Marina World - Issue 114 - Jul/Aug 2019

WELCOME BY AIR, BY LAND AND BY SEA.

LA DOLCE VITA FOR HELICOPTERS, CARS AND SUPERYACHTS

In a setting surrounded by art, history and tradition, the marina in Porto Lotti offers all the magic of “la dolce vita”. SF Marina has delivered a pontoon that welcomes you no matter how you arrive, the 13 meter wide pontoon includes a helicopter landing pad, two lanes and parking for cars and superyacht facilities that welcomes yachts of all sizes. SF Marina

Port Mâcon, in the heart of Burgundy, France is an award-winning inland gem. Harbour master, Cyrille Racca, talks shop

Boshek at SmithGroup on renovating for climate and market

Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour, UK, is being reconfigured and extended with the help of plans prepared by Marina Projects

Rovinj in Croatia has undergone a total refurbishment with new Marinetek

Unveiling stage one of The Boat Works’ north precinct on the Gold Coast, Australia - the largest superyacht marina and shipyard in the

the cover: Further to extensive changes, initiated by the local mayor in 2012, Port Mâcon – the largest inland marina in France –is a local community asset and a magnet for international visitors. Read more on page 17.

Marina Frapa - Dubrovnik

obala

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Marina World

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Plastic policies

In March, the European Parliament voted for a complete ban on a range of single-use plastics, including plastic cutlery and plates, plastic stemmed cotton buds, straws, drink stirrers and balloon sticks. It also approved reduction measures for food and drink containers and aims for the measure to go into effect across the EU by 2021.

In June, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada would take inspiration from the EU and plan a ban of plastic water bottles, bags and straws, also by 2021.

International awareness of the environmental risks of single-use plastic is building. The European Parliament has noted that bottles and lids account for about 20% of all sea plastic and EU research has revealed that about 150,000 tonnes of plastic enter European waters every year. Around eight million tonnes enter the world’s oceans annually. In a 2016 survey, 49% of marine litter on EU beaches was singleuse plastics.

According to a UN report, by July 2018, 127 countries had implemented some kind of policy regulating plastic bags, and 27 countries were taking action on other single-use plastics. The first to take action – back in 2002 – was Bangladesh, when it became the first country in the world to ban thin plastic bags (when they were found to choke the drainage system during severe floods). But implementation of the ban has been criticised as being unsuccessful, partly due to near impossible policing and possibly due to people not understanding why the product poses risk.

Bans alone may not work. A UN Environmental Programme in June 2018 pointed out that no ban is in place in Japan but that due to a very effective waste management system and “a high degree of social consciousness”, the country accounts for “relatively limited” leakage of single-use plastics into the environment.

Education is therefore crucial, and the Marina Industries Association (MIA) has taken this to heart, announcing in May that its new policy to encourage its members in Asia Pacific to eliminate single-use plastics by 2025 will be achieved by disseminating information on how business practices can be changed and recycling methods improved. Within a month, 33 marinas and two equipment and services providers had signed the pledge.

If we continue to raise awareness, more action will be taken by manufacturers and suppliers to think plastic-free. Irrespective of legislation, we need a consumer-led campaign.

Carol Fulford Editor

Over the past two years, we have been investigating alternative packaging for mailing out your copy of Marina World. We continue to run experiments but so far are unable to source a material that is light in weight but sufficiently durable and costeffective for international mailing. Our search continues.

GH motion is born. It is GH Cranes & components new business unit oriented to offer a better service to our clients, with special focus on marine area. GH motion provides efficiency in boat movements in your marina or shipyard, “what really matters to you”

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Complete new design fully developed in 3D for a 300t capacity GH330 boat hoist model to be installed late in march 2019 in ASTONDOA SHIPYARD (Santa Pola, Spain), a referent in customized shipbuilding all over the world.

WORLD NEWS

Safe mooring on Scottish island

UK: Leisure and commercial vessels can at last dock safely in the heart of the historic harbour at Tobermory, the capital of Mull in the Scottish Inner Hebrides, thanks to a pontoon system installed by Inland & Coastal Marina Systems (ICMS).

ICMS, the successful tenderer for ‘Phase 6’ – a project devised by the Tobermory Harbour Authority to create all-weather berthing – was pressed into action to supply a first phase late in 2018 when funds, that had to be spent before April 2019, became available. Four new wave-breaking pontoons were manufactured and installed.

“Inland and Coastal pulled out all the

stops to deliver a small part of our full Phase 6 project, on time and on budget,” said Tobermory Harbour chairman Brian Swinbanks, who described what he calls ‘Phase 6.1’ as a superb harbour asset. “Most of the town watched the assembled sections being towed from Ireland to Tobermory live on AIS. It was very exciting for lovers of marinas, pontoons and harbours!” he added.

Waikawa expansion wins resource consent

NEW ZEALAND: Resource consent for the extension to Port Marlborough’s Waikawa Marina was granted in June. The $20 million project will add 252 berths of 10 to 25m (33 to 82ft) to bring the total number to nearly 870.

The growing waiting lists for both Picton and Waikawa marinas have spurred on the decision, which follows ten years of careful planning and considerable consultation with community partners and stakeholders.

“The North-West Extension will not only fulfil recreational demand in our marinas but also has a wider economic benefit for the Marlborough

region, pre- and post-construction.

The economic impact of the marina expansion is estimated to bring an annual additional expenditure of $2.4 million in the Marlborough region,” commented Port Marlborough CEO Rhys Welbourn.

Sustainability has been a key consideration in the design of the project. The marina extension site is

Management contracts begin

UAE: D-Marin LLC, the joint venture established by Meraas –the Dubai-based holding company – Dubai Holding and D-Marin in 2019, has begun managing operations at Al Seef, Marasi and Jaddaf Waterfront marinas (above). In addition to this, it will deliver technical consultancy to Meraas projects in Port de La Mer, the Mediterranean-inspired waterfront destination, and Dubai Harbour, the only yachting community hub in the Middle East. The same services will also be offered to Marsa Al Arab Marinas, also in Dubai.

in deeper water than existing berths at Waikawa, requiring pile and panel breakwater construction technology. The breakwater panels provide space above the seabed for continual water exchange within the marina basin, improving underwater ecology and including a Kaimoana (Maori seafood) management plan, and effects on landscape, visual amenity and natural character.

Ongoing operation of the marina will incorporate low energy LED lighting, use of recycled water for flushing toilets, a rubbish recycling compound and charging facilities for electric cars and boats. The finished marina will ensure ongoing public access to the northern shoreline and there will be a walkway along the northern breakwater.

The first few new berths are expected to be available in early 2021, ahead of the America’s Cup.

t i o n e v e n at l o w w ater

Y ou k no w t h at y o u r c li e n ts d o n ot n ee d to w orr y a b o u t pil e d r iv ers, piling p erm i ts, or e e n s iv e f re igh t costs. Yo u d o n ot n ee d a cre w to win c h t h e ca bl es, or w aste t i me ins p ect ing e v er y c h a in link f or r u st. Yo u kn o w t h e b e n e ts o f m ini ma l h ar dw are a nd s u sta in a bl e mater i a l s s p ec ca lly ma d e to l ast in a mar in e e nvi ro n me n t.

S e a e s inv i s ib l e f r o m t h e s u r f ace, wo r king in s i l e n c e d a y

a f te r d a y , y ea r a f te r y ear . I t r e p l ace s t h e n e e d f o r v i e w

o b st r u c t ing pi l es a nd r u st ing c h a in Su i t a b l e at p rac t i c a lly

a ny l o ca t i o n , m o o r ing l i tera l ly a ny oa t in g a ppl i ca t i o n , ra nging f r o m ma r i n a s t o oa t ing s o l a r p a r k s a nd b e yon d

Y ou k no w t h at S ea e ca n b e u se d at y o u r s h a ll o w l ocat i o n s, bu t a l so t h at i t b ecomes e v e n more p r i ce com p et it iv e in d ee p er w ater. Yo u kn o w o u r p ro du ct lin e; wh at uni ts are s ui ta bl e f or y o u r sma ll er res id e n t i a l n ee d s, a ll t h e w a y to t h e l ar g e h ea vy-du t y uni ts u se d to sec u re l ar g e oat ing str u ct u res in storm p r on e areas. Sin ce w e re vi e w you r p ro j ects f ree o f c h ar g e, y o u’ re ing a S ea e o p t i o n f or e v er y p ro j ect wi t h o u t b e ing o u t mo n e y f or e ngin eer ing .

Y ou k no w t h at ma ny c li e n ts a l rea dy kn o w wh at t h e y w a n t, t h e y d o t h e i r researc h a nd t h e y kn o w S ea e T h e y are l oo king f or t h e most mo d er n mater i a l c o m bin at ion s, so ld by t h e most knowl e dg ea bl e indu str y l ea d ers. W e l o v e wh at w e d o, a nd w e a pp rec i ate o u r p art n ers. To g et h er w e ca n re pl ace o u t d ate d met h o d s by ing inn o v at iv e s u sta in a bl e li e n ts. W e are t h e et h er w e ca n ma k e l di n ce!

Vukovar community served by new marina

CROATIA: Marinetek Adriatic completed a challenging marina project in June for the Vukovar Port Authority. Undertaken in just three months, Marina Vukovar will serve the local area as a mooring spot and give everyone better access to activities on the water.

Located on the Danube River, directly downstream from the River Vuka, the marina comprises 140 moorings for vessels up to 12m (39ft) in length. Boats moor on either side of a main pier, which is divided into four sections and connected by gangways. Fingers have been angled as appropriate.

A second 60m (197ft) long pier has been installed to protect the moorings from debris and ice and act as a base

for a 27.5m (90ft) long bridge.

As the site is subject to over 6m (20ft) water depth variation, the structure needed adequate and secure anchorage. Marinetek opted to use 27 concrete-filled steel piles – a first for the company in Croatia – sinking each to a depth of 12m (39ft). The pontoons are mounted on the piles using special clamps with sliding elements that allow for unobstructed rise and fall.

MYP at IBEX 2019

Register now!

USA: Registration is open for the 29th International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), 1st-3rd October at the Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, Florida.

The Marina & Yard Pavilion (MYP) will, once again, be located on the first floor of the ever-expanding event. This year’s country pavilions will include exhibitors from South Korea, Australia, France, Slovenia and Italy.

To register for IBEX 2019, the MYP and to find out more, to to www.ibexshow.com

Marina World is the Exclusive MYP Media Partner for IBEX and an IBEX Show Media Partner.

Resort plans firm up

INDONESIA: Crown Group of Sydney, Australia, has released details for a $1 billion waterfront resort in Ancol, north Jakarta. The project comprises architect-designed vertical mixeduse residences - inspired by natural elements - a marina, beach club and restaurant precinct.

Facing the Java Sea and covering an area of 4.7ha (11.6 acres), the project is being planned with government organisation PT Pembangunan Jaya Ancol, which developed Southeast Asia’s largest tourist park – Ancol Bay –in the 1980s.

