Boat owners’ bid for a better deal

FROM PAGE 1

Port Marlborough operates all marinas in Marlborough and is owned by Marlborough District Council through its company MDC Holdings.

The marinas provide facilities including marina berths, boatsheds and secure compound parking for more than 1,500 vessels.

Figures supplied by Port Marlborough show 60 per cent of their berth holder customer base are Marlburians. “We do have waiting lists for facilities – boating in the Sounds is very popular for both locals and kiwis from further afield.

“We work through these and allocate on a chronological basis so it’s fair for everyone,” a spokesperson says.

Port Marlborough sponsor a range of community initiatives including Picton Environment Centre, Picton Maritime Festival, Havelock Mussel Festival, the Picton

Foodbank and all academic prizes for local colleges.

“We consistently drive success for Marlborough, and our marinas not only facilitate recreational boating, but also some of Marlborough’s key industries.”

Andy owns a 45ft vessel, Miss Portage, a former Queen Charlotte Sound ferry built in 1942 which he is restoring. It is docked on a pole berth in Picton Marina which he pays