See You There! 3rd Annual BYY Rendezvous Events Promise to Please
SPRING 2015 1
SEE YOU THERE! 3rd Annual BYY Rendezvous 2
AT THE HELM A Letter from the President 4
DOCK & DINE BYY Dining Establishments 8
WINTER’S WRATH 9
SALEM’S ANTIQUE BOAT FESTIVAL BYY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 10
BYY IMPROVEMENTS 14
TALKING LIKE A SAILOR Debbie Kossoff 16
For the third season, Brewer Yacht Yards invites members and guests to gather in some of the northeast’s most beautiful and historic ports. Cruising itineraries for the 2015 BYY Rendezvous include some of our favorite locations: Mystic, CT; Bath, ME; Bristol, RI; and Essex, CT. These ports promise to please! Cruisers will enjoy everything from exclusive museum access, to private tours and live music. Saturday morning coffee hours and evening “docktails” at the water’s edge will be provided and serve to foster camaraderie among attending members. As we all know, “nothing, simply nothing, is better than messing around in boats”. Likewise, nothing is better than exploring the coast by water, in good company, with the added benefit of shoreside activities, customized to the interests of boaters! This year’s Rendezvous events will feature exhibits at Mystic Seaport, Maine Maritime Museum, and Herreshoff Marine Museum, as well as provide a taste of “island life” at the newly acquired Brewer Essex Island Marina. In keeping with tradition, all participating members will receive a commemorative canvas BYY tote bag and a BYY club burgee!
BYY Rendezvous @ Mystic, Connecticut – Mystic Seaport, May 29 – 31 Celebrate the first “official” weekend of the season at the annual BYY Mystic Seaport Rendezvous! Saturday morning, join us for a guided tour of the Shipyard, featuring the Sabino restoration project. From the exhibit gallery overlooking the main shop, enjoy close-up views of this 1908 steamboat as she undergoes an extensive refit that will have her out of the water until spring 2016. Later in the day, don’t miss a special multi-media presentation of the “Voyage of the Charles W. Morgan”, followed by the traditional Brewer “docktail” party where you will be in the company of fellow sailors and BYY staff. Participants will also have plenty of opportunity to explore the museum independently. The options are endless! Whether viewing historic maritime art, or viewing live demonstrations of traditional rope making and ship building, there’s something for everyone. For additional information about this wonderful destination, go to mysticseaport.org. You may also access one of our archived Tide Watch articles, “Mystic Seaport, Visiting by Water” at byy.com/tw/Mystic and view our YouTube video at byy.com/tw/watch. continued on page 3
BYY MEMBERSHIP What’s It Worth? 17
ON DECK Cassandra ‘Cassie’ Whaples 18
ON WATCH & IN DEMAND Kellie Crete 19
BREWER PREFERRED INSURANCE 20
BYY PROJECTS 25
AN AFFORDABLE PATH TO JOB SKILLS Soundings Trade Only 26
BREWER YACHT SALES Turning a Passion into a Profession & BYS Launches New Website 27
BOAT YARD PETS 28
STAYING GREEN Tips for Responsible Boating 30
BYY MAP & MILEAGE CHART
At the Helm Editor Kristin Peterson Brewer South Freeport Marine Director of Marketing Lynn Oliver Brewer Yacht Yard Group Design and Production Tina Kelsey Kelsey Creative Tide Watch is a newsletter created in-house specifically for Brewer Yacht Yard customers and staff. It is published twice a year. Over 15,000 copies of each issue are direct-mailed in May and October, at the open and close of each boating season. We welcome feedback, contributions, questions, and ideas. While we enjoy sharing our stories with you, we also have an interest in hearing your stories. If you cruise between Brewer Yacht Yards this season, let us know where you’ve been and how you’ve spent your time. Feel free to enclose pictures; we may include them in a future edition.
UNSUBSCRIBE? If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter and would like to be removed from our mailing list, please send an e-mail to tidewatch@byy.com with the word REMOVE in the subject line. In the body of your e-mail, be sure to note your name and address, as it appears on your copy of Tide Watch, as well as the name of your home port Brewer Yacht Yard. Thank you.
Kristin Peterson Tide Watch Editor c/o Brewer South Freeport Marine PO Box 119 South Freeport, ME 04078 (207) 865-3181 tidewatch@byy.com
Welcome to another boating season! For most of us, spring brings a renewed interest in boating and reignites our passion for being on the water. At Brewer, we’ve been working toward spring for a long time…all year in fact! Whether it’s sunny or snowy, our team is always looking for what we can do better. While each season has its own rhythms and responsibilities, we take this time of year very seriously. Spring is show time! This is when we gather together to enjoy one another and the boats we’ve cared for all winter. This is when we unveil the new amenities we have built and the spaces we have groomed. This is when we embrace the beauty around us and immerse ourselves in our marina community. We believe whole-heartedly in the boating lifestyle and recognize how important it is to the families who embrace it. Boating is a wonderful opportunity to share time together, whether cruising, fishing, racing around buoys, or embarking on an adventure of a lifetime. Our goal is to help make the boating experience the best it can be for you, our members and friends. To this end, we always consider carefully how best to maintain our 24 locations, and what’s needed at each of our unique facilities. What impact will our efforts have on the quality of your boating experience? On the following pages you’ll read about some of the improvements we’ve made: new clubhouses, picnic spaces, and docks, as well as fresh landscaping and essential maintenance dredging. We’ve also made upgrades behind the scenes to our Wi-Fi service, IT department, and security systems. In the article on the ABYC certification program, you’ll read about how we invest in our people. We are proud of our service technicians; they work hard and study hard to be the best they can be. Certifications and licenses require time, effort, and support. We applaud their achievements! When hiring, we seek out the best people from programs such as The Landing School, IYRS, and New England Tech, and we look for those who have worked hard and gained hands-on experience, both on and off the water. Regardless of how they’ve acquired their skills, our techs continue with training and education, both in-house and through manufacturer-sponsored programs. One example of a recent in-house program is a rigging seminar we held in February for our riggers. We had more than 65 attendees from our various locations. We are committed to the belief that solid investment in training yields more benefits for our members. Our dock staff is another group of dedicated Brewer individuals. We recognize that they are typically the first Brewer people you meet, and often the part of our team you get to know best. Their focus is to make your time, both at the docks and away, fun and less stressful. Docking and undocking can be challenging for even the best boat handlers. Our dock staff is here to help! Because your fun and enjoyment, both on and off the water, is important to us, and because your experience at our marinas is such a direct reflection of the efforts of our staff, you are always invited to let us know how we can serve you best. Call, email, or go to www.byy.com to make use of our “feedback” tab online. This season, as we once again add events and activities, many that you’ve requested, we hope you’ll join us. Attend one, or more, of our 2015 Rendezvous events, and take advantage of the seminars and educational activities we offer throughout the year. And, whether it’s dockside jazz, a dinghy race, a pirate party, or just quietly taking in a sunset with your family from the cockpit of your boat, take time to enjoy the boating lifestyle. Thank you for choosing Brewer. We hope you have a terrific season on the water! Sincerely,
Rives Potts office: 860/399-7906 | cell: 860/227-7005 | email: rpotts@byy.com
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continued from page 1 For reservations, contact Mystic Seaport’s Dockmaster, Greg Zabel, at (860) 572-5391, or docks@mysticseaport.org. Preferred Members with a GREEN/GOLD card receive a discount on two nights.
BYY Rendezvous @ Essex, CT – Essex Island Marina, October 2 – 4 This October, let the fall foliage beckon you to enjoy the beautiful Connecticut River, and a fun-filled weekend, from the comfort of Brewer’s only island-based facility, Brewer Essex Island Marina. On the Island, participants will enjoy a comfortable “home port” experience with other Brewer Rendezvous cruisers, beginning with Saturday morning coffee and pastries. Later, a surprise event and a “docktail” party will be followed by a potluck dinner. BYY will provide the main dish, as well as music in this unique island setting, while Rendezvous guests will be invited to share a side dish, and do a little dancing while relaxing with friends, new and old. This is a great opportunity for Brewer members to get FREE dockage, and/or subsequent discounted transient rates, at a lovely Brewer sister port. Be sure to make use of your Brewer Preferred Member GREEN or GOLD cards during this visit!