The proposal is set to go before the Indonesian Government for approval later this year.

Thumbs down for marina expansion

ISRAEL: A plan promoted by the Transportation Ministry to build nine new marinas and expand others along Israel’s Mediterranean coast over the next few years has met with a slew of complaints from the Environmental Protection Agency, environmentalists such as the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, and the general public.

The plan, which could see berth numbers increase from nearly 3,000 to a potential 13,000, is aimed at encouraging the increasing number of boat-owning Israeli nationals to moor their boats at home rather than overseas. Objectors are particularly alarmed at the high level of additional infrastructure such a plan would involve and the potentially negative impact on public beaches.

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Industry engages at Marinas19

AUSTRALIA: The Marinas19 International Conference and Trade Exhibition, held in May, was considered a ‘highly successful event’ attracting 300 participants to the Gold Coast.

Marina Industries Association (MIA) president, Andrew Chapman, opened the event with a strong address highlighting the need for industry to be on the front foot with regard to specific environmental challenges. He launched MIA’s policy on the elimination of single plastics by 2025, which will help member marinas by means of education and information to change business practices and recycling.

Delegates were also given a preview of the new on-line Club Marine Extreme Weather Preparedness course.

Many of the 31 conference sessions resulted in stimulating thought and discussion. For example, keynote speaker on demographics Simon Kuestenmacher set the scene highlighting the implications of delayed and reduced discretionary expenditure by future generations. Säljö Bjorn spoke of marinas needing one hundred times more power in the future to cater for electric powered boats.

All 32 booths at the trade exhibition were sold and MIA CEO, Colin Bransgrove, said demand for space had been particularly strong from international companies. “There is growing recognition from North America and Europe that MIA provides an effective conduit into the marina industry across the Asia, Australia and New Zealand regions,” he noted.

Category winners earned applause at the Gala Dinner during presentations for the Club Marine Marina of the Year Awards 2019/20. Highlights included the double-winner Abell Point Marina, QLD (Best Community Engagement and Best Commercial Marina over 140 boats); Bay of Islands Marina, New Zealand (Best International Marina); and South of Perth Yacht Club (Club of the Year). Port Denarau Marina, Fiji, won entry into the Hall of Fame in the category of Best International Marina.

Marina World was the International Media Partner for Marinas19.

MYP at Meststrade 2019

NETHERLANDS: Almost 50 companies have signed up to exhibit in the Marina & Yard Pavilion at this year’s Metstrade event.

The MYP, now a clear niche area at Metstrade and a global meeting place for marina operators, developers and suppliers, will once again attract important industry gatherings, including a seminar/meeting for the Global Marina Institute (GMI) and new partner activities with PIANC RecCom. More details will follow in our September/ October issue.

Marina World is the Exclusive Media Partner for the MYP at Metstrade. www.mestrade.com

IWMC 2020

Green light for Leros marina

GREECE: A concession has been granted to build a 73-berth marina in Ormos Alindon on the East Aegean island of Leros.

The contract was signed by Tourism Minister Thanassis Theocharopoulos in May as part of the Ministry’s strategy to boost nautical tourism.

The ICOMIA World Marinas Conference 2020 will be held in Dubai, UAE - More details soon!

Brunswick buys Freedom

USA: Brunswick Corporation has acquired Freedom Boat Club (FBC), the largest boat club operator in the USA (see article Marina World March/April). Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Stage one opens at Trinity

AUSTRALIA: Johnson Property Group has opened the first phase of Trinity Point Marina on Lake Macquarie, north of Sydney, NSW. The marina is part of a $388 million master-planned community.

The first stage, 88 berths and associated infrastructure, will form part of a five-pier facility for boats up to 20m (66ft) in length. Two vessels of 30m (98ft) could also be accommodated as an option. Visitor berthing, a fuel dock, pump-out, a marina lounge, high quality en suite showers, Wi-Fi and CCTV are incorporated.

“It was critical we did the marina right,” said Johnson Property Group managing director Keith Johnson. “It was a major key to what we aimed to achieve. It had

to be a success.” To that end, the group hired Bellingham Marine to help with detail design and construction.

Sweeping lines, placid waters, terracotta coloured Unifloat concrete docks, stunning lighting and architectural details are highlights of the marina but, as John Spragg, Bellingham Marine president of Australia and Middle East points out, “to be a high performing marina, you need more than aesthetics.”

“Marina layout, ease of access from the entrance to individual berths, ample

FBC and its franchisees have over 20,000 customers, whose club membership gives access to a fleet of nearly 2,200 boats at around 170 company-owned or franchised locations across 30 US states, Canada and Europe.

John Giglio and his management team will continue to lead FBC, which will operate within Brunswick’s Boating Services Network as part of the company’s Business Acceleration Group.

“We are excited to welcome John and the entire Freedom Boat Club team of employees and franchise partners to Boating Services,” said Cecil Cohn, president, Boating Services. “We look forward to supporting their growth in our common goal to help attract the next generation of boaters.”

“The addition of Freedom Boat Club to our leading portfolio of marine brands will allow us to leverage resources and capabilities to create additional growth and value,” said Brenna Preisser, president, Brunswick Business Acceleration. “Our current and prospective franchisees will be supported with a unique suite of new products and services to help them grow and provide exceptional on-water experiences for members.”

power, and amenities on the docks are the things that will put Trinity Point Marina on top,” he believes, adding that “from an operational standpoint, boater experience is paramount.”

“Give boaters a stress-free, enjoyable experience and your berths will quickly fill. Trinity’s purpose-designed wave attenuator is a big piece of that. It ensures a safe tranquil harbour in all weather.”

A further 100 berths are planned for stage two.

Members of Freedom Boat Club enjoy hassle-free access to different types of boat in multiple locations.

SPONSORED FEATURE: IGY SÈTE MARINA

Sète to stretch the French Riviera

IGY is one of the best-known names in marina management with 17 marinas in its portfolio across 10 different countries. A name that has a strong international reputation for customer service is now venturing further into new territory by opening a second prestigious European destination this summer – IGY Sète Marina in the south of France – to build on its long-established, successful network in the Americas and the Caribbean.

IGY Sète Marina is no ordinary newbuild. Firstly, it’s that very rare entity – an alongside purpose-built superyacht facility – and, secondly, it is positioned to open as a new yachting destination in the proven, and highly favoured market of the south of France. Sète, a town with strong maritime heritage, known as the ‘Venice of the

Languedoc’, offers its own special cultural and gastronomic attractions. It has excellent road, rail and air networks, and is positioned a ‘nudge’ away from the over-subscribed marinas of the Côte d’Azur.

IGY Sète Marina (above) is an exciting new superyacht facility that is currently taking reservations in the south of France. As a destination, the charming town of Sète has much to offer in terms of scenery, canalside infrastructure, historic buildings, specialist cuisine, and cultural events such as the annual nautical jousts (top right).

The nudge counts. “It’s a great location to visit and to stay for longer periods of time in the south of France – which typically features some of the highest berthing prices anywhere in the world – for more competitive cost. We feel it will be a viable option for charter companies and vessel crews looking to stay in the region for a bit longer,” says the marina General Manager, Richard Kettle.

Can-do approach

When visitors stay, they will experience the very best that IGY Marinas has to offer. In addition to high quality, a new infrastructure, and 582m (1,908ft) of alongside superyacht berthing, all aspects of available services have been given the highest priority and berthing at the marina is uncomplicated and convenient.

“IGY Sète Marina is a port of entry in a deep protected basin offering berth side parking, fuel at berth, container storage alongside each vessel, 125/250 amp power pedestals and up to 2,000 amp hard-wired shore power supply in two separate locations. Safety is ensured by the gated site and all is fully ISPS coded,” confirms Kenny Jones, IGY EVP Operations. “And, as you would expect from IGY, crew facilities and visitor experience take the highest priority.”

Kettle adds “the fibre optic Wi-Fi and high-pressure water are also available as standard,” and points out that the shore power supply can be adapted to accommodate lower electrical needs

SPONSORED

as required – 1,000/800/600 etc. “This level of power range and flexibility is a rare opportunity for the largest of yachts,” he notes.

An array of amenities including lounge, business centre, guest Wi-Fi, and a roof-top terrace will be offered in the clubhouse, when completed, as part of the company’s hospitality strategy. “We often hear that some regional superyacht marinas don’t have the high standard of customer service that has become IGY’s mantra,” Kettle observes. “IGY prides itself on a ‘can-do attitude’ and seeks to ensure captains and crews enjoy their time and are well catered for in all aspects.”

Open to all

Poised to open in July, IGY Sète Marina has created a stir amongst the broader yachting community and those familiar with the IGY brand. “Lots of IGY customers know and appreciate IGY’s customer service and are excited by the new location,” confirms Simon Bryan, IGY’s Regional Director for Europe, “and existing IGY customers have the opportunity to get first come/first served opening reduced rates,” he adds.

Many brokers and captains were

introduced to Sète during the high season in the Caribbean and USA via the IGY Marinas network and have given “extremely positive feedback”, as well as those spoken to at the MYBA Show in Barcelona and the Monaco Yacht Show.

“We’re open to all,” Bryan says and underlines the flexibility of the IGY offering. “We offer 5, 10 and 15-year berth leasing opportunities but, in reality, we can create a tailor-made package to accommodate any duration required. The possibility to sub-let a berth gives the owner a return on investment. Long term berthing makes for extremely competitive annual rates.”

Why Sète?

Although Sète is a popular tourist destination within France, it is less well known outside of the country and is ripe ground for superyachts. “IGY tends to take a very focused approach in terms of how we expand into new markets, one that follows the interests and desires of our client base,” Richard Kettle asserts. “We look to operate the market-leading facilities and destinations in the locations where our clients are and where they want to go.” This means taking a very

careful and very specific approach to each market. Patience will be the watchword for developing a destination network in the Mediterranean to augment Porto Cervo Marina (an IGY destination) and IGY Sète Marina.

But first comes the Sète challenge. “We need to change the mentality of the yachting community that suggests ‘the world ends at La Ciotat’ and there is nothing west of this. We are aiming to stretch the Côte d’Azur westwards to open up this undiscovered region, attracting superyachts out of their normal ‘cruising grounds’ and making Sète, and the surrounding area, a better known destination for all.”

A challenge, perhaps, but captains and crews looking to sample the most modern marina IGY has ever created may happily broaden their sailing horizons for the mere 86nm journey west from La Ciotat. And they will be secure in the knowledge that when they reach IGY Sète Marina they will arrive at a brand new, purpose-built facility –and be in the hands of an experienced, efficient, and friendly IGY team.

To find out more, go to www.igy-sete.com/marina

Camper & Nicholsons Marinas are globally recognised as the experts in developing marinas alongside premium waterside property developments and place-making. We provide consultancy services to anyone who is planning to construct a marina. We manage, operate and own marinas all over the world.

