment last summer when I said, ‘I just
Jack Ellis. “And although these are small
miss being out on the boat," she says. “I had this
percentages, the general trend is encouraging.”
conversation in my own head: ‘You could get a boat.
Strong’s Marine has definitely seen more women
Why shouldn’t you be the captain?’” Tina is part of a
buyers in the pandemic, says sales coordinator
growing number of women buying boats in a
Nancy Todrick, who helps coordinate all new boat
recreation that has largely been dominated by men,
deliveries.
according to Info-Link, a Florida firm that tracks boat registrations. Though the needle is moving slowly —
Deb Avis, who recently bought a 2021 Pursuit S268,
about 12 percent of 2020 boat buyers were women —
had boated as a child, and with her late husband,
it is moving.
but recently married a non-boater.
DESTINATIONS | PAGE 13
“I married a golfer, so that’s why I bought the boat,” laughs Deb. “I can barely get him on it for a cocktail cruise. That’s why it’s my boat. I’m very proud of it and I love it.” Though her now 90-year-old father taught her, her sister, and her brother, how to drive the boat — starting them around age 3 — it was a learning curve for Deb because she knew south Florida waters. She has been learning to navigate her Pursuit in and around Long Island. “I have two boys, and we use the boat for wakeboarding and skiing — even though it was a center console fishing boat,” says Deb. “I saw the Pursuit at Strong’s. It had a ski pole and I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s the perfect boat!’” Tina took delivery of her 2021 Cobalt SC25 in April and chose Mother’s Day for her maiden voyage with her kids, whose ages span 9 to 20. “My kids are varying ages; the boat is one of few places that once we get out on the water, the blood pressure just lowers,” she says. Not only has the boat unlocked private beaches and areas of Long Island that they had never been able to access, it’s also inspired her 13year-old daughter to get her captain’s license. “I have four girls, so I want them to feel empowered,” says Tina. “It’s definitely intimidating. I really have to put myself out there in a way that’s uncomfortable in order to do this, but I want boating to be part of my life. The first time I slid into a slip and tied up, even though there was quite a bit of tide, I felt amazing. Like, ‘I did it.’”
Deb Avis at the helm of her new Pursuit. DESTINATIONS | PAGE 14
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ULTIMATE FISHABILITY Whether you’re headed offshore for a day of fishing, anchoring out with friends or cruising the waterfront, the Canyon 306 is a family pleaser!
GRADY WHITE CANYON 306 DESTINATIONS | PAGE 15
SECURE YOUR DREAM BOAT NOW! POWERFUL. SLEEK. GRAND. The size, power and amenities built into the brand new S 428 deem it the epitome of a legend—with the ability to fish, cruise and entertain in unrivaled style and comfort.
PURSUIT S 428
OUTBOARDS, REIMAGINED The R6 Outboard is intelligently designed to add convenience, economy and a quieter ride to the traditional Cobalt virtues of performance, handling, comfort and luxury.
COBALT R6 DESTINATIONS | PAGE 16
FROM OUR GALLEY TO YOURS Windamere Executive Chef Bruce Miller and Bar Manager Bill Carlo offer their go-to recipes for treating your boating family and guests.
Executive Chef Bruce Miller & Bar Manager Bill Carlo
Whether whipped up and stashed in the cooler for your day on the water, or prepared onboard, this dip is summertime scooped up with crackers or crudites.
"KEEP A BOTTLE OF AGAVE NECTAR ON HAND TO ENSURE A DISTINCTIVE COCKTAIL, WHATEVER SPIRITS AND MIXERS YOU HAVE ABOARD." - BILL CARLO
SMOKED BLUEFISH DIP 8oz Smoked Bluefish ½ cup Crème Fraiche/Sour Cream 1 Tbsp Sliced Green Onion ½ Tbsp Chopped Chives 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice Salt & Pepper Shred the fish, removing bones and skin. Add all ingredients in a bowl and vigorously mix until a paste forms. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with crackers and enjoy!
DESTINATIONS | PAGE 17
BILL'S BOAT-WORTHY MARGARITA This margarita employs agave nectar to excellent effect, and subs orange peel for triple sec or Cointreau. His base of choice is 123 Organic Uno Blanco Tequila, but any silver tequila will do. Start with 2 oz. for one drink – or a cup for your boat’s party of 4 – in a shaker or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Add lime juice and agave nectar in equal parts - 1 oz. each for one cocktail, 4 oz. for a crowd - throw in an orange peel (or a few), an optional pinch of salt and ice, give it a shake, and enjoy.
OUR LOCATIONS North Fork MATTITUCK BAY - EST. 1965
YACHT CENTER - EST. 2016
WATER CLUB & MARINA - EST. 2013
Sales • Service • Dockage • Rentals
Sales • Service • Dockage
Sales • Service • Dockage
2400 Camp Mineola Rd., Mattituck, NY 11952 (631) 298-4770
5780 W Mill Road, Mattituck, NY 11952 (631) 298-4480
2255 Wickham Avenue, Mattituck, NY 11952 (631) 298-4739
WINDAMERE - EST. 2020
2255 Wickham Avenue, Mattituck, NY 11952 (631) 315-5252
Restaurant
South Fork SOUTHAMPTON SHOWROOM EST. 2000
SOUTHAMPTON PECONIC BAY MARINA - EST. 2000
SOUTHAMPTON SHINNECOCK MARINA - EST. 2021 74 Little Neck Road, Southampton, NY 11968 (631) 283-4841
39 Gann Road, East Hampton, NY 11937 (631) 283-6736
Sales
Service • Dockage • Rentals
Dockage
Sales
781 County Road 39, Southampton, NY 11968 (631) 283-6736
1810 North Sea Road, Southampton, NY 11968 (631) 283-4841
EAST HAMPTON AT HARBOR MARINA - EST. 2020
Nassau & Suffolk PORT WASHINGTON - EST. 2008
STRONG'S AT GROVERS, FREEPORT - EST. 2017
ATLANTIQUE AT FIRE ISLAND - EST. 2021
86 Orchard Beach Blvd, Port Washington, NY 11050 (516) 304-5376
435 South Main Street, Freeport, NY 11520 (516) 771-7020
435 South Main Street, Freeport, NY 11520 (631) 469-3868
Sales
Sales • Service • Dockage
Sales • Transient Dockage
DESTINATIONS | PAGE 18
P.O. BOX 1409 MATTITUCK, NY 11952
HERE'S TO THE NEXT 75 YEARS!
Ryan, Jeff, Re & Jay Strong
Strong's Rendezvous to Block Island, 1997 STRONGSMARINE.COM
*AUTHORIZED TO SELL GRADY-WHITE IN NASSAU COUNTY & 5 BOROUGHS