BYY Rendezvous @ Bath, Maine – Maine Maritime Museum, July 10 – 12 For anyone who enjoys fascinating maritime history, breathtaking scenery on a winding river, and the lure of Maine cruising, this Rendezvous is not to be missed! Gather on the banks of the mighty Kennebec River for live music, a waterside breakfast, a docent-lead tour of the Museum’s extensive and diverse Small Craft Collection, and a guided “rolling” tour of Bath Iron Works by trolley. During time provided for independent exploration, be sure to take an up-close look at this summer’s featured exhibit, “Making the Best of It: The Spirit and Work Ethic of Maritime People”. Finally, enjoy our signature Rendezvous “docktail” gathering where you’ll have the opportunity to swap stories and share cruising suggestions with other Brewer members.
For reservations, contact Marina Manager, Stephanie McLaughlin, at (860) 767-2483, or eim@byy.com.
Mooring and dock rates include Museum entrance fees for all on board; all other activities will be provided at reduced member rates. For reservations, contact Christine Titcomb at the Museum at 207-443-1316, ext 322, or reservations@maritimeme.org.
This season, add one or more BYY Rendezvous to your calendar and enjoy some of the special tours and treats we have planned. If you have any questions, please contact Lynn Oliver, Director of Brewer Marketing, at loliver@byy.com or 203-653-7095. Please note: space is limited at each of these events. Reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
BYY Rendezvous @ Bristol, Rhode Island – Herreshoff Marine Museum, July 24 – 26 We hope you’ll join us in Bristol, Rhode Island, where torpedo boats were invented for the US Navy, modern winches and turnbuckles were first designed, and the America’s Cup Hall of Fame makes its home! Here, a private tour of the Nathanael Greene Herreshoff Model Room (not typically open to the public) will give participants exclusive access to a collection, unique worldwide, that features models used by Captain Nat while designing yachts, including many America’s Cup defenders! The 500 models are works of art and are testimony to Captain Nat's genius as a naval architect. At the impressive and historic Herreshoff Marine Museum, over sixty significant boats are on display – from the 8 ½’ dinghy, Nathanael, to the 75' sailing vessel, Defiant, built in 1992 for the successful defense of the America's Cup! Also gracing the museum collection are Harold Vanderbilt's Trivia, William Strawbridge's 12 ½’, Heffalump, and Captain Nat's personal yachts, Clara (1887) and Pleasure (1925).
Stay tuned to these and other Brewer Yacht Yard goings-on this season and keep an eye on your in-box; important news is periodically provided via electronic eBlasts. Information is also available by visiting byy.com, and by following Brewer Yacht Yards and/or your Brewer home port via social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Don’t miss out. Brewer Yacht Yards, collectively and individually, broadcasts updates throughout the boating ‘season’ and beyond!
LAT/LON info for BYY Rendezvous:
This visit will also include a docent-lead tour of the Reliance project and will provide plenty of time to explore Bristol’s historic estates, Blithewold and Linden Place. Bristol’s many shops and restaurants, and nearby nature trails, belonging to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s Environmental Education Center, are also accessible.
Herreshoff Museum/Bristol, RI 41˚ 39’ 46.26” N / 71˚ 16’ 24.65” W
Mystic Seaport/Mystic, CT From the wheelhouse of the S.S. Sabino 41˚ 21’ 37.2” N / 71˚ 57’ 54” W Maine Maritime Museum/Bath, ME 43˚ 53’ 41.34” N / 69˚ 48’ 53.34” W
On Saturday, gather for breakfast waterside, and again, after the day’s tours, for a fun “docktail” party overlooking the harbor.
Brewer Essex Island Marina/Essex, CT 41˚ 21’ 12” N / 72˚ 23’ 6” W
To reserve a spot, call the Herreshoff Museum at (401) 253-5000, or m.church@herreshoff.org. Over night dockage includes museum entrance fee.
Not intended for navigational use.
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Dock & Dine While all Brewer Yacht Yards offer nearby dining opportunities, many within walking distance, several Brewer marinas have waterside restaurants, eateries, and snack bars on site. Here’s a list of this season’s most convenient, Dock & Dine establishments at a Brewer Yacht Yard near you! Always call ahead for rates/availability!
Connecticut Brewer Stratford Marina | Stratford CT Outriggers Restaurant Open/Hours:
Year-round; Mon – Thur, 11:30 – 9:00; Fri – Sat, 11:30 – 10:00; Sun, 11:30 – 8:00 Offers: Continental and fresh seafood dishes; fine dining; full bar; casual, waterside atmosphere; seasonal outdoor bar; live music; nightly specials; Happy Hour; private party room overlooking Housatonic River and Long Island Sound Access by Water: Free dock & dine Marina Contact: Call marina for rates/availability, 203-377-4477 Restaurant: (203) 377-8815 | OutriggersRestaurant.com Note: Reservations recommended
Brewer Dauntless Shipyard & Marina | Essex CT Abby’s Place Restaurant Open/Hours: Offers:
Year-round; Tues – Sun, 8:00 – 3:00. Closed 3 weeks in January. Breakfast and lunch, year round; Dinner, Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day Weekend. Wed – Sat until 8:30. Summer Happy Hour, 3:00 – 5:00 Acoustic music Fri & Sat nights Access by Water: Available through Brewer Dauntless Shipyard Marina Contact: Call marina for rates/availability, 860-767-0001 Restaurant: 860-767-0560 | abbysplacect.com Note: Call ahead to seat parties of six or more
Brewer Essex Island Marina | Essex CT Marley’s Cafe Open/Hours:
Seasonal; Memorial Day Weekend – Columbus Day Weekend; breakfast, 7:30 – 11:00; lunch, 11:30 –2:30; closed Tues Dinner, beginning July 3rd, Fri – Sun 6:00 – 9:00 Offers: Marley’s Cafe serves contemporary casual fare with Caribbean, Latin, and Asian accents. Indoor/outdoor dining, with incredible views of the CT River, frequent reggae music, and a BYOB policy provide a true island atmosphere. Dinner menus change bi-weekly. Join us this summer, or book your next catering event Access by Water: Available through Brewer Essex Island Marina; $10/hr Marina Contact: Call for availability, 860-767-2483 Restaurant: 860-767-2489; 860-575-5707 for catering Note: BYOB
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Dock & Dine Brewer Bruce & Johnson’s Marina | Branford CT Dockside Seafood & Grill Open/Hours: Offers:
Seasonal; March - October, 11:30 – until... Full-service; full bar; indoor/outdoor dining; live music; spectacular views of Branford Harbor Access by Water: Free dockage while dining Marina Contact: Call marina for rates/availability, 203-488-8329 Restaurant: 203-488-3007 | docksidebranford.com Note: Dockside offers $25 frequent diner cards good for 10% off per visit, all season
Brewer Pilots Point East | Westbrook CT Bliss Gourmet Open/Hours:
Fri & Sat wait service, as well as daily, 7:00 – 6:00, take-out, meat and fish counter, catering Offers: Exceptionally prepared fine food; fresh produce and decadent desserts, made daily. Indoor/outdoor seating. Catering Access by Water: Hourly dockage ($25/hr). Courtesy land shuttle for BYY members (see Dock Staff) Marina Contact: Call for availability, 860-399-1800 Restaurant: 860-339-5392| blissgourmet.com
Brewer Pilots Point South | Westbrook CT BOOM Open/Hours: Offers:
Seasonal; April – October; lunch, 11:00 – 2:30; dinner, 4:00 – 9:00 Lunch, dinner, and cocktails; white tablecloth, full-service dining; waterfront views. Open air dining on wrap around veranda overlooking marina docks Access by Water: Free dock & dine for BOOM patrons, directly in front of restaurant Marina Contact: Call for availability, 860-399-1800 Restaurant: 860-399-2322 | boomrestaurant.info
Massachusetts Brewer Plymouth Marina | Plymouth MA Surfside Smokehouse, ‘New in 2015’ Open/Hours: Offers:
Seasonal; call marina for hours A fresh new take on BBQ and seafood, utilizing the best ingredients from land, air, and sea Access by Water: Dockage rates apply Marina Contact: Call for rates/availability, 508-746-4500