Contact: Andrew Garland, Business Development Manager Andrew.garland@cnmarinas.com

Tel: +44 (0)20 3405 1782

Inland gem attracts global custom

Port Mâcon, the largest inland marina in France, is a multi-award winning gem in the heart of the lush Burgundy countryside. Donatella Zucca invited harbour master Cyrille Racca to talk shop.

Located in the municipality of Mâcon, which has been the capital of the Saône-et-Loire region in Burgundy since 1790, Port Mâcon sits between the cities of Beaune and Lyon. Recipients of the Prix du Port de Plaisance Exemplaire for its equipment and the Sceptre d’Or du Développement Durable for its role in developing sustainable tourism, the marina offers all modern services, is home to clubs and associations, and enjoys excellent synergy with the local authorities.

Offering up to 425 berths for vessels up to 25m (82ft) in length at a modern Poralu floating pontoon system, Port Mâcon also benefits from a recently built harbour master’s office, Wi-Fi, video surveillance and a 24-hour credit card enabled fuel dock. It has adequate car parking and the marina and piers are accessed using personal badges. The entire site has been adapted for people with reduced mobility.

Port Mâcon is well connected. The town centre is surrounded by pedestrian and cycle paths that connect it to all cities within a 50km (31mi) radius and the marina – in a peaceful environment within a leisure

park – has good links to airports in Lyon and Geneva, train services from Mâcon station and easy access to the European motorway network. It also has enormous destination appeal, with historic attractions and great food and wine traditions – it is located on the Route des Vins between the Mâconnais and Beaujolais vineyards.

The port at Mâcon, initially in use solely for commercial and industrial activities, changed tack in 1989. In 2012 a project financed by the Mâcon municipality, Feder (Europe), the Regional Council of Burgundy, the Ministère de l’Ecologie du Développement Durable des Transports et du Logement and the Fédération des Industries Nautiques was established to improve the port infrastructure. Further enhancement and expansion has followed.

“The first tourist port of Mâcon was created about 30 years ago,” confirms Cyrille Racca. “An association wanted to offer sailing courses and promote the Sâone area. The first real marina, however, was created more or less 20 years ago and it had 120 berths. From 2008 to 2010 the local mayor decided to create a bigger and more beautiful

TALKING SHOP

marina and modified it completely so that by 2012 it had 425 berths.”

Maintaining the environment

The marina won the Prix du Port de Plaisance Exemplaire in 2010 for exceeding the norm at various levels including environmental approach. “Our modernisation plan led to the creation of the fuel dock, two technical areas – one of which is dedicated to larger projects – rubbish collection points, a dockside black and grey water pump-out system and improvement of the drydock area,” Racca explains. Environmental action exceeded the demands of regulations. “The port is in permanent contact with the environmental authorities and all environmental management services for birds and everything related to fish. In cooperation with fisheries federations, we make studies and take water samples for analysis to check that there is no pollution. We have set aside areas in the marina where we allow aquatic grasses to grow freely so that fish can spawn and birds can come to feed. We have storks that come to lay their eggs and generally have around 50 nests a year around the marina site.”

Above left & below: Port Mâcon, the largest inland marina in France, is a sheltered oasis with a modern floating pontoon system.

Photo: Ville de Mâcon

Photo: Ville de Mâcon (Gaël Fontany)

Cyrille Racca

TALKING SHOP

Consumption of water and electricity is also closely monitored. Electricity is included in the flat rate fee for those who lease an annual berth and visitors are charged €2 per day for normal consumption. Above a certain limit, the supply stops automatically. Water is controlled by a timing system. Customers press a button to receive water for five to ten minutes. The button needs to be pressed again if more water is required.

This attention to detail, the modern and efficient infrastructure and the very strict French approach to standards for leisure boating and marinas resulted in a positive local attitude towards the redevelopment. “Ninety-five per cent of people were favourable towards the development of the marina and the way it was to be managed. Of course, as always, when something is new there are some who do not agree,” Racca admits.

Attracting customers

It is tempting to assume that a marina, no matter how modern, that is far from the sea will rely on local custom. True, in part, but Racca delivers some surprises. “We have 425 berths and currently have just 40 available so can say that the marina is full. Roughly 30% of our berth holders live near the marina or within 50km [31mi], the others come from all over the world. We have Mexicans, Canadians, Australians, Portuguese, Spaniards, South Americans and customers from the United States. It’s truly global aside from Chinese and Japanese – for now. And in terms of visitors – whether they stay for one night

or six months – over 90% of customers are from outside of France.”

Visitor berthing may be at a premium but all are warmly welcomed. “We do everything we can to give people a place. We welcome them. If they have any technical problems we source outside companies to solve the issues. We help them with everything they need, from serious concerns to things like finding a restaurant or lending them bikes to go to the town centre just 3km [2mi] away.”

Destination appeal is taken seriously as no one comes to Port Mâcon just to enjoy boating. The harbour master’s office has dedicated space for a company that provides information on what the area offers and suggests all kinds of discovery routes. Agreements have also been made with organisations that offer guided tours; a new tourism initiative.

For those who want to be more adventurous – from both a nautical and tourism perspective – it is possible to reach the Mediterranean by boat, passing through the Sâone-et-Loire region through the Rhône and the Camargue delta; beautiful areas that deserve to be seen and experienced to the full. “Our brochure describes a trip of two or three days but, in general, those who leave Mâcon by boat towards Camargue and PortSaint-Louis-du-Rhône on the Med, take more time – on average reaching their destination in four days,” Racca says.

All marina operations are dovetailed with the municipality as it is normal in France for projects, tariffs and decisions regarding a marina to be taken by the town and its mayor. “We make proposals that must then be examined and validated by the Municipal Council. I take care of the marina management following City Hall instructions and with respect to the mayor’s decisions. We are here to welcome customers, listen to their needs, inform, manage the budget and everything related to the port, take care of the boats and all related activities,” Racca emphasises, adding that he believes the existing development to be complete. “There are no plans to increase the number of berths in the future, Port Mâcon is already the largest river marina in France and more growth would be too much. It would mean more staff, more equipment and more services. It would mean reviewing everything. We prefer to maintain our size and focus on better management, optimising reception, services and contacts with everything that revolves around the port.” As such, the focus will continue to be on social and eco-friendly development.

Above: The harbour master’s office was recently rebuilt and includes an information area in which local attractions are promoted. Below: Around 425 boats can moor up in clean, tranquil surroundings.

Photos: Ville de Mâcon (Gaël Fontany)

The Marina & Yard Pavilion is a specialised pavilion at the METSTRADE Show; the world’s largest marine equipment trade show. The pavilion is the first port of call for marina professionals from around the world. With over 70 exhibitors, it’s the world’s largest trade exhibition for the marina & yard industry.

MARINA REFURBISHMENT

Renovating for climate and market adaptation

by Margaret Boshek

With consistent growth in the US recreational boating industry over the past seven years, many older marinas are assessing the potential for renovation in order to attract an influx of new users. But with average construction costs estimated around $60,000 per slip, refurbishment decisions need to be informed by a clear understanding of site and market dynamics, and how these dynamics could change over the life of the facility. Adaptive planning and design have become an essential part of the marina renovation process.

Docks represent one of the largest renovation investments. Modern docks have a life expectancy of 40 years, but in many regions the changing climate is amplifying extreme storm events to be well in excess of forces the dockage was designed to withstand. Specialised engineers can assist in determining the potential risks of extreme weather events and provide recommendations for reducing the impact on susceptible infrastructure. Selecting and designing dockage that can better resist current and future extreme events helps mitigate maintenance and repair costs and provides resiliency for your facility. Refurbishing a marina is the perfect time to assess whether the slip mix and amenities are appropriate for the shifting boating market – and to build in flexibility for addressing future market shifts. Boating trends can change quickly, especially

with technology and demographics generating unprecedented user needs and preferences. Being able to adapt to these market changes throughout the facility’s life will maximise your initial investment. Selecting dockage and anchorage systems that can be reconfigured and redeployed gives a facility the flexibility to adjust slip sizes and mix, helping to keep occupancy and revenue steady through changing economies.

Diversification of revenue streams is paramount for flexibility when markets shift. This increasingly means catering to more than just the traditional boating community. For example, in the USA new-boat ownership among individuals under the age of 40 has shrunk by almost half in the last 20 years; younger boaters prefer personal watercraft and wakesport boats, while

Above: Located on a flood-control reservoir expecting larger annual fluctuations in water levels, the marina at Chatfield State Park in Colorado (southwest of Denver) was redesigned to allow the dockage and marina services building to float 68ft (21m) above current normal summer pool, and 85ft (26m) above the drought pool. Photo: SmithGroup

Right: Floating systems for marina service buildings, restaurants and hotels can enhance resilience as well as revenue potential as part of a marina renovation.

Photo: Structurmarine – Floating Hotel Concept – www.structurmarine.com

Margaret Boshek

older and family boaters prefer cruiser and pontoon vessels. Non-motorised water sports have also become very popular, bringing more people to facilities that offer storage and launching opportunities. This creates a mix of traditional and new users; serving both effectively represents an opportunity and a challenge when renovating a marina.

It is helpful to benchmark the adjustments that different marinas have made to turn market shifts into market opportunities, and to incorporate them into a renovation. Some marinas have opened their gates to charter companies and commercial sales. Others have started providing overnight stays on houseboats and larger vessels, sometimes owned and operated by the marina. Some add transient dockage and new amenities to capitalise on higher revenue transient boaters. Others expand services to include rentals and storage.

Many marinas are rebranding themselves as community destinations, offering special events and programming targeted at non-boaters as well as boaters. These tactics, coupled with retail and hospitality spaces, can provide streams of revenue outside of the traditional boating season – but they frequently require renovation of upland areas to improve access and parking.

These market adjustments often require special provisions and more comprehensive insurance. All of this can be accounted for as part of an adaptive renovation design process, providing strong return on investment for the marina owner/operator. Margaret Boshek, PE is a coastal engineer for SmithGroup, USA.

Water has always been our ally and endlessly fascinating engineering challenge. Our work is our passion. We continue to experience the same emotions and pleasure inspired when we began to construct on water forty years ago.

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MARINA REFURBISHMENT

English marina secures green light for change

Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour, winner of this year’s TYHA Coastal Marina of the Year award* (under 250 berths), is an idyllic English marina located in one of the few privately-owned estuaries in the world. Opened in 1971 and largely unchanged since 1980, it has recently been subject to a £400,000 investment for an upgraded facilities building and has now secured planning permission and a marine licence for reconfiguration and extension.

Being on the doorstep of an 18th century shipbuilding village in the heart of the picturesque and sensitive habitat of the New Forest National Park creates challenges when change is required. The marina owners Beaulieu Estate (Beaulieu Enterprises – BEL) appointed Marina Projects for advice on the redevelopment.

