Ocean Reef Club Visit

GPYC Leaders Visit Ocean Reef Club

By General Manager Aaron Wagner

Ihad always heard stories of Ocean Reef Club (ORC) from GPYC members, friends and family who had visited. ORC is known throughout the world as one of the premier club communities featuring a large harbor where hundred foot yachts are as common as Boston Whalers, multiple golf courses that even the most discerning golfer would envy, a racquet sports complex, a fitness center and spa, private shopping district, and many great dining destinations throughout the property. Did I mention there is a private air strip as well? That was pretty neat to see! This trip all began with Commodore and Mrs. Boll offering to sponsor Harbor Master Alex Turner and I to visit in order to do some recon work for the GPYC. Special thanks to Jim and Kris Mestdagh for coordinating as well. At the GPYC, we are constantly trying to raise the bar with our services and the quality of our amenities. To do so, you have to experience the “gold standard” and then make changes to your operation in order to get there and even exceed it. One specific area we are keying in on this year is the Harbor. We are very fortunate to have one of the finest Harbor Masters in the country in Alex Turner. Turner serves as an Ambassador for the Clean Marina Program and sits on their Board of Directors. Turner is a jack of all trades. He leads his team of about 20 attendants, works with the Harbor Committee on renovations and maintenance and he even suits up in his scuba gear if members drop their watch or other items in the water. However, our Harbor has been underfunded over the past three decades in terms of capital, and requires

some attention. Alex also needed permission to do more in terms of services. He has been directed this year to beef up the staffing levels with a focus on member service and satisfaction. When a boat arrives, there will be Harbor Attendants there to greet them. When a member requires assistance loading/unloading their boat, staff will be there in a blink of an eye. Alex has also worked in partnership with Harbor Chairman Chris Izzi to establish and promote a menu of Harbor Concierge Services.

The Ocean Reef Harbor was a prime example of what our docks should look like. Alex and I were able to meet with the ORC Harbor Staff to discuss their operation and we plan to initiate changes back at GPYC per those conversations based around Harbor Maintenance, Staff Appearance, and Dock Renovations.

The trip wasn’t all about the Harbor though. We were fortunate enough to tour the entire property with their Vice President Mic O’Keefe and we were able to witness their Fitness Facility as well as the Racquet Sports Complex. It became clear that we should be taking a look at investing in these areas more in the future for our club. The world wants more and more fitness and they also want to be able to use their club for services such as haircuts, spa services, and massages. ORC Vice President Mic O’Keefe said, “if you build it they will come!” It was great to be able to tour the various operations and speak directly with the staff who manage them. Both Alex and I left feeling very inspired and are looking forward to implementing some changes that members will enjoy at GPYC.

Pictured L-R: Harbor Master Alex Turner, Past Commodore John Boll Sr., and General Manager Aaron Wagner in front of the Boll’s Ocean Reef Home.