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Dock & Dine New York Brewer Capri Marina West | Port Washington NY Butler’s Flat Clam Shack Open/Hours: Offers: Access by Water: Marina Contact: Restaurant:
Seasonal; May – September, 12:00 – 8:00 Outdoor, snack shack-style dining; lobster rolls, clams, burgers, etc. Free dock & dine VHF 09, when rounding the #1 buoy at Plum Point 516-883-8330| butlersflat.com
Brewer Capri Marina East | Port Washington NY Riverfish on the Bay Open/Hours: Offers: Access by Water: Marina Contact: Restaurant: Note:
Seasonal/weather dependent; 11:00 am – 12:00 am American fare; indoor/outdoor dining on the pier Free dock & dine on Face Dock for vessels up to 50’ VHF 09, when rounding the #1 buoy at Plum Point. 516-883-5600 | riverfishny.com Call ahead to seat parties of six or more
Brewer Yacht Yard at Greenport | Greenport NY Billy’s By the Bay Open/Hours: Offers:
Seasonal; April – November, daily, 11:00 – 10:00 Lunch and dinner; seafood; burgers; casual dining; occasional weekend entertainment Access by Water: Free dock & dine Marina Contact: Hail marina on VHF 09 on approach Call for rates/availability, 631-477-9594 Restaurant: 631-477-8300 | billysbythebayrestaurant.com Note: Follow Billy’s By the Bay on Facebook
Brewer Stirling Harbor | Greenport NY Porto Bello Restorante & Cocktail Lounge Open/Hours: Offers:
Seasonal; mid April – mid October. Lunch, Fri – Sat. Dinner, daily Northern Italian cuisine; locally sourced food and wine; fine dining, inside/outside seating; waterfront views Access by Water: Free dock & dine on Fuel Dock when available Marina Contact: Call marina for availability, 631-477-0828 Restaurant: 631-477-1515 | portobellonorthfork.com Note: Premise event catering available, year-round
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Dock & Dine Brewer Yacht Yard at Glen Cove | Glen Cove NY The Boat House Open/Hours: Offers:
Seasonal; April – November; Wed – Sun, 12:00 – 9:00 Lunch and dinner; light American cuisine; full bar; inside dining; deck and outside lounge; entertainment Access by Water: Free dock & dine for boats up to 70’ Marina Contact: Call for availability, 516-671-5563 Restaurant: 516-277.2088
Rhode Island Brewer Greeenwich Bay Marina | Warwick RI County Cork Irish Pub Open/Hours:
Year-round; closed Tues. Summer, Mon – Sat, 12:30 – 1:00 am; Sunday breakfast, 9-Noon Offers: Authentic Irish “pub grub” Access by Water: Free dinghy dockage; dockage rates apply at marina slips Marina Contact: Call for rates/availability, 401-884-1810 Restaurant: 401-732-2675 | countycorkirishpub.com Note: Kitchen closes at 10:00 pm
For more information about other restaurants near Brewer Yacht Yards, visit www.byy.com. If boating on Long Island Sound, also consider making use of the Boating Times LI “app” which pushes information to users about the closest “dock & dine” opportunities.
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WINTER PHOTOS
This year brought epic winter ice!
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33rd Annual Antique & Classic Boat Festival Celebrating Salem & Its Maritime Heritage This summer, Brewer Hawthorne Cove Marina will once again host Salem’s annual Antique & Classic Boat Festival. This wonderful event provides a rare chance to see elegant motor yachts and sailboats of a by-gone era. Board vessels, meet skippers and crews, and vote for your favorite boat. This festive weekend will also feature artists, a crafts market, old-time band music, children’s activities, a Parade of Boats, and more…including a Blessing of the Fleet! Brewer Hawthorne Cove is a proud host and invites you to take advantage of the unique opportunity to view these exquisitely crafted boats. Come by land or by sea. If by sea, please note: dock space will be extremely limited and will be required for festival boats. Transient visitors will be accommodated on moorings only. Launch service is available. If you have a boat you’d like to enter in the festival, please contact: Pat Wells, 617-666-8530; Frank Conahan, 978-448-6757; or go to boatfestival.org. Boats do not have to be in “show” condition; they can be works in progress. The spirit of the event is to gather together the grand old craft and all who love them. Brewer classics are welcome! Brewer Hawthorne Cove Marina 978/ 740-9890 • hcm@byy.com • byy.com/salem Antique & Classic Boat Festival is a 501(c)3 non-profit association.
BYY General Schedule of Events, 2015:
International Cruising Boat Expo Brewer Essex Island Marina, June 4 – 7 BYY Rendezvous Mystic, Connecticut – Mystic Seaport, May 29 – 31 Bath, Maine – Maine Maritime Museum, July 10 – 12 Bristol, Rhode Island – Herreshoff Marine Museum, July 24 – 26 Lobsterbake Brewer Essex Island Marina, July 25 33rd Annual Antique & Classic Boat Festival Brewer Hawthorne Cove Marina – Salem, Massachusetts, August 22 – 23 BYY Fall Rendezvous Essex, Connecticut, Essex Island Marina, October 2 – 4 Fall Classic Fishing Tournament Brewer Ferry Point Marina, October 17 & 18
Follow our ‘What’s New’ tab at byy.com for additional events and new information 9
Brewer Yacht A t Brewer Yacht Yards, we are committed to making regular improvements to facility
20’ x 40’ floating dock we have built for the East Marina. The new “social/party dock” is located on B Dock West and features an awning, picnic tables, and barbecues. “We are hopeful that all of our Capri East members will enjoy this new gathering spot.” Also up and running this season is a new security camera system, with coverage of both the Capri East and Capri West properties.
infrastructure and marina amenities. What’s new at our 24 locations this year? Read on! Brewer Oxford Boat Yard & Marina worked on the design of a new Marina Clubhouse, with the hope of constructing it this year. In addition, a gas grill was added by the Yard picnic tables. Over the winter months, a number of the Oxford crew acquired new certifications from Yanmar, ABYC, and the EPA. “The Yanmar training supplements our existing knowledge of small/medium engines and sail drive service, while the ABYC certifications & EPA license enables us to offer a full range of marine air conditioning and refrigeration services,” says Graham Norbury, General Manager.
Last but not least, the Capri team is grateful to transient vessel captains and crew, new and old, who have continued to give 5-star reviews of Brewer Capri Marina on the Active Captain website. “Our transient guests continue to praise our staff, and marina and shipyard services,” says Steve. “We are humbled. We are also truly honored that the readers of Power & Motor Yacht magazine voted the Brewer Capri Marina one of the ‘Top 25 Marinas in the USA’ in their December 2014 issue!”
Brewer Yacht Yard at Greenport enjoyed a season (full of hot summer days) trouble-free of low voltage issues, thanks to a new electric system that individually feeds single phase 220 volt service to docks A, B, and C. This season, D Dock was also resupplied with split service, ensuring that adequate power will be available when it’s needed most, this season and beyond.
Brewer Post Road Boat Yard recently remodeled the bathroom and showers and installed a wash water recovery system to manage runoff from power washing activity. The Post Road team also exceeded expectations in continuing education this winter when they obtained a third ABYC certification at the Master Tech level. Further, a Post Road tech logged hours at Mercury school this winter and is now fully up-to-date with new model Mercs equipped with catalytic converters.
Brewer Stirling Harbor Marina battled cold weather while building “The Boathouse” this winter. This new facility will accommodate heads, showers, and a lounge and will be for the benefit of both seasonal members and transient guests. “This is a significant improvement,” says David Doody, General Manager. In addition, 200’ of new bulkhead has been installed and the marina’s fixed pier has been raised 2’ in elevation. “These improvements are further indication that we’re always striving to maintain Stirling Harbor as the ‘Jewel of the North Fork’.”