The initial scope of work included analysis of the local and wider market, historic activity trends, a detailed review of the site constraints, development of concept design options and the development of the business case. Marina Projects then put together a detailed consent strategy and assisted in the stakeholder consultation process.

Russell Bowman, managing director at BEL, explains the aim: “We are investing in the future of the marina whilst seeking to reconfigure the facility and offer increased availability of walk-

ashore berths and an enhanced level of customer service. It is imperative to us that we preserve the character which makes Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour so special.”

Mike Ward, managing director of Marina Projects, adds details: “Since the marina opened in 1971 it has remained largely the same, which is why the changes are necessary to meet modern boating demands and offer the right size and type of berths for modern vessels. Most notably, the increasing beam

The Beaulieu (pronounced Bewlee) River, owned by the Beaulieu Estate and set amidst quintessential English countryside, is home to Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour. The marina is preparing for sensitive expansion.

of modern vessels has led to a revised berth mix with berth sizes generally between 8m [26ft] and 20m [66ft]. Over 70% will be between 8 and 12m [26 and 39ft] in length.”

The existing pontoon system is in remarkably good condition and the reconfigured design has sought to incorporate the significant majority of the existing pontoon equipment, which will be subject to a major refurbishment, including full replacement of all deck boards, fendering and duct cover, Ward confirms. There will be a mix of new and reused hardwood timber piles. New access bridges, utilities and additional new pontoon equipment will complete the installation. Approximately 60 additional berths will be provided, along with improved provision of walk-ashore visitor berthing.

The marina is located on a significant meander in the river and this provides challenges with respect to the orientation and geometry of fairways if use of water area is to be optimised. The planned expansion is achieved by careful design and by making the best use of the existing deep water and rationalising the alignment of the main channel. Modelling of the tidal flows on the river ensures that the orientation of the berths is sensitively designed.

Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour is a very popular destination with up to 7,500 visiting vessels annually. Substantial numbers of vessels moor up at weekends and in the high season. As a consequence, a significant degree of rafting of vessels occurs during peak periods and the constrained water depth in some areas, together with tidal

The Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour team, proud recipients of a Coastal Marina of the Year award.

flows, requires each visitor berth to be carefully allocated.

The Beaulieu River has been protected by four centuries of custodianship by the forebears of Lord Montagu and it makes an important contribution to the sustainability of the Beaulieu Estate. As custodian, the Estate was keen to ensure opportunities were identified to mitigate for the increased marina footprint. This includes dedicated no-anchoring and no-berthing zones in the most sensitive areas, a new wash-down facility and pump-out.

Future-proofing and reusing existing equipment with care are key factors when tackling refurbishment projects. “Reconfiguring the pontoon system, for example, needs detailed planning around an operational marina to ensure equipment can be reused in the correct phase of the redevelopment,” Ward explains. “Our response is to prepare a comprehensive plan and pontoon reuse schedule.”

“The logistics and operational interface of working with an active customer base is also an essential

MARINA REFURBISHMENT

Marina Projects has advised on how best to revise the marina’s floating berth arrangement.

element to ensure smooth delivery, and this communication starts at the project planning stage to ensure the customer’s expectations can be managed,” he adds.

Advice presented to BEL by Marina Projects received the “overwhelming support” of all key stakeholders. Work will be conducted over consecutive

winter periods. Phase one will complete by winter 2019/20 and phase two is programmed to complete in April 2021.

* The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) awards recognise the best of over 160 Gold Anchor accredited marinas around the globe. Boaters vote for their favourite marina based on quality of facilities and services.

Seawork

MARINA REFURBISHMENT

Rovinj rebuild sets bold new standard

Adriatic Croatia International Club (ACI) has taken a step forwards for Croatian nautical tourism by completely refurbishing Marina Rovinj, one of the 22 marinas it operates from Umag in the far north of the country down south to Dubrovnik. The renovation reinforces the marina’s attraction as a shortterm visitor and charter boat destination, provides berths for far larger boats than before and has been focused on offering exclusive, often custom-made elements to create a bold new standard.

Once a small fishing village, the town of Rovinj on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula has medieval architecture and narrow cobbled streets and is a prime tourist attraction. Locals and visitors can now include a marina waterfront experience as a large part of ACI’s €20 million investment has been spent on creating upland attractions. The new marina has 1,400m² (15,069ft²) of commercial space including catering facilities, a restaurant and café/lounge bar, supermarket, wellness centre, various high end shops, office space for luxury yacht brokers, charter agencies, chandlery and service centre. Shoreside facilities are cleverly designed to maximise waterfront views and offer exclusive amenities in contemporary, elegant interior settings.

The new marina, which replaces a facility built by ACI over 30 years ago, has two separate basins – one for annual berth holders and another for visitors – that together offer 196 berths for vessels of an average length of 17m

(56ft). Berthing for yachts up to 35m (115ft) is also available and even larger visiting vessels can be accommodated. All floating infrastructure was supplied and installed by Marinetek and its Heavy Duty pontoon elements have been employed to create four 3.3m (11ft) wide floating piers, measuring 54m (177ft), 57m (187ft), 69m (226ft) and 75m (246ft) in length.

“We completed the design, delivery and installation of all the piers, associated equipment and anchorage systems to meet the agreed schedule of March 2019,” confirmed Marinetek Adriatic managing director Boris Miškic. The pontoons have sleek, high quality WPC decking in two shades of grey and coordinated alongside fenders. Identical decking is used on the 1.2m (4ft) wide x 6.0m (20ft) long access bridges. All

Marina Rovinj (left & below) has been totally refurbished to give marina chain ACI an impressive facility in a favoured tourism destination.

pontoons are secured using chain and anchor, and vessels moor up Mediterranean style.

A new quay wall has been built along the entire length of the marina and the new breakwater, at 6m (20ft) in width, now gives two-lane vehicle access.

“We are delighted to have continued our long-standing working relationship with ACI to help create a new flagship facility in Rovinj,” Miškic said. “The rebuilt marina has been warmly welcomed by boat owners and can now offer a nautical service that was previously lacking in the town. By offering larger berths, Rovinj will also attract a new category of guest.”

ACI prides itself on operating marinas in scenic waters and historic locations. Rovinj fits the brief perfectly – with an archipelago of 14 islands to explore, and the commanding steeple of the church of patron saint Euphemia to guide every boat back towards the heart of the centuries-old town.

Marinetek supplied and installed its Heavy Duty pontoon elements to create four floating piers.

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MARINA REFURBISHMENT

‘

Visual’ is an instant message

dedicated scanner (fast, double sided, high resolution and able to save in PDF format) which will deal more efficiently with insurance policies, boat certificates, personal documents and most paperwork generated by the marina operation.

Case two: the PA system. If it has not been used for long periods, no matter the reason, it should be removed. People make contact today by mobile phone. Remove all speakers from their placements, fill the holes and take away the wiring or it will only contribute to visual decay.

by Oscar Siches

It is, without a doubt, a fascinating time when a marina takes steps to refurbish. Refurbish means renovate and redecorate, not just resize and update systems, but unfortunately this definition is ignored by most operators, and certainly by authorities. As things stand today, the visual impact of a marina is an important influence on the way it does business. Visual is an instant message overcoming most barriers: age, religion or nationality.

Marina design and marina refurbishing are similar concepts, the main difference being that in marina refurbishing, the marina management has an operational history and can make decisions based on operational experience. Refurbishing does not mean changing elements per se, but making the best use of existing resources and upgrading where necessary in order to create an up to date, efficient and profitable facility.

This article examines the usual topics that are part of a marina refurbishment but you should not exclude many other factors that affect such projects.

Boat mix

Increasing the size of berths is tempting, as is increasing numbers, but careful planning must be done as many areas of the marina will be affected, such as: manoeuvring space on fairway, width of the pontoons (people circulation), toilet/shower facilities (more people), garbage collection, admin work, electrical supply and water

supply to name a few.

When deciding on the importance (and cost) of upgrading, three issues must be considered. Are the systems necessary? Is it worth expanding them? Are there new rules to meet?

Obsolete systems and elements

I will start with an obvious item: a fax machine. It takes up space and it is used maybe five times a year (if at all). The fax should be replaced by a

Above: Neat and well thought out arrangements make for a tidy dockside. Top right: Always check electrical equipment as part of a renovation plan. Left: Repairing and replacing crucial infrastructure is costly but can transform a marina facility.

Other examples? Are some of your fish cleaning stands not used? Remove them. Are remotely situated rubbish bins rarely used? Move them to a place with higher traffic.

These are general examples to help identify possible action for obsolete or unused systems and elements.

Environmental control

You are already undertaking some kind of environmental control by engaging in selective rubbish disposal and energy saving practices. Please remember that refurbishment work can generate lots of pollution, such as increased use of energy and water, littering, large amounts of plastic packaging, noise, dust and disposal of old elements. Do not wait until the project is finished to

MARINA REFURBISHMENT

re-engage in your environmental good practice: do it at project planning and mitigate the negative effects with a well prepared and effective plan.

Power supply

Many times, after using automatic reading from power pedestals, marinas realise that having a relatively small number of berths (less than 150 is a figure I adopt as average) such automation is not really necessary. In older marinas, most particularly, the ducts are not prepared to give the signal cables the protection they need. Humidity will cause the cables to increase their resistance, and heat, together with humidity, will make the cable’s outside layer lose elasticity and generate cracks. The mice and rats will have a feast; there’s hardly anything better than a good cable to sharpen their teeth. A well-trained dockhand team can take the meter readings of up to 150 berths perfectly well… and visually inspect the pedestals at the same time.

Local electrical installation rules must be checked as there may be changes since the original installation was made. In the USA, observance of NFPA 70, art. 555 covering marinas and boatyards is of capital importance. There are some grey areas in the ruling and more than one professional opinion should be sought. If your shore switches did not trigger very often in the summer, when boat owners use their aircon for the whole day, your marina wiring does not need increased capacity. Check cable elasticity (can be lost by UV radiation) and shear. Check voltage at the furthest pedestal and at maximum consumption. If

fitted with 50A sockets, ask the boat owner to switch everything on until it draws at least 40A. Why? If the supply cables are humid or damaged they will increase their resistance and make the voltage drop. The effect is strongest at the end of the line.

I am mentioning action any marina can take as a very first assessment of what should be refurbished. No special instruments, no technical knowledge beyond the very basic knowledge every maintenance crew should have.

Earth leaks

Now to a more specific and often neglected subject: earth leaks. The RCD (Residual Current Device) or GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) that must be fitted to every electrical circuit installation reacts to the sum of the earth leaks in such a circuit.

The electrical leaks can be generated by the marina (usually via humidity in switches, contacts or damaged cables) or boat generated. A Leakage Clamp Meter to measure earth leak current starts at approximately US$300. It is a phenomenal tool that carries out lifesaving control and maintenance.

And this final sentence is not an exaggeration: a 100mA current flowing between a boat and the shore will paralyse a swimmer to the point of not being able to breathe or shout for help.

Food and Beverage

F&B is a must in every marina. Whether serving just a few tables, bites on the bar or as a full restaurant offering an onboard catering service, now is the moment to make the changes you feel your F&B business needs. A new fryer,

Left: Refurbishment work can generate lots of pollution, litter, dust, noise and the need to dispose of old elements. Mitigate the negative effects by planning ahead. Below: In addition to removing obsolete equipment, pay attention to adding unobtrusive extras such as low impact lighting for public spaces.

bigger fridges, enlarged terrace, new awning? Do not forget to reassess the delivery path for your suppliers and rubbish storage and collection. In some hot climates, refrigerating the enclosure where the garbage is stored makes a big difference. Either renew the decoration of your restaurant or bar, or give it a fresh look. The aspect of such a facility is as important as good food, appropriate prices and customer service. In yachting environments, customers go to a bar or restaurant to relax and socialise. Grabbing a coffee, a tea or a burger may be the primary purpose, but it is not the only one.

Before, during and after Self-criticism is the best approach when planning a marina refurbishment. Thinking out of the box is the second. Please remember that your marina is not the one you know, but the one your clients, the authorities and the local community see. Chat with them, listen to your personnel, as they are the ones walking around the marina eight hours a day and receiving the first reactions from the users. Organise a refurbishment party where you tell everybody what will be done, and when, and why. And profit by undertaking crew training: they need it, they will be dealing with the newly refurbished marina in the future, and feeling close to the facility not only makes them feel comfortable, but it also makes them feel proud.

Oscar Siches runs Marina Matters, a consultancy based in Mallorca, Spain. He can be contacted on oscar@siches.com

MARINA REFURBISHMENT

Strategies for phased improvements in Michigan harbours

by Greg Weykamp

One of the biggest challenges in renovating a marina is determining the point at which it makes more sense to complete a major infrastructure replacement project instead of continuing an ongoing series of smaller improvement projects. While the cost of a major replacement project can be a challenge, the opportunity to reshape your marina to respond to a continuously evolving boating market may be the single most important financial consideration over the long term. Similarly, perhaps the biggest risk of simply updating older dock infrastructure in small incremental projects is remaining trapped into a fading market by an obsolete berthing configuration.

The State of Michigan in the USA is completing a comprehensive assessment of all 82 of its stateowned and grant-supported harbour facilities, with the goal of documenting the existing condition of each facility, determining the improvements needed at each facility in the immediate (five-year) time frame and longterm (20-year) time frame, outlining cost estimates for capital budget planning, and establishing a set of ranking criteria and priorities to guide phased improvements across the entire system. The ranking criteria for establishing priorities includes a wide range of considerations, beginning with immediate liability concerns such as Electrical Shock Drowning (ESD)/ Electrical Code requirements or compliance with the Americans with

Disabilities Act. After basic safety compliance issues are addressed, the most important factors in determining improvement priorities include facility occupancy and how closely the current berthing configuration responds to the current and anticipated boating market, and the age and condition of the existing infrastructure.

Once a facility is selected for improvement, more detailed studies are completed to determine the most beneficial approach to refurbishment. These studies include comprehensive condition assessment of the harbour infrastructure, including all docks, utilities, breakwaters and landside amenities, as well as completion of a detailed marina market analysis and boater survey to refine the project programme and scope of work. Close

East Tawas State Harbor nears completion of a three-phase renovation project that has involved a total reorganisation of the berthing configuration.

coordination with the local community improves the relationship and connections between the marina and downtown businesses, building broad support for the project and easing the entitlement process.

East Tawas State Harbor is in the final stages of a three-phase renovation project that completely reorganised the berthing configuration to respond to the need for replacement of functionally obsolete fixed and floating docks, while providing more and larger transient and seasonal berths, improved boater access to existing landside amenities, and a comprehensive update to the harbour fuel and utility systems, with an emphasis on improving ESD safety.

Located on the western shores of Lake Huron, the original layout of the facility was organised around a timber crib structure that protected an historic timber mill site. Fixed finger piers were added to the original structure, as well as a second larger structure constructed later by the US Army Corps of Engineers that created a second interior harbour, with floating docks providing additional berthing.

While reusing the existing structure was cost effective, the overall layout and berthing configuration was very inefficient from an operational perspective, and there was no way to resolve these operational concerns while expanding the facility to meet the growing market demand.

The solution was to eliminate a portion of the original structure to create a single, larger harbour. This allowed for a more efficient reconfiguration of berths that improved security, operational efficiency, and boater access to the landside amenities.

With completely new docks and utilities and a renovated boater services building, the facility now sets the standard for the State of Michigan harbour system.

Gregory J Weykamp, ASLA, LEED AP is the president of Michigan-based Edgewater Resources, LLC.

Greg Weykamp

Spotlight on special rebuilds

To spark the imagination of those contemplating similar projects in their marinas, Robert Wilkes highlights ten of the best Bellingham Marine ‘rebuilds’.

Best superyacht marina: Rybovich, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA

You won’t find a marina and shipyard more tailored to serving the needs of superyacht owners and crews than Rybovich, the world’s pre-eminent superyacht facility. The marina can accommodate yachts of 120m (400ft) with high freeboard, heavy duty docks; in-slip refuelling; abundant power and the ability to service yachts right from the docks. Specialising in 10-star concierge service, crews enjoy hotel-like amenities and an on-site bistro social life. The shipyard can haul out most yachts and also has a 2,500ton floating dry dock. A new 14 acre (5.6ha) worksite was recently added nearby and a channel was dredged to integrate the two sites.

Best iconic boat show venue: Bahia Mar Yacht Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

Bahia Mar Yacht Center is one the earliest and longest serving venues of the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show - the largest boat show in the world - and the 2002 rebuild ensures that it will continue in that tradition. Masterfully designed, the marina functions as a world class superyacht centre 11 months out of the year. The magic begins in October when the marina expands from 242 largeyacht slips and side ties into a 1,000-boat gunwale-to-gunwale moorage for the iconic Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The rebuild transitioned the marina from fixed to floating docks and incorporated a oneof-a-kind electrical system with custom-built distribution panels for the show. The system ensures adequate power for all the yachts on display.

Best elegant styling: Rose Bay and Piper Point, Sydney, Australia Rose Bay and Piper Point answer the question, “What would a marina look like if it were 100% customdesigned by world-class architects and industrial designers?” Owners Denis and Ned O’Neil hired Peter Ireland of the Sydney-based firm Allen Jack & Cottier to do just that. The result is a work of art on water. The pontoons, pilings and pedestals are customdesigned and colour coordinated. All-black power pedestals evoke Italian racing cars and stunning teak and chrome rails on the gently arched bridges are like no other marina in the world.

Biggest rebuild: Alamitos Bay Marina, Long Beach, CA, USA

With 1,962 slips in seven basins, Alamitos Bay Marina is the largest rebuild in the USA, replacing a 1960s era timber marina. Everything about this project is on a grand scale. It was a challenge to find places to put the massive amounts of dredge material. The financing needs were so great that Elvira Hallinan, marine bureau manager, had to go on a road show to sell her marina to bond investors - not in the job description of most marina operators. The 12-year rebuild was completed in 2018 and included tearing out and replacing plumbing and wiring, seawall repairs, new gangways, and upland work including car parks and sanitary facilities. Bellingham Marine worked closely with the Long Beach Marine Bureau to manage the complex stop-start scheduling caused by incremental funding.

Best inner-city rebuild: The Wharf DC, Washington DC, USA

The waterfront languished after an interstate cut it off from the rest of the city. The $2.3 billion public-private partnership brought this forgotten part of the District back to life. The Wharf has everything and is for everybody. The Wharf’s master plan is water-centric and intended to attract the community to the waterfront. There is a recreation pier, concert venues, excursion concessions, a fish market, upscale hotels and a massive promenade made for exploring the many shops and restaurants. Bellingham Marine built all the floating dock and gangway structures, including a floating-platform ferry dock and three new marinas. The Wharf’s upland buildings include residences and office spaces, and a water taxi system offers transportation to other points on the Potomac.

Best transformation: Motuoapa Marina, Lake Taupo, New Zealand

Lake Taupo is the crater of an ancient volcano. Like much of New Zealand, it is beautiful, raw and remote. The original marina was home-built by vacationers and locals on weekends 50 to 60 years ago. Simple fixed wood-docks rimmed the perimeter. The old marina was much loved but was dilapidated and lacked basic services: no water, no electricity, no lighting and no security. The brackish, semi-enclosed basin was obstructed by a large island that took up much of the potential berthing space. The remarkable transformation removed the island and installed a modern, 162berth marina with 1,500m² (16,146ft²) of dockage. The marina opened in 2017 and includes an aeration and circulation system that keeps the lake pristine.

Best trendsetting rebuild: Royal Brighton Yacht Club, Middle Brighton, VIC, Australia

Royal Brighton took a bold step forward, replacing its time-honoured fixed-pier docks with floating pontoons and a floating wave attenuator at a time when it was still considered an unproven concept in Australia. The 2003-2005 rebuild by Bellingham Marine Australia forever demonstrated the many benefits of floating pontoons and the durability and effectiveness of floating concrete wave attenuators. After Royal Brighton, the floating pontoon/ attenuator combination was the paradigm for the rest of Australia and New Zealand.

MARINA REFURBISHMENT

Best

environmentally-focused rebuild: Sun Harbor Marina, San Diego, CA, USA

Sun Harbor Marina embodies ecology in harmony with nature and is the first LEED Certified marina in the world. Upland buildings incorporate sustainable materials such as fastgrowing bamboo for flooring and ground recycled vehicle tyres for insulation. The owner believed timber docks would be best for the ecology, but once she learned floating concrete docks act as artificial reef habitats for marine life she was happy to install them. Bellingham Marine created custom decking to her specifications with an undulating wave pattern. The pattern is echoed in the curved buildings and pathways on land. Energy-efficient buildings maximise natural light and distribute cooling breezes to save energy.

Fastest rebuild: Ocean Reef Club Marina, Key Largo, FL, USA

The rebuild began with the demolition of the fixed concrete docks (right) at Ocean Reef Club. We all know the story. The marina signs a contract for a six-month rebuild with completion scheduled on a certain date. Then environmental and building permits are stalled and everything on the schedule moves to the right. This story, however, has a different ending. The unexpected delays at Ocean Reef Club Marina left only a 90-day construction window. Although the rebuild included demolishing and removing a fixed concrete dock system and the installation of new pilings, new utilities and new docks, it was all delivered on time, on budget and in time for the start of Ocean Reef’s high boating season. Considering the scope and complexity of the work, this project is Bellingham’s fastest rebuild.

Best shipyard: Lauderdale Marine Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

Forget the typical industrial image of a shipyard, Lauderdale Marine Center (LMC) is something new and different. The marina and the rest of the campus is aesthetically styled with premium accents and first-quality materials and seems more like a resort. The facility has the ambiance of a five-star marina. LMC upgraded the dock system from an average slip size of 45ft (14m) to 90ft (27m), added 480V electrical power and installed a large multiuse floating platform. The artfully styled platform has a checkerboard deck and is a social gathering spot that brings tenants, craftsmen and boat crews together at the end of the day. Marine services are so comprehensive LMC is considered a onestop shop.

From the smallest to the largest Any customized solutions for every need

MARINAS

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MARINA REFURBISHMENT

New life for old in the US and UAE

by David Canfield

Many ‘new’ marinas in the USA are built by reconfiguring existing facilities. However, refurbishment, repairs and full redevelopments have also been undertaken in regions more typically known for greenfield developments, such as the Caribbean, Latin America and the Middle East. Refurbishment requires not only strong technical experience but also close coordination with the facility management and the contractor so that the operational needs are met and expectations of both the facility owners/developers and users are managed.

Lessons learned from the UAE Marinas have been growing at a staggering rate in the UAE, increasing from less than 1,000 berths 30 years ago to over 6,000 berths today. Most marinas and floating pontoon systems are designed with a 25-year service life per marina industry standards, so it is inevitable that many existing marinas will require refurbishment and upgrades to maintain industry standards and remain competitive with newer marinas in the marketplace.

The JA Marina at JA The Resort (Formerly Jebel Ali Golf Resort), Dubai, one of the first marinas built in the UAE in 1980, recently underwent a full refurbishment. The project turned an outdated marina, situated within a protected basin, into a full-service marina of high modern standards. The refurbishment covered complete pontoon replacements, with select reconfiguration customised to accommodate the existing basin geometry, market demand, current design standards for navigability, upland access and available budget. After detailed investigation, the existing

quay wall was found to be structurally functional as were some existing precast pontoon anchor piles. Utility services to the berths were replaced and upgraded, where necessary, to supply the improved slip mix.

Applied Technology & Management (ATM) - a consulting company with over 30 years’ international experience in the marina sector - was involved from the early stages of refurbishment conception, which encompassed a thorough design process, permitting, tendering and construction coordination. Based on the project experience, the following key considerations relating to marina refurbishment can be highlighted.

Often with refurbishment projects, as opposed to new or full redevelopments, more stringent budgetary constraints are imposed. Targeted engineering studies are an efficient way to reduce the final cost. It is also imperative to review costs during concept level through detailed plans - and to coordinate with the contractor and facility management - to ensure budgets are understood and remain on track.

When reconfiguration is limited or not necessary, performing a thorough and rigorous inspection of existing facilities (including destructive and non-destructive testing) is useful for determining specific components that can be reused, given typical component service life. In this case, some piles could be re-used, which provided considerable savings. Other components may be able to be upgraded with minor improvements.

Designing new components to current standards and incorporating them into the overall existing marina facility is a challenge. It may involve the need to incorporate some aesthetic improvements or make clear that, while the retained items may not totally conform, they are functional and adequate for their intended use.

Strong relationships with regulatory authorities are vital, as authorities must be satisfied that the new overall facility performance meets current standards, especially when incorporating both new and older/existing components.

It is important to maintain strong communication with the entire project team as well as up-to-date communication with marina patrons during construction in order to manage expectations and minimise disruptions to existing services. Construction projects often include unforeseen delays and communication is critical.

“In order to undertake a successful marina refurbishment, it is imperative that a strong relationship exists between the current marina members and the management team,” notes Andy Savill, manager at JA Marina.

David Canfield

The JA Marina at JA The Resort in 2018 (left) and in 1981 (above), when it was known as Jebel Ali Golf Resort.

PROFITS !

The JA Marina now has over 105 wet berths and 60 dry berths and staff can take great pride in the new facility.

Select projects in the Americas

Many of the recent marina refurbishment projects with which ATM has been involved in the Americas were triggered by significant hurricane damage, but the opportunity for optimising slip mix as part of modernisation has also been a major consideration. A relatively special case was the redevelopment of a failing marina in St. Thomas, which in 2005 was transformed into Yacht Haven Grande, the first purpose-built superyacht marina in the Caribbean.

Examples of recent ATM marina refurbishments and redevelopments in the US include Maximo Marina (Florida), North Cove Marina (New York City), Charleston City Marina (South Carolina), Marina Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Fernandina Municipal Marina (Florida), and Fore Street Marina (Maine). In each case, significant drivers of the design process were new demand by larger yachts, older docks that could benefit from modernisation, available

MARINA REFURBISHMENT

With new pontoons, selective reconfiguration and new utility services, The JA Marina now meets boaters’ needs in Dubai.

entitlements and the need to maintain and/or restart operations quickly. In many cases, in addition to significant modernisation of utilities, fixed docks have been replaced by floating docks. In the more comprehensive renovations, upland facilities were also repurposed or reconfigured.

Recent renovations, especially of storm-damaged facilities, include special resilience and sustainability considerations in the design. Fernandina Municipal Marina, in northeast Florida, is currently under construction and is

a near-complete redevelopment that “makes good of a bad situation”, by replacing floating docks and utilities damaged during 2016-2017 Hurricanes Matthew and Irma with a reconfiguration that works better with nature (i.e. aligns docks and berthing areas with prevailing stronger currents to maximise natural flushing and minimise sedimentation), uses resilient materials, and now takes sea level rise into account.

David Canfield, ME, PE, is an ATM principal and managing director of ATM’s Dubai, UAE office.

MARINA REFURBISHMENT

Seawall replacement: latest technology benefits southwest Florida marina

In Florida, many traditional concrete panel seawalls are coming of age and with the rising tides and hurricane activity, these walls are in need of replacement. A marina on the southwest coast of Florida, Burnt Store, has weathered storms but Hurricane Irma in 2017 directly affected it with high winds and heavy rainfall, causing many of the seawalls to fail.

Burnt Store Marina, part of a 626 acre (253ha) luxury gated community, is located on beautiful Charlotte Harbor (rated in the top ten places in the world for sailing) and is the largest marina on Florida’s west coast. The marina currently has 526 wet slips and dry storage for more than 300 boats. There are over two miles of ageing concrete panel seawall within the community, originally installed in the mid 1970s. During Hurricane Irma, 1,400ft (427m) of concrete panel seawall collapsed,

causing significant damage and revenue loss.

Dallas-based Safe Harbor Marinas (SHM) purchased Burnt Store in early 2017. As the new owner, SHM has made several capital improvements to the marina and has plans for additional growth. When the seawalls failed, the marina relied on its engineering firm to recommend the best solution for long-term performance. They recommended new technology in the form of the Truline seawall system.

Truline completely replaced the seawall at Burnt Store Marina in Florida after hurricane damage. Installation (below) was completed by Benton & Sons Construction Company.

Hybrid or concrete?

The innovative modular system from Truline is claimed to provide marinas with several benefits or advantages over traditional concrete panels to help save costs while performing longterm. Some of the benefits for marinas include:

• Longer service life due to the vinyl form which protects the steelreinforced concrete wall from harsh saltwater.

• Smooth, flat appearance that looks good, especially in turns and curves with its smooth radius, unlike wide, flat concrete panels.

• Ability to easily adjust the installation on each job site when soil conditions change as each form can be pin piled into rock. It is easier to adjust a Truline vinyl part than a concrete panel.

• Does not require large equipment making it easier to install in tight spaces and saving clean-up costs.

• The installer does not have to remove the docks or lifts (and deal with electricity, etc.) in order to fit the Truline parts.

• Requires less staging space than concrete panels helping operations to resume as normal.

The new seawall at Burnt Store Marina was installed by Benton & Sons Construction Company, a family business spanning four generations. The company has been busy installing the Truline seawall system around the state of Florida.

NEWS FOCUS: MARINAS & YARDS

A new super era on the Gold Coast

Superyachts, pyrotechnics, the Gold Coast Australia mayor Tom Tate, and various dignitaries, VIPs, marine industry customers and media combined in a heady mix on 3rd May to commemorate the unveiling of stage one of The Boat Works’ north precinct, the largest superyacht marina and shipyard in the southern hemisphere. The project, which represents AU$100 million in private investment in Gold Coast infrastructure, is scheduled to open in early 2020 and effectively double the total facility to 52 acres (21ha).

Owner and CEO, Tony Longhurst, is also aiming to build “the greenest and cleanest” shipyard and marina in the world. Plans include landscaped bio gardens, a solar panel array and sophisticated water recycling systems that will ensure no air or waterborne pollution enters the Coomera River or surrounding soil.

Open for business

Stage one is now complete and operating, with the ‘Dry Marina’ storage for vessels of 8 to 20m (25 to 65ft) close to capacity with 80 boats of all types and sizes, and the new marina built by Superior Jetties offering 77 berths. Included in this are purpose-built multihull berths to accommodate widebodied catamarans up to 18m (59ft) in length (already at capacity) and a large number of berths for brokerage boats.

A 35m (115ft) side shoot accommodates superyachts up to 45m

L to r: Tony Longhurst (The Boat Works), John Hogan and Andy Vollmer (Superior Jetties), and Shane Subichi (The Boat Works) tour the new marina infrastructure.

(148ft) and an additional 20 berths serve superyachts up to 35m (115ft). All enjoy deep water location and access to the full services and amenities at The Boat Works, including undercover work sheds, 60 specialist tenants, a mega-chandlery and a variety of boat dealerships.

The boundary for the north precinct site (March 2019).

Making progress

Stages two and three are now underway and include casual work berths for superyachts adjacent to the 300 tonne Marine Travelift – the largest hoist in the Gold Coast marine precinct – that will be used to haul out superyachts up to 45m (148ft).

On land, the new northern facility will comprise 20 superyacht sheds, the largest being 41m (134ft) in length and 19m (62ft) in height, a working hardstand yard for up to 20 superyachts, wash bays and ample parking for customers and visitors.

The architect-designed waterfront premises are destined to become a local landmark, occupied by professional offices, restaurants, bars, swimming pool, boutique shopping and mixed retail businesses. Plans comprise a function centre for events such as seminars, conferences and weddings.

The superyacht precinct will also be a magnet and haven for the region’s charter fleet and privately-owned superyachts as well as foreign flagged visiting yachts. It will be a convenient pit stop for migrating yachts cruising the east coast from southern states to the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef.

The new premises complement the existing yard that is operating at capacity, with a current haul out rate of 50 vessels per week using three specialist lifts, 70 and 100 tonne Marine Travelifts and a 45-tonne submersible hydraulic Sealift for wide-bodied multihulls.

NEWS FOCUS: MARINAS & YARDS

Securing the future

The Boat Works is ideally situated on the Coomera River, which the Gold Coast Waterways Authority is committed to ‘dredging in perpetuity’ to ensure optimal water depth, and by the end of 2019, it will be equipped to

welcome superyachts from around the region and around the world.