Glen Cove hosts Boating Customer Seminar, January 2015
Brewer Yacht Yard at Glen Cove installed new, below-ground gasoline and diesel tanks, as well as new fuel dispensers on the Fuel Dock. Last year, the crew also completed replacement of the easternmost bulkhead; this year the western bulkhead (along the eastern basin) was replaced. “This bulkhead failed years ago, before we acquired the property, after a substantial rainstorm,” says Mark Friel, General Manager. With the new bulkheads in place, Glen Cove is now focused on acquiring permits for dredging. Brewer Capri Marina, like so many Brewer ports, sent techs to seminars and service schools, kept up with ice patrol during the coldest months, and managed to stay on course with an aggressive dock replacement program on both sides of the marina. Since the fall of 2010, Capri floats have been gradually converted to a new Sullivan Flotation System with IPE hardwood as the decking of choice. “We will continue replacing docks at Capri East, but we have also started looking at upgrading the upland side of our properties,” says Steve Wachter, General Manager. “For now, we are excited about a
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Yard Improvements Brewer Yacht Haven Marina enjoyed great success with a new Pump-Out Boat last year and is pleased to be playing an active role in protecting Stamford Harbor from unnecessary pollution. The program will continue this year, with scheduling available on line at www.byy.com/stamford or by hailing Brewer Yacht Haven Marina on VHF 09. Also back, after its inaugural 2014 season, is the Freedom Boat Club. “We had 15 members signed up last year, and this year we’re adding two new boats to the Boat Club fleet,” says Todd Breden, General Manger. For more information about the Boat Club, go to www.boatclubct.com. On the dredging front, Yacht Haven continued work on the permit application process. If all goes according to plan, maintenance dredging in the Outer Basin will begin in October. Finally, the Yacht Haven team welcomed Janice Dobson as she recently stepped aboard to run the Brewer Yacht Sales office located on site.
Brewer Pilots Point Marina North completed a 5,200 sq. ft. Rigging Shop that accommodates up to 90 masts and provides additional room for service work. “The new shop gives us the ability to fully assemble and service masts indoors,” says Andrew Connell, a Pilots Point rigger. “In the past an average boat in our care was about 30’; now we have vessels up to 60’ with masts that can reach 100’. This shop allows us to grow with our members.”
Brewer Stratford Marina removed and replaced the decking on D and E Dock this season. New bumper material has been installed on the new fingers, and each has been fit with corner guards to provide improved protection from the system’s steel framework. Please note: the installation of any items that require use of fasteners must now be approved by the Marina Manager. E Dock pilings were also replaced this winter.
Brewer Ferry Point Marina added new tile flooring and fresh paint in the handicap and peninsula restrooms; and updated the decking on the bathroom landings and exterior showers. A large-scale dredging effort, to increase marina depth to 6’ at max low tide, will soon commence. Though dredging permits were granted at the end of last year, severe winter weather delayed the start of the project. A revised plan calls for dredging the channel this fall and the remainder of the marina soon after.
Brewer Pilots Point Marina East unveiled newly renovated heads, complete with tile floors, new countertops and baseboard, fresh paint, and more. Upgrades to landscaping and building facades are also apparent this spring. Improvements to all of the Pilots Point properties are made with the intention of making the marina as user-friendly and inviting as possible.
Brewer Bruce & Johnson’s Marina continued making upgrades in the East and West Yards, further improving both yard facilities and marina amenities. Among the improvements and additions, is the arrival of a new sport fishing shop. “The Angler’s Edge, is a full-service bait and tackle shop, accessible by sea, that will be involved in sponsoring fishing tournaments throughout the season,” says Ed Vianney, General Manager. Live and frozen bait, hooks and lures, all styles of rods and reels, and all things fun for fishing are now conveniently available, May to October, in the West Yard. Notably, Bruce & Johnson’s also recently received an award for “outstanding contribution to the development and well-being of the Town of Branford” and a “certificate of appreciation” from the USCG Auxiliary. In keeping with the effort to serve and please both their immediate and greater community, Ed says Bruce & Johnson’s has also taken the local Sea Scouts under wing, and has begun to hold monthly seminars for members on the topics of boat repair and maintenance.
Brewer Dauntless Shipyard, Brewer Dauntless Marina & Brewer Essex Island Marina continued work on a long list of capital improvements this winter, each for the benefit of all Brewer Essex members. First, a new security and surveillance system with eleven cameras, spread over the three properties, was installed. “This system provides significant coverage, including the ability to read license plates at night,” says Doug Domenie, General Manager. At the Marina, the final phase of repaving the parking lot was completed, giving the property a clean, attractive appearance. At the Shipyard, the south roof on the lower shed was replaced, and paving in front of Abby’s Restaurant and the brokerage building was completed. On the Island, all computers, phones, and security systems were connected via wireless bridge to all three Brewer Essex properties. “The efforts of our IT team also resulted in getting the new Brewer Wi-Fi up and running,” says Doug. “Customers have responded very positively.”
Brewer Pilots Point Marina South continued ongoing dock maintenance this winter. O Dock was replaced with a new system that features sealed floats, pressure treated frames, and composite decking. New plumbing, wiring, electric pedestals, dock boxes, and improved lighting are included in this upgrade. The South Yard also saw action with the commencement of Pilots’ latest strategic dredging. This winter, between the South and North Yards, 8,000 cubic yards of bottom material was removed. Over the next two years, approximately 25,000 cubic yards of material will be removed from Pilots’ three locations!
In the last several months, to ensure successful integration of these neatly clustered Brewer Essex properties, the lion’s share of capital improvements took place at the newest location, Brewer Essex Island Marina. First, the Island Fuel Dock was closed down and fueling traffic was redirected to the Marina where new fuel pumps are already part of the operation. Second, most of the bulk debris that had accumulated on the north end of the Island was removed and brush was cut back.
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Brewer Yacht (Material removed included everything from old docks and a Travel Lift, to abandoned pontoon boats). “Now there is potential for a really nice park setting in the years to come,” says Doug. While removing material from the Island, fresh stone was transported onto the Island so storage building floors could be nicely graded. Finally, the offices were reconfigured to make the Dock Office the new center of all Island activity, while an old upstairs office was gutted and has been replaced with a new member lounge. “This new lounge space, which includes a wet bar/kitchenette, is for our slip holders to enjoy,” says Doug. “We hope it will become a place for gathering and socializing; a place where our members and guests will enjoy wonderful views of the Connecticut River.”
a mobile sawmill, the felled tree trunks were turned into blocking and the scrap branches were turned into mulch for use in the yard. The property is now neatly lined with Emerald Arborvitaes and Leyland Cypress. Finally, the yard’s single washer/dryer was replaced with new stacked units. This doubles the previous capacity and provides a faster, more efficient laundry experience for members and guests. Brewer Cowesett Marina focused on the many and various details related to merging with the former Brewer Greenwich Bay South location – changing over signage, reorganizing stockrooms, rearranging shops, and relocating technicians. The new Brewer Cowesett Marina (North & South) was formally established at the start of 2015. Blending two separate yards has taken a significant amount of time, but getting organized and set up for efficiency has been well worth the effort.
Brewer Deep River Marina had to repair one fixed dock, three sections of floats, and replace and redrive approximately 40 pilings after a hard winter. On April 1st, the docks were still frozen in about 8" of ice! Needless to say, this delayed Deep River’s "opening" this spring.
Brewer Greenwich Bay Marina was fortunate to dredge approximately 6000 cubic yards of material from the North Yard, in front of the pool this year. In addition, Dock 15 was replaced with a brand new dock capped with IPE decking. “We now have new 34’ and 42’ slips available,” says Chris Ruhling, General Manager. Following the rough winter, the crew was quick to repair ice damage as soon as the weather permitted. Once thoughts turned to summer, new air conditioning units were installed in the North Yard/Dock 6 heads, and marina grilling and picnic areas were added and upgraded.
Brewer Yacht Yard at Mystic added three large boat slips to accommodate boats up to 72’ and expanded the marina laundry to include a lounge, complete with air conditioning, TV, couches, and charging ports for phones and electronic devices. Brewer Wickford Cove Marina recently built a dedicated pressure washing pad and collection tank, improving management of waste water runoff produced by bottom cleaning. This system further protects coastal waters and provides cleaner work space for the hauling crew. “We’re dedicated to being good stewards of our marine environment,” says Larry Colantuono, General Manager. While tending to the environment this past fall, the Wickford team also removed and repurposed 26 trees, with the blessing of some kind neighbors. This allowed for fresh tree planting along the property line. “The old White Pines had become problem trees. They were a filthy nuisance for us and our customers; they would needle drop a few times a year and leave us with a sappy pine mess that covered boats, clogged deck drains, and required major cleanup on a constant basis,” says Larry. With
Brewer Cove Haven Marina installed a new vacuum waste pump on the docks, one of just two of its kind in the United States. “This will allow all of our five pump-out stations to operate at once, at any tide,” says Pat Peck, Yard Manager. “We also installed a new wash pad system between our two haul/launch areas. With this new system, we are able to catch and contain the run off from power washing boat bottoms.” The crew, like most other Brewer teams, also spent a good deal of time “working for Old Man Winter”. Many, many hours were dedicated to keeping the facility safe from ice and snow damage. “All things considered, we came through virtually
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Yard Improvements unscathed.”
Brewer South Freeport Marine spent a great deal of time defending against the effects of winter. After successfully battling ice for months, it was the spring ice floes that were impossible to manage. “This was the toughest winter we’ve seen in 20 years,” says John Brewer, General Manager. Now that new dock hardware and several freshly driven piles are in place, thoughts have turned to preparations for an upcoming maintenance dredging project. “This is the next major project we will undertake,” says John. It is anticipated that dredging work will begin after this boating season, as natural silting continues to chip away at marina water depths.
Brewer Sakonnet Marina, on the heels of many North Yard upgrades, put a lot of energy into addressing needs specific to the South Yard. This season, new signage, new curb stone, and a much needed new dock ramp are in place, along with new security cameras that provide more complete coverage of the property as a whole. According to Joe Palmieri, General Manager, in addition to the removal of three to four dumpsters of trash, many necessary dock improvements were made. This winter, important service maintenance was also performed on Sakonnet’s work horse, the Hostar hydraulic trailer. Brewer Fiddler’s Cove Marina members continue to enjoy the use of a new, trouble-free pump out system. “It works great; and our members like its ease of use and dependability,” says Fred Sorrento, General Manager. “Our recently dredged entrance and the upgraded wiring and fuel supply piping to the Fuel Dock have also been welcome improvements.” This season, new fuel dispensers will be tied in to the upgraded piping, and a new pump station for the marina’s private septic system will be installed. Piling replacement work and dock repairs were also done, necessitated by damage caused by this year’s ice. Finally, this winter, the Fiddler’s team put significant effort into obtaining and maintaining certifications with ABYC, Kohler, Westerbeke, and Mercury, among others, and attended this winter’s in-house BYY rigging seminar. Brewer Plymouth Marine added additional rack storage space to better serve valet “rack and launch” clients and took care of necessary dock repairs and grounds maintenance. Brewer Hawthorne Cove Marina continued work to obtain the necessary permits and approval for construction of a new boat repair and office building that will better support all marina operations, and improve the property as a whole. Plans to update or replace the waterfront building that houses the marina heads also remains in play. “We are looking at all options and weighing them carefully in an effort to offer the best facility we can for the long term,” says Noah Flaherty, General Manager. Over the last year, extensive sampling and testing of bottom sediment and soils has also resulted in approval for the transferring of dredge material to a designated offshore disposal site. Dredging of the marina and its adjacent outlying areas will soon be coupled with the removal of the abandoned pier to the west of the marina and a reconfiguration of C Dock. “This will widen the Main Fairway, allowing us to accommodate deeper draft vessels and, at some point in the future, add slips to C Dock,” says Noah. “These are ambitious goals and significant projects, but the wait will be well worth it. We have a great location that is only getting better. With these improvements and the improvements being made to our surrounding area, the future is sure to be nothing short of amazing.”
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Talking Like a Sailor Debbie Kossoff day! Whether out for a day sail, poking into a harbor for an overnight, or heading to a Wednesday night race, just being out on the water is what sailing is all about. You don’t even need a destination.” Coming from the Midwest, Debbie’s introduction to sailing came a little late in life. “Given where I’m from, I was fairly unprepared to sail a boat,” says Debbie. “Before I moved to Long Island, in my 20s, I had never even seen the ocean! When I arrived, I ran to the water and scooped up a handful. I wanted to taste the salt. I was smitten.” It took a few years for Debbie to convince her husband, Alan, to buy a sailboat, but her persistence, and the encouragement they got from their sailing friends, eventually helped persuade him. In 1986, they took sailing lessons and bought an older O’day 30. For some, boating is a sport. For others, it’s a pastime. But for most, it’s a lifestyle. No matter your angle – racing, cruising, or recreational fishing - boating requires trust and patience. It requires thought and attention. And it requires confidence. It also requires all hands. From the galley, to the helm, from the nav station to the engine room, from the cockpit to the bowsprit, every position on board is critical. Whether a grinder or a bowman, a navigator or a line handler, a cook or a captain – every crew member contributes to the successful operation of a boat.
“She had a 150 jib that was way too overpowering for us, so we had some tough times,” says Debbie. “We made plenty of mistakes. But soon we learned the joy, privilege, and responsibility of being out on the water. Hiring someone to teach us was the best decision we could have made. From the beginning, our instructor put me at the helm and Alan on line duty, for docking, taking advantage of our natural strengths. Fortunately, I had good role models. The women I met and observed at the boat yard, all passionate about sailing, inspired me.”
Being afloat, being safe and effective underway, requires teamwork. When done right, the rewards are great! Beautiful scenery, companionship, family bonding, life skills and lessons, healthy competition, and the gift of a personal connection to the marine environment are some of the rewards boaters take away, whether from a day on the bay, or a whole life at sea. The unique quality of these experiences is something sailors hold dear. It’s what keeps us coming back for more, summer after summer.
Though Debbie took to the helm, buying and maintaining the boat was a team decision. “If both of us hadn’t bought into the idea in the beginning, it never would have happened for us. We have different talents and responsibilities. Teamwork makes it work; it’s why we’ve sustained our sailing life for as long as we have. I always felt the boat, sailing, and cruising with our children served as a fabric to our lives. I have always been committed to keep the boat going, even in tough times. It is my salvation!”
“For some, boats just get in your blood,” says Debbie Kossoff, a Brewer Yacht Yard at Glen Cove member. “I am one of the many who count the days until launch! And visit my boat most days, year-round, just to be sure it’s still there. For me, the boat is home.”
Since first setting sail, Debbie and her family have cruised much of Long Island Sound and have dropped anchor in many harbors. “When my son was born, we moved up to a Freedom 36. Then, when my daughter was just four weeks old, we set out for Montauk and Block Island aboard a new Freedom 45.” The same boat they sail today. “My children grew up on Sonrise – every summer, every weekend. Those were good days. We had great trips, with great friends. I feel fortunate to have enjoyed being on the water with my family over the years. The larger boat made it easy for us to raise our children on board, but, now that my kids are grown, I still appreciate having a bigger boat, mostly because it allows me to take advantage of a full galley. I really enjoy entertaining on board. For me, sailing is a wonderful summer lifestyle.”
Debbie has been sailing out of Brewer Yacht Yard at Glen Cove for about 30 years, getting her start long before the marina was acquired by Brewer. “The best thing about having a boat in Hempstead Harbor is how open it is to Long Island Sound. You’re literally out there as soon as you leave the dock.” And that’s a good thing for someone like Debbie for whom hoisting the sails never gets old. “There is something about a fresh breeze, setting the sails, finding that pocket of wind, and gliding through the water,” she says. “It just doesn’t get any better. Add a sunset, and that’s my idea of a perfect
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But it isn’t always blue skies and sunsets. “Sailing can be a humbling experience,” says Debbie. “There are days when we leave the harbor and need to address unexpected challenges like fog, squalls, rough water, or, my least favorite experience, a water spout (with winds over 90 knots, pelting rain, and two children, under the age of three, aboard). Sometimes, you just get caught out there. But I’ve learned to be a prudent sailor with a watchful eye, and to always give a good listen to weather forecasts, before I leave the dock.” Debbie feels it’s essential to work together as captain and crew and to remain interchangeable when filling the roles on board. “Most couples who sail, or boat, together are a team and, though we each bring our own talents and abilities, I have always been an equal partner on board, more than in any other part of our lives,” she says. “By learning together, and establishing shared roles, there has never been one captain. Often words don’t need to be said when casting off or docking. We’re a very tight team. This fact is most apparent when I am sailing without Alan aboard. That’s when I need to be mindful who I take with me, and make sure I have capable crew. I appreciate having experienced sailors aboard when my husband isn’t with me, but it’s still essential to be disciplined about the routine of keeping an eye on the bilge, batteries, battery charger, and all the systems. I know my boat, and ultimately I am responsible.”
www.debbiekossoff.com
“The best people I know are my sailing friends,” says Debbie. “The bond we make on the water is different than other friendships. We spend weekends together at anchor, watching the sun set, drinking rum, swapping sea stories and recounting all of the adventures we’ve shared.”
With the responsibilities come the lessons. Life underway is full of lessons! “Sailing has taught me humility,” says Debbie. “It’s not a glamorous sport as the magazines and fashion spreads portray. Sailors are simple. We don’t wear makeup and most of us don’t wear shoes. We handle what happens out there because we have to. I have been through plenty of storms that I have wanted to wish away, but you can’t just pull over like you can on the side of a road. You keep your head, you follow safety rules, and you douse sails before you think you need to. You get to a safe port. Then you make chicken soup and wait it out!”
When Debbie is asked by friends how they can get involved with sailing, she tells them, “find a good sailing course; it’s is a great way to start. Sail with friends. Find sailing groups that offer you experience on many different kinds of boats; figure out what kind of boat, and what kind of sailing, appeals to you.” Once on board, sailing always offers the opportunity to try a new tack; there’s always something different ahead. For Debbie, the current new tack is racing. “I recently started crewing for Wednesday night races in Hempstead Harbor,” she says. “I had never tried racing before, but I’m finding I really enjoy it.” This summer, Debbie is looking forward to being a Wednesday night helmsman aboard a Pearson 28.
Sailing has also taught Debbie to love and appreciate water at a deeper level. “I am an artist, so I study the way water moves, and colors change, from cool to warm.” Inspired by her time underway, Debbie produces mostly marine paintings, often capturing fishing boats, tug boats, and marina scenes of life, as she sees it, at Brewer Yacht Yard at Glen Cove.
But for now, as the spring waxing and varnishing season wraps up, and the last of the lockers aboard Sonrise are cleaned out and prepared for summer, Debbie is putting the finishing touches on a new eel skin wheel cover. “This was a fun project that I picked up at a boat show last winter,” she says. “I love it! Now I’m ready for the 2015 season. See you out there!”
“I have the BEST slip in the marina,” says Debbie. “I love it. I’ll be there as long as I can afford to stay! It’s safe, clean, and professionally run. Since Jack Brewer acquired the marina, Debbie has seen numerous changes. She admits it’s not always easy to afford the lifestyle, but Debbie recognizes the value of her family’s investment in boating.
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Brewer Membership What’s It Worth? Exceptional Service
When you compare the value of Brewer Yacht Yards to other boat yards and marinas, consider this: price vs total package. What’s the estimated cost per foot for summer dockage? What’s the cost per square foot for winter storage? What are the labor rates? How skilled is the service team? How experienced is the waterfront crew? Add it up HERE. Add it up THERE. Compare. Then ask yourself what’s it worth? What is the added value that accompanies these estimated costs? When you write your check to one marina or another, what does your investment afford you and your family?
Year-round – dedicated, professional staff c Highly Trained Service Teams –
BYY continually invests in techs to better serve boaters
c ABYC Certified Techs –
196 ABYC certified techs between 24 BYY locations
c ABYC Certified Master Techs –
38 Master Techs between 24 facilities
c BYY Network –
unparalleled level of shared knowledge, experience, resources, and access c Manufacturer Endorsed/Trained Techs c Skilled & Friendly Staff
Easy Access to Related Businesses c c c c c c
At Brewer Yacht Yards, our rates include many additional intangibles…so many that we’re confident you’ll find you get more with Brewer!
Brewer Preferred Member Card
Yacht Brokerages Canvas Shops Sailmakers Boat Dealerships Fabricators Brewer Preferred Marine Insurance (see page 19)
Benefits for single season and year-round members
c Fuel Discounts – at all Brewer locations (20¢-40¢/gal off) c Free & Discounted Dockage at all Brewer ports –
Comforts & Amenities c c c c c c c c c
2-6 FREE nights; 50% off all subsequent nights c 24 Cruising Destinations – ideal “home port” experiences from Maine to Maryland c Additional Discounts – deals at neighboring and area businesses c Two discounted nights at Mystic Seaport
Music/Events Unique, fun entertainment & activities c c c c c c
Waterfront Concerts Fishing Tournaments BYY Cruising Rendezvous Sailboat Races & Poker Runs Cookouts & Wine Tastings Boat Care & Safety Seminars
Pools Clubhouses Restaurants Laundry Facilities Lounges Heads/Showers Decks/Gazebos Playgrounds Ship’s Stores
Regular Capital Improvement/ Reinvestment c c c c c c c c
Communications News & Information
c Tide Watch newsletter – FREE biannual subscription to
in-house publication
c Electronic newsletters – receive information from
BYY on a timely basis
c Social Media – follow important and interesting
Dock Replacement/Service Upgrades Fuel Dock/Pump Out Service Upgrades Bulkhead Replacement Grounds Keeping Upgrades Facilities/Service Bay Upgrades Maintenance Dredging Environmental/Waste Management Immediate Repair of Facilities Following Storm/Weather Damage
BYY news when it’s convenient for you
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On Deck Cassandra ‘Cassie’ Whaples Cassie Whaples didn’t grow up around boats. Instead, she found her way to the water through a series of entry level jobs and chance encounters with good people willing to fuel her interest and mentor her along the way. At age 16, Cassie took a summer job with New England Nordic Tug, near her family’s home in Connecticut. She did data entry and answered phones. Soon she was asked to go to boat shows and act as liaison between the sales staff and potential clients. Before long, Cassie was also detailing boats, making them ready for shows. Then, one day, she found herself underway, helping to deliver a Nordic Tug to Newport, Rhode Island for the Newport Boat Show. “I loved it immediately,” says recalls. “I thought ‘this is the best office in the world!’ I was hooked.”
to run it, so they handed me the keys and said, ‘this is your responsibility’. I was surprised, but comfortable with the idea. The boat had two engines and a bow thruster. After towing boats for Brewer’s, with a skiff and a 50 hp outboard, I had no worries. It seemed easy.”
After high school graduation, Cassie took a seasonal job at Brewer Deep River Marina, working on the docks for Jim Brown. Jim introduced Cassie to proper line-handling and a little bit of boat towing. Then he exposed her to heavy equipment operation. By the time she finished her seasonal work at Deep River, Cassie was regularly spotting for the Travel Lift. In 2008, Cassie moved to Rhode Island to enroll in a finance program. “I was going to study something that sounds really boring to me now,” she says. But, before her studies took off, Cassie discovered she was living near another Brewer Yacht Yard. She stopped by Brewer Greenwich Bay Marina South (now Brewer Cowesett Marina North) and introduced herself to Greg Bartoszuk, General Manager. “I just asked him if he would give me a chance,” she says.
In 2013, Cassie came ashore, returning to Rhode Island to go back to work for Brewer Cowesett Marina, this time as Yard Foreman. Today, at age 24, Cassie oversees a team of two, and is responsible for all of the boat launching, hauling, setting, and associated scheduling for nearly 300 boats. “I love the fast pace,” she says. “I like being challenged, so a little pressure is good for me, I think.” As Yard Foreman, not only does Cassie run the yard’s 50-ton Travel Lift, but she also takes care of miscellaneous projects, like rewiring masts and grinding fiberglass to fix marina work boats. “Everyone I’ve encountered at Brewer Yacht Yards over the years has played a part in providing me with opportunity,” says Cassie. “Though I didn’t grow up on boats, I’m glad I discovered this as a career choice. I feel very fortunate to have worked with so many people who have been willing to share their knowledge, and encourage my interests. Greg, especially, has taught me the skills to fit in wherever I’ve been needed. He was also the one who encouraged me to get my captain’s license and supported me through the process. As a result, I’m confident in what I do. But I’m not ashamed to admit when I don’t know something either. I can always ask for help or advice, and I’m willing to give it too. It’s better to team up than to struggle alone. We’re definitely a team here; we’re like a little family.”
Greg was in the midst of a busy hauling season and desperately needed help covering boats. He showed Cassie how to operate the heat gun and she promptly got to work. “She was good!” Greg recalls. “She got the job done, better and faster than anyone else. She was just what we needed at the time.” Cassie covered boats in the fall, and waxed them in the spring. In the summer, she helped oversee the dock staff. When Greg asked her to begin assisting with hauling and launching boats, she dove in, head first. “Greg taught me how to be independent running the machines and how to really tow boats,” she says. She quickly became Greg’s right hand, working seasonally until 2012, when she was invited by a professional crew to make a delivery south on a private 45 meter yacht. “I thought it was a joke and out of my league,” she says. “But I told them, ‘when I finish the hauling season I’ll meet you’.” And that’s just what she did. As part of a truly international crew, Cassie says she got a big education underway. “It was a great experience. I learned about other cultures, and how to work as part of a team to do a good job for the owners.” As it turned out, being the only American on board presented Cassie with yet another big opportunity.
On behalf of the Brewer Cowesett Marina family, Cassie recently sat for her first ABYC exam and is now certified, at the highest industry standard, to service air conditioning systems. In addition, Cassie holds certifications for manlift and forklift operation, and currently has her sights set on obtaining a crane operator license. “It turns out I’m not a desk person,” Cassie says. “I like to be outside, and I like to be challenged. It’s sort of like ‘give me the biggest boat, on the windiest day’,” she says. “Even if it’s just ten degrees, or pouring rain, this is where I want to be. I never get tired of coming to work.”
“The owners bought a Riva 44, a 1.8 million dollar boat, that they wanted to flag US,” she says. “They needed an American
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On Watch & In Demand Kellie Crete Gowrie Group, the leading independent marine insurance agency, has been one of Brewer’s insurance partners for more than 20 years. Gowrie Group provides total risk management services to individuals, mariners, and businesses with complex insurance needs. On behalf of Brewer Yacht Yards, Gowrie Group proudly offers the Brewer Preferred Insurance - a custom yacht insurance program with specialized coverage benefits - exclusively to Brewer customers. More than 400 Brewer members take advantage of this yacht insurance program. In addition, Gowrie Group supports the Brewer Yacht Yard Group by providing safety and loss prevention services for many of the Brewer yards. Leading the charge, at Gowrie, in helping Brewer Yacht Yards be at its best is Kellie Crete. Kellie joined Gowrie Group in 2012 to manage the company’s new Safety & Loss Control Practice division. Kellie is a certified OSHA instructor with 25 years of experience in safety and loss control. Her specialization in advising the marine industry and other niche segments of the commercial marketplace, along with her complementary client portfolio, make her a natural fit at the Gowrie Group and a great resource for the Brewer team.
on the budget.” From conducting routine safety inspections to helping Brewer create plans for safe fuel storage and chemical handling, Kellie is often seen walking the docks with Yard Managers or talking with the Brewer service team in the field. Michael Keyworth, General Manager at Brewer Cove Haven Marina, says of Kellie, “I have known and worked with Kellie for over 25 years, she has always given me reliable safety advice and information critical to our operations. She knows the deal and is able to communicate it well.”
No matter what her mission of the day or week, as Gowrie Group’s Safety & Loss Control Expert, Kellie is focused on making workplaces safer, healthier and more productive. Kellie rarely sits in the office at a computer; instead she spends much of her time getting into the nuts and bolts of real world workplaces. For Kellie, every day is different. Whether she’s teaching a hands-on seminar to boat yard employees on best practices for operating hydraulic trailers, facilitating a train-thetrainer session about safe fork-lift operation, or serving as a featured speaker at the ABBRA Annual Boat Yard Business Conference, she is in constant demand.
When not hard at work, Kellie can be found at home in Marion, MA with her husband and two young children, on Buzzard’s Bay enjoying a cruise, or out training for her next road race! For more information about Gowrie Group’s safety and loss prevention services contact Kellie Crete, Gowrie Group Safety & Loss Control Manager, at kelliec@gowrie.com, 508.509.3788, or www.gowrie.com/safety.
Kellie advises a variety of clients across a spectrum of industries, helping each understand what the federal and state regulatory demands are and how to comply in efficient ways that are good for both employee and employer. By identifying exposures and developing solutions, she helps clients decrease their liabilities and exposures to fines, lawsuits, negative press, and employee complaints. The results have positive effects company wide, and often help to change company cultures for the better.
For more information about Gowrie Group’s Brewer Preferred Insurance Program go to www.gowrie.com/brewer.
As one of the nation's Top-50 independent insurance agencies, Gowrie Group provides total risk management services to individuals and businesses with complex insurance needs. Gowrie Group offers comprehensive insurance solutions matched with trusted advice and a commitment to service excellence. Gowrie Group’s portfolio of offerings includes commercial, home/auto, equine, and yacht insurance, as well as employee benefits solutions. The company's 145+ professionals service clients across the US from offices in Westbrook CT, Darien CT, Newport RI, North Kingstown RI, and Marshfield, MA.
Serving as a safety consultant and trusted advisor, Kellie works closely with General and Yard Managers across many of Brewer’s 24 locations. Regarding her years working with Brewer, Kellie says, “I have always enjoyed working with the Brewer Yard Managers. Jack Brewer has always hired the best and done a great job encouraging them to be even better. They work hard at having beautiful, environmentally friendly facilities, safe employees, and happy customers, all while keeping a close eye
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Brewer Preferred Boat Insurance Program An insurance program for Brewer Members ONLY More than 300 Brewer members are already protecting their boats with the comprehensive, valuable benefits that are only available through the Brewer Preferred Insurance Program. This program, available exclusively to Brewer customers* by Gowrie Group, specifically addresses the needs of East Coast boaters.
Purchase now to get the benefits that really matter. Contact John Owsianik, the Brewer Preferred Insurance Program Specialist, for an insurance review and quote at johno@gowrie.com, 860.399.2820, or www.gowrie.com/brewerquote (code: Brewer)
Brewer Preferred Insurance Program Benefits:
Gowrie Group is proud to be endorsed by Brewer Yacht Yards to provide marine insurance solutions to Brewer members. To find out more about this unique program, visit www.gowrie.com/byy.
c
c
c c
Zero Deductible. When Brewer does the repair, there is no deductible for hull claims over $10,000. And the deductible is reduced by 50% for claims under $10,000. 100% Hurricane Haul Coverage. The cost to have Brewer haul and re-launch your boat is covered if your boat is located within the 3-day Track Forecast Cone for a hurricane, as issued by NOAA National Hurricane Center. 100 Mile Brewer Tow Back. Emergency towing coverage to the nearest Brewer location able to handle your repair. 12 Month Navigation. No lay-up dates and extended navigation from Canada to Texas.
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* Only available to Brewer GOLD and GREEN Preferred Member card holders. This policy is underwritten by AIG. Policy language will define exact terms and conditions.
Brewer Yacht A
t Brewer Yacht Yards, our shops remain active and our techs focused, year-round, on readying boats for use and enjoyment.
new paint. “The boat had been used for geological survey in Cuba, so had no AC systems (just good solar panels). She was a bit worn from the tropical sun,” says David. Finally, two Alerion 28s were painted with ALEXSEAL this winter.
Here’s a look at some of what goes on behind the scenes...
Brewer Yacht Yard at Glen Cove replaced the main engine, generator, and Aqua Drive thrust assembly aboard a Little Harbor sailboat, repowered an O’Day 34 with a new XP25 Universal diesel, and upgraded a Volvo Penta aboard a Cobalt 276 with a new drive and transom housing. The crew also painted a Sabre 38, a Nonsuch 30, and a Back Cove 29; refinished an iceboat; and repaired a damaged mast and mast step on a 1993 Hunter 40. In the carpentry shop, chainplates were removed and bulkheads were repaired on a Sabre 30, while starboard and aft bulkheads, a salon floor, and windows were replaced on a 1986 Egg Harbor 42. Other winter work included several varnish jobs, as well as a number of fiberglass/gelcoat repairs necessitated by collisions.
Brewer Oxford Boat Yard & Marina has enjoyed the privilege of being part of a long-term restoration of a 1976 Bermuda 40. For the last 36 years, since it was new, this boat has been kept at Oxford Boat Yard. Under new ownership since 2012, the boat recently underwent major restoration work. “The owner’s dream was to restore the boat to its original condition, and maintain it in a way that shows future generations what a Bermuda 40 should be,” says Ashlei Voshell of Brewer Oxford Boat Yard & Marina. To date, all of the interior cabinets have been restored, damaged veneer has been replaced, a new solid teak and holly cabin sole has been installed, fasteners have been replaced, and every bit of hardware has been rechromed or polished. Extensive electronics and rewiring work has also been done throughout the boat, which is now fit out with a new stereo and nav station, central air, a new suede mast cover that matches the helm, remanufactured hatches that utilize the boat’s original acrylight lenses, fresh varnish on all interior brightwork, and Awlgrip on the hull. The boat looks like new! Brewer Yacht Yard at Greenport finished applying a new gelcoat non-skid surface to the deck and cockpit of a J-111 this winter. Work on this boat also included rebedding hardware and leaky ports, refinishing the topsides with ALEXSEAL paint, and prepping the bottom for an antifouling paint application that was polished to a racing finish. Aboard an Alberg 30, the crew did some interior bulkhead and cabinetry work, and began to investigate an electric propulsion system for the boat. The crew also did repair work on a storm-damaged Cape Dory 31, including installing new starboard toe and rub rails, fitting a new teak pulpit, managing hull repairs, and repainting the bootstripe. While in the shop, other improvements were also made: the head was supplied with fresh water, a new water heater was installed, and sink/shower plumbing was set up. “The original standing rigging (1984) was also replaced,” says Mike, “making the boat ready for some serious cruising in the coming years.”
Brewer Capri Marina got aboard vessels to conduct annual maintenance on items such as engine zincs, impellers, thru-hulls, belts, engine manifolds, and risers. The crew also fulfilled a variety of special service requests and overhauled the entire cooling system on a pair of Caterpillar C 18s, removing and cleaning every part of the raw water cooling system, from the strainers and heat exchangers to the oil coolers and exhaust system. In addition, a good deal of time was spent carefully checking and replacing gasoline fuel system components after a tragic accident on a Fuel Dock resulted in the loss of a local Port Washington resident last summer. “The vessel exploded while fueling at a neighboring marina,” says Steve Wachter, General Manager. “It was a tragic death that shook up everyone in Manhasset Bay. I truly believe this awful event will save many lives. It was a wakeup call, reminding everyone that, though we all enjoy boating and being on the water, following proper fueling protocol and keeping a pro-active maintenance schedule is key to safe and trouble-free boating.”
Brewer Stirling Harbor Marina tackled two big repowers this winter. A Gozzard 44 received a rebuilt Westerbeke 80B and a Hinckley Bermuda 40 received a Beta 43. “Both of these repowers were done ‘from the prop to the ignition switch’,” says David Doody, General Manager. “Both boats have all new wiring, plumbing, drive shafts, transmissions, props, and paintwork. All of our team members were involved on these projects. The guys did a great job caring for two well-loved boats and we made good use of our mechanical, glass and paint skills.” Other work involved the refitting of a Duffy 38. This included new AC wiring, new ports and hatches, and
Brewer Post Road Boat Yard had a busy winter with routine repairs and maintenance on winter storage boats. “Annual, preventative maintenance reduces the likelihood of more expensive, often catastrophic repairs, and improves the odds of a trouble-free boating season” says Paul Muenzinger, General Manager.
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Yard Projects Brewer Yacht Haven Marina tackled two engine rebuilds this winter, one on a 1988 Egg Harbor and one on a 1998 SeaRay Sundancer 370. Routine maintenance on a number of storage boats also kept the crew quite busy. Brewer Stratford Marina repaired extensive damage on a 34’ Regulator after the radar and associated wiring was ripped from the fiberglass hardtop during transport to the yard. “First we removed all fasteners, instruments, wiring, outriggers, and hardware,” says Josh Twidwell, Parts & Service Manager. “Then the hardtop was removed, structural damage was repaired, and the gelcoat was sprayed to match the existing color. Once a new radar was installed, the hardtop was reassembled. It’s as good as new!” The structural fiberglass and gelcoat repairs were performed by Cooley Marine, conveniently located on site at Brewer Stratford Marina.
performed on a Viking 45 sport fish; a teak cockpit sole insert was fabricated for a Cornish Crabber 30 sailboat; a swim platform and FreedomLift dinghy lift were installed, and a transom door modification was made on a Post 54 sport fish; a teak swim platform and anchor pulpit was installed on a Sabre 34 Express; and a Raymarine instrument package with a custom panel was completed on a Shannon 28. The B&J’s woodworking team also created a lovely new teak Boat Show display for the BYY group! In the Rig Shop a Monitor Wind Vane autopilot was installed on a Shannon 28, several Harken roller furlers were fabricated or repaired, winches were serviced and replaced, and running rigging was fabricated and replaced. Finally, the B&J’s mechanical team repowered Branford’s Fireboat, swapping old Verados for Yamaha engines; rebuilt a Mercury outboard power head on a Rascal Runabout; rebuilt a Crusader 7.4L on a Silverton 40; and conducted extensive mechanical surveys and inspections on numerous storage vessels, issuing recommendations for repairs where required. “By replacing and/or servicing hoses, seacocks, and thru-hulls, we hope to eliminate many safety concerns,” says Brian Dombroski, Assistant Manager.
Other winter work included repowering a 38’ True North with a Yanmar 6LPA, and replacing the universal joint assembly on a Bravo 3 outdrive. “When we removed the drive for service, we found that the bellows had failed and seized the universal joint assembly,” says Josh. “Had this drive not been removed for inspection, the damage would have been much more severe, and likely would have resulted in the need for a whole new outdrive. Comprehensive outdrive service and smaller repairs help prevent unnecessary expense.” In fact, this was just one of five outdrive repairs performed by the Stratford crew this winter, on everything from Alpha to Bravo drives. Fortunately, three of these repairs were done under warranty. “One of the three required transferring warranty coverage to a new boat owner,” says Josh, “but, by gathering the required information, we were able to do the work under warranty, which involved completely resealing the driveshaft housing. This saved the customer a costly expense.” The Stratford team also addressed a manufacturer-issued recall for Kohler generators, correcting concerns stemming from defective high exhaust temperature and sea water pressure switches from units installed on a Boston Whaler 27 and a Sea Ray 390. “All recalls should be regarded as important,” says Josh. Brewer Stratford Marina is a designated warranty repair facility for Kohler, as well as several other engine generator and equipment manufacturers. The Brewer Stratford team is a highly certified bunch. On staff are two Kohler-certified techs, and two ABYC Master Techs. Four additional techs have recently completed the ABYC Fast Track program, while another will sit for his MercMarine Master test later this year. Brewer Bruce & Johnson’s Marina applied Awlgrip to the topsides of a Legacy 32 Downeast cruiser and an Island Packet 35; repaired damaged bottoms on a Glastron 23 and the Island Packet 35, after a hard grounding; and tackled gelcoat repairs aboard a Mako center console that had suffered fire damage. In the carpentry shop, a water-damaged cabin sole was replaced aboard a Sabre 37 sailboat; teak deck