Longhurst anticipates an official opening of the entire superyacht complex in early 2020, complete with a large line-up of superyachts in for storage, service and specialist refits. “This is an exciting time for the marine industry, particularly in the Coomera Marine Precinct,” he said. “The Boat

A marina team with over

30 YEARS

Works’ new superyacht precinct will create up to 2,000 jobs along with the flow on effect of increased work for trades in the region.”

“Our vision is to attract more of these high-yielding superyachts to the Gold Coast and ‘grow the pie’ for everybody at every level of the marine industry, tourism, hospitality and the broader community,” he added.

Overview rendering of the North Yard superyacht complex, scheduled to open in 2020.

BOAT MOVING & YARD EQUIPMENT

Spanish yard doubles lift capacity

Spanish yard Varadero Valencia is set to double its hoisting capacity in early autumn when it puts a new 300-ton Cimolai machine into service. It has been purchased to meet the growing demand for refit and repair of large yachts.

Complementing the yard’s existing 150 ton Marine Travelift, the Cimolai hoist will be 17.2m (56ft) long, 10m (33ft) wide and 15.2m (50ft) high. It will feature a total of 16 wheels, eight of which will be motorised to offer greater manoeuvrability. Power is provided by a 215hp Volvo diesel engine, which will lift yachts via 16 slings and four hoist-out points. Three of these points are movable so as to adapt to different sized vessels. The engine complies

with the requirements of Stage IV/Tier 4F regulations.

Varadero Valencia will be able to use the new hoist to lift out yachts of up to 45m (148ft) in length, 9m (29ft) beam and maximum draft of 5m (16ft) but the size advantage is not the only benefit. “The trend of ever bigger yachts was one of the key factors behind this decision,” says managing director Santiago Donat, “but it was

Palma marina puts custom hoist to work

A GH165 boat hoist from GH Motion has recently been installed in Puerto Portals in Palma, Mallorca, one of the most prestigious nautical and leisure complexes in the Mediterranean.

The machine has been customised in various ways to meet specific needs:

• Height below the main girder has been upgraded to take taller ships.

• Four wheels instead of the standard eight have been incorporated to make it easier to enter the dock.

• The machine can steer 360° when loaded enabling it to operate in reduced spaces.

• A 23m (75ft) telescopic jib crane has been added for dismantling masts of competition sailboats.

Puerto Portals is located in the centre of the Bay of Palma and just 16km (10mi) from the airport. It has over 650 moorings for vessels up to 60m (197ft) in length and has been dubbed a ‘millionaire’s marina’ due to its high level service and upmarket facilities.

E: motion@ghcranes.com

also triggered by the increasing demand of customers who want an expert refit and repair in Valencia, which offers very affordable prices and a whole hoist of leisure and entertainment options for crew during the works.”

“We hope to grow even further to meet our customers’ requirements,” he adds.

E: info@cimolaitechnology.com

Trailer with catamaran bunk moves multi-hulls safely

Conolift by Kropf Industrial has delivered a self-propelled hydraulic trailer to MultiTech Marine’s northeast location in Edgewater, Maryland, USA. The 50 ton capacity trailer features 180° front steering, rear wheel drive assist, hydraulic frame lift and a hydraulically expanding frame. The machine is fully radio-remote control, allowing all functions to be operated from a single unit. A raised engine compartment permits deep-water operation on the ramp, maximising the utilisation of the trailer for a range of vessel designs.

As MultiTech Marine’s focus is on the sale and service of catamarans, the trailer needs to be able to handle a wide range of multi-hull vessels. Conolift developed an innovative adjustable catamaran bunk system that can be added or removed from the trailer depending on whether the vessel to be moved is a multihull or monohull.

The bunk system provides a wide range of adjustment to handle catamarans of various beams. Adjustable bunks can be utilised to lift under the wet bridge, or a set of swing-out bunks can be deployed to lift under the keels. A combination of hydraulic and manual adjustments allows the bunk system to be adjusted for the specific requirements of each vessel to be lifted.

E: sales@kropfindustrial.com

Upgrades and enhancements BOAT MOVING & YARD

Boat moving specialist Swede

Ship Sublift has introduced several enhancements to make its range of self-propelled boat hoists even more flexible.

• The 40 ton model is now available in an upgraded version that can lift 50 tons.

• Sublift 12 ton can now handle wider loads, straddling a boat cradle that is 3.3m (11ft) wide and able to handle boats up to 4.8m (16ft) wide.

• A newly introduced remote control, supplied by Datek, is now standard and several older hoists have been retrofitted with the system.

Sublifts are available in 12, 25, 40-50 and 90 ton versions.

E: sales@sublift.se

MARKET UPDATE: LATVIA, LITHUANIA & POLAND

Developing infrastructure in the Baltic

Although yachting infrastructure has developed significantly on the Baltic coast over the past few years with many marinas and yacht clubs emerging in Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, the opportunities for boat owners to find a berth and obtain necessary services still varies according to specific country and region. Vladislav Vorotnikov reports.

Latvia works with Estonia

It is believed that the first yacht club with marina in the Russian Empire opened in the city of Riga in 1879. Riga hosted the first regatta in the country and for several decades was considered to be the capital for Russian yachting. Things changed with the 1918 October Revolution as yachts were strongly associated with the bourgeoisie, which the communists pledged to destroy once they came into power.

As of today, there are 16 yacht clubs with marinas in Latvia, including four in Riga. The biggest is Latvijas Jachta with 80 berths for yachts up to 30m (98ft). This is also one of the oldest yacht clubs in the city as it was developed from the Central Yacht Club, which was launched at the same place in the 1960s.

“Marina infrastructure has developed in Latvia, especially over the past two years, thanks to the Interreg Estonia-Latvia programme project ‘Improvement of sailing infrastructure and yacht harbours network building in Estonia and Latvia’,” commented Karlis Kints, marina harbour master for the Liepaja Port Authority.

“Almost all Latvian marinas are participating in this project. Some have done more than others to this day, but the project ends in May 2020, and by that time we hope to be able to provide the same service level across all Latvian marinas,” Kints said.

The overall investment cost of the project is €10 million and the main objective is to develop equal standards in project partners’ harbours to ensure that the whole sailing network is safe, equipped and offers basic services – safe navigation conditions, safe mooring places, drinking water and electricity on the pier, available toilet and shower, reliable Wi-Fi and safety equipment. The depth of the fairway at each of the ports will be at least 2.5m (8ft).

Left & below: Gdynia Sports Centre in Poland operates a marina with 260 berths in an area that has historically been home to an enthusiastic sailing community.

In addition, there are marketing activities aimed at attracting visitors from main target markets – Finland, Sweden, Germany and Poland, as well as ensuring more cross-border sails between Latvia and Estonia. Over the past few years, the amount of boats visiting Latvian marinas has been rising steadily, Kints noted.

“Every year the number of permanent yachts and incoming foreign yachts increases in the port of Jurmala,” added Inese Artemjeva, port management assistant of Jurmala Sea Port.

“Pavilosta Marina is also participating in the Interreg Est-Lat project and it is developing. In spring we reconstructed our pier, enlarged the number of fingers and now have four. In autumn we will rebuild our slipway,” said Anete Blazevica, a spokesperson for Pavilosta Marina. “The challenge is always to get more and more boats to fill the marina for the whole season. But the good thing is that the season is becoming longer as weather conditions are getting warmer and warmer.”

Lithuania plays catch-up

Unlike Estonia and Latvia, Lithuania has never considered itself to be a truly coastal state as its coastline is just 99km (61.5mi) long; the shortest of all the Baltic states. The entire yachting activity in the country is concentrated in the city of Klaipeda and on the Curonian Spit.

There are a few projects underway involving yachting infrastructure. First, there is the long-running Sventoji port construction project west of Klaipeda. The Lithuanian Government approved the development of the port with

Trusted Name, Proven

MARKET UPDATE: LATVIA, LITHUANIA & POLAND

some berths and other infrastructure in 2011. The port was also actually opened a few years ago for one regatta that ended up as a nightmare. Several boats were stuck in the narrow entrance channel that a few days later completely filled up with sand. Some yachts were not able to leave the port.

The port has remained closed since 2012. All work on the project was estimated to cost around €70 million but the then Agriculture Minister Bronius Markauskas said in June 2017 that the actual cost might go down to €3540 million. The first work is expected to start this year with a grant from the European Union. What yachting infrastructure is planned is yet to be announced.

A new yacht marina is set to be built in the Curonian Spit, said Vidmantas Bezaras, a spokesperson for the local government. The present number of leisure boats already exceeds the capacity of the yachting infrastructure in this part of Lithuania. In this regard, the Lithuanian Government has embarked on a project of re-building the passenger sea port that has been in existence since before the Second World War. The new sea port and marina should be built in the city of Juodkrante, Bezaras said, although the project launch date is still unknown.

“If you want to make a profit [in Lithuania] you have to have a big marina. At least 250 berths. We are small and there is no chance to make a profit just from the harbour. Therefore we have a 3+ stars hotel with 65 rooms, restaurant, events places and so on. In this way it is possible to make a profit. But it is important to understand that we are Nordics so the season is really short, only three to four months,”

commented Karolis Dobrovolskas, director of Smiltyne Yacht Club.

Smiltyne Yacht Club runs one of the few marinas in the country and provides a range of services. It has two fully renovated basins offering 65 berths for vessels of 3 to 15m (10 to 49ft). The depth of the basins varies from 2.5 to 3.5m (8 to 11ft) but the entrance is 3.8 m (12ft) deep and there are no limitations on the height of yacht masts.

“Every year the number of boats [in Lithuania] is growing. At our marina our main challenge is the lack of a wave breaker. We need this but the problem is money and location. Our marina is on the Curonian Lagoon, which is very narrow. In the same area we have a national port which is one of the few ice-free ports in northernmost Europe, and the largest in Lithuania. It serves as a port of call for cruise ships as well as freight transport so we can’t construct anything we want because the national port is our neighbour,” Dobrovolskas said.

Poland enjoys rising demand

The best marinas in Poland are in Szczecin, Trzebiez, Leba, Gdynia, Gdansk and Gorki Zachodnie, where historically there have been considerable local sailing communities. There are especially good municipal marinas and four yacht clubs in Gdynia, and a good marina in Gdansk on the Motlawa River in the city centre.

Just like on other parts of the Baltic coast, Polish marinas are experiencing rising demand for their services.

“In our opinion the marina industry is constantly developing in Poland. In recent years we have noticed increasing numbers of boats. Obviously that’s causing higher demand for our

services. During the summer season our marina is usually fully booked. I would like to also mention that our marina hosts many events and shows,” commented Przemysław Marynowski, a spokesperson for the Gdynia Sports Centre, which operates a marina with 260 berths for vessels up to 20m (65ft).

Cruising in Poland is basically limited to the two sailing areas around the ports of Szczecin and Gdynia. Sailing north brings certain challenges because Poland is separated from Lithuania and Latvia by Kaliningrad Oblast, Russia. While Poland, Latvia and Lithuania exercise no custom controls with each other, Russia, obviously, is a different story. Local businesses believe that this brings certain problems for the development of the marina industry in the region.

“I would say that there are not so many boats coming from the east. The problem is that there is a need to cross the Russian border, plus there are no marinas in Kaliningrad Oblast of European standard. It would be good to have some sort of a political agreement with Russia so the sailing infrastructure along the Baltic coast could be developed equally with no legislative obstacles,” commented a spokesperson for a Polish marina who wished not to be named.

In total, there are 13 companies registered as running marinas in Poland. There is no state aid aimed at improving sailing infrastructure in the country, Marynowski said.

Additional information on marina infrastructure in the Baltic states (Market Update: Estonia) was published in Marina World July/August 2017 (Issue No. 102).

Smiltyne Yacht Club runs one of just a few marinas in Lithuania. Although challenged by the need for a breakwater, the marina sees increased custom year on year and has modern infrastructure, a hotel, restaurant and events space.

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

EV charging by sun and Grid

Rolec EV has launched WallPod:EV SolarCharge, a new solar powered electric vehicle charging unit. Although designed specifically for home use, the technology can be used at any sheltered building site.

Frankie Mellon, Rolec national [UK] EV sales manager, gives a run down: “EV SolarCharge has been designed to offer the

homeowner a feature-rich charging solution that not only displays the charging activity, but also highlights whether the charging is coming

from the National Grid, exclusively from the home’s solar panels, or a combination of both.”

“The standout features of EV SolarCharge include two unique charging modes and a summary data screen,” he continues. “The first of the two charging modes is the Solar & Grid Charge, which monitors the solar power being generated, highlights it on the data screen, and tops up any shortfall with power from the Grid. The second of the two charging modes is the Solar Only mode, which monitors and tracks the power being generated by the home’s solar array and limits the charge provided to the EV, matching exactly the amount of power produced by the panels. In effect, the EV is now running on the sun.”

In addition to the two charging modes, EV SolarCharge also provides a summary data screen which demonstrates historical charging activity - including total charging kWs, solar supplied charging kWs versus Grid-supplied charging kWs, the actual percentage of charging provided by the sun, and the amount of CO² saved.

While the product has primarily been designed for homes with solar arrays, it can also be installed on homes without solar panels - utilising the Grid supply until a solar array is fitted.

EV SolarCharge provides Mode 3 fast charging in both 3.6kW (16A) and 7.2kW (32A) formats, and is compatible with all current PHEVs and EVs.

E: rolec@rolecserv.co.uk

Decking with solar power

ThruFlow of Ontario, Canada has now made its innovative Sol decking panel available worldwide. The first-in-class system has a solar panel integrated into its composite decking, is safe and long-lasting, and has multiple uses and applications. With 12 volts, two amps and 24 Watts, one panel can power a small boatlift.

The Sol series was used in the BlueIsles Solar Microgrid Dock developed by PowerDocks, which won the 2018 Best Innovative Product at the Miami International Boat Show. This concept introduces solar modules, energy storage and power distribution into a floating dock that can be walked upon like any other.

Sol is a perfect fit for ThruFlow’s product development philosophy.

“Sustainability and reducing environmental impact have always been important to our brand. Creating Sol helps build on our commitment to the environment and on fulfilling our customers’ needs,” says ThruFlow sales and marketing manager Dennis Kjeldsen. “What makes Sol particularly unique is that it doesn’t take up any additional space, it’s completely integrated into your decking. It doesn’t get hot and is fully ‘walkable’, reducing the space needed to power your dock.”

All panels use superior Italian-made solar technology integrated into a highly durable reinforced polymer; the same

material technology that is used in ThruFlow’s Surge series of panels. E: sales@thruflow.com

ShoreMaster and HydroHoist join forces

US-based marina equipment specialists ShoreMaster and HydroHoist have merged. As a combined enterprise, they now claim to be the largest dock and boat lift player in North America and to have a 700+ strong worldwide dealer network.

“I see unlimited potential from the combined forces of these two market leaders,” said ShoreMaster president Don Hurley. “ShoreMaster and HydroHoist together produce the highest quality products in their respective marketplaces. It makes sense to combine our unique product lines and networks to offer a

one-stop-shop for marine products. Our merger achieves that goal while retaining the enthusiasm and motivation that drives each company individually.”

HydroHoist president, Mick Webber, who is “thrilled by the opportunities this merger creates,” believes that the two companies, together, will merge

From boat lights to dock lights

Having established success with the design, manufacture and supply of technically superior underwater LED boat lights, UK company Bluefin LED has turned its attention to the marina sector by introducing ‘Pathway’ and ‘Firefly’ products for marinas and docks. Both are manufactured from 316L stainless steel and have internal driver systems, as standard, to reduce cost and installation time.

Each product features simple controls and has a two-wire installation so as to be operated via a switch or photocell. Colour changes are controlled with a toggle switch or by remote control if preferred.

In addition to enhancing the natural beauty of a marina, underwater lighting enables boat owners to see their berths

more easily and thus increases safety. Bluefin says that studies have also shown that, after installation of lights, footfall at the docks increases by 20% - an obvious boost for marina-based yacht clubs, restaurants and retail outlets.

E: info@bluefinled.com

into one team to deliver “the highest quality products, unparalleled customer service and a seamless experience from purchase to installation.”

HydroHoist brings its renowned hydro-pneumatic boat lift brands, plastics manufacturer RotoMoldUSA and the HyPower marine pedestal brand to the table. ShoreMaster offers a line-up of six product brands in the docks and accessories sectors.

Swell teams with Square

Swell Advantage has teamed up with payments and Point of Sale (POS) company Square to better serve marinas and their customers in the USA and Canada.

“When we were looking for a POS partner to integrate into our product we knew we didn’t want a basic white label service with limited functionality,” explained Swell CEO Iaian Archibald. “Square’s offerings and marina operations are a perfect fit.”

Square allows direct online payments of invoices and recurring charges, and customers can also swipe a card down on the dock. POS systems are available to fit any marina office, and inventory, retail and restaurant software forms part of the product. The solution manages and accepts payments for wideranging business operations including slip storage and boat rentals.

“Until now, managers and owners had to stitch together different processes and systems to run their business operations. Together, Swell Advantage and Square give waterfront and marina sellers a single view of their entire business and they can make informed decisions,” said Pakaj Bengani, global partnerships lead at Square.

E: info@swelladvantage.com

Index to Advertisers

ASAR/GCM Safe

Harbour Drystacks, USA 41

Abu Dhabi

International Boat Show, 12

Applied Technology & Management, USA 45

Bellingham Marine, USA 24

Camper & Nicholsons Marinas, UK 16

Capria, Argentina 42

Cimolai, Italy 40

Conolift by Kropf Industrial, Canada 50

D-Marin, Turkey 31

Dura Composites, UK 46

Eaton Marina Power & Lighting, USA 60

GH Cranes & Components, Spain 6

Gael Force

Marinas & Pontoons, UK 59

Gigieffe, Italy 38

Golden Boat Lifts, USA 54

Golden Marine Systems, USA 38

Havenstar, UK 36

Hazelett Marine, USA 34

HydroHoist, USA 48

IBEX, USA 33

IMBC 2020, USA 42

Ingemar, Italy 22

Inland & Coastal Marinas, Ireland 25

Laguna Trade/Marina Frapa, Croatia 4

Lumberock Premium Decking, USA 34

Marex, Croatia 56

Maricer, UK 36

Marina Cloud, Croatia 50

Marina Master by IRM, Slovenia 56

Marina Projects, UK 26

Marinaquip, New Zealand 50

Marine Travelift, USA 52

Martini Alfredo, Italy 28

Metstrade 2019, Netherlands 20

Orsta Breakwater, Netherlands 52

P&O Marinas, UAE 18

Pacsoft, New Zealand 54

Port Safety, Denmark 52

Rolec Services, UK 10

Ronautica, Spain 24

Roodberg - a brand of Frisian Industries, Netherlands 46

SF Marina System, Sweden 2

Scribble Software, USA 40

Seaflex, Sweden 8

Seijsener Marina Services, Netherlands 28

SmithGroup, USA 56

SPONSORED FEATURE: IGY SÈTE MARINA 14 & 15

Sublift, Sweden 34

Superior Jetties, Australia 54

Titan Deck, USA 42

Twinwood by Soprefa, Portugal 48

Walcon Marine, UK 26

Premier launches SUP store initiative

In order to attract more customers and offer facilities for the increasing number of people enjoying time on the water with kayaks or Stand up Paddle (SUP) boards, Premier Marinas has opened a SUP store.

Located at its Swanwick Marina facility on the south coast of England, the facility offers a place to securely store boards or kayaks for just £25 per month (or £35 with dedicated parking).

The SUP store has secure access control and CCTV to ensure equipment is kept safe, and offers easy access to the water for wash down prior to storage. Premier customers can also hire SUP boards from the marina reception either to launch from the slipway or to take away for a week or two on their boat.

The company is also catering for the sharing and rental market at its

Chichester and Eastbourne marinas by offering cycle hire via AppBikes. The bikes combine smart phone and smart lock technology and are available to pick up and deposit at several locations along the English south coast, with the ability to pay-asyou-go, pay monthly or even annually.

Bump-free mooring

Preventing moored up boats from bumping into docks or pilings when hit by wind, tides and waves is an easier process with Tide Right, a patented float system that automatically floats up and down with the tide to keep fenders in the same pre-set position.

Developed by Florida-based Seahorse Fender & Docking, the product can be used on lakes, rivers, canals, bays or any other waterway for boats of 10 to 100ft+ (3 to 30m+).

The backbone of the product is the Seahorse Y beam (optional for pilings), a heavy-duty pole, designed for strength and easy installation, with pre-drilled nylon corrosion protection

shoulder washers. An optional stainless steel cleat can be set at a height to suit specific needs, and the bumper is fully adjustable to any size boat. A three-position locking handle keeps all secure.

Seahorse has also included a second fender just above water level, positioned directly above its patented floats. These have been designed with an upper lip to keep growth away from the boat hull.

Here’s a summary of the benefits:

• Fender will always be at the right height, whether it’s high or low tide

• Cleat will always be set at the right height

• Protective fender in front of floats

• Piling does not need to be in line with the boat cleat

• Boat is always close to dock

• Cleat slide keeps line from rubbing on gelcoat

• Can be set up left or right handed to keep line from crossing in front of fender

E:seahorsefenderanddocking@gmail.com

Packed with the features you need, Eaton power pedestals and distribution equipment are the most innovative in the industry. They provide electrical power wherever you need it and are flexible enough to adjust to your specific requirements.

Marinas all over North America depend on Eaton to deliver electrical power. You can, too.

We offer all our customers a complimentary marina electrical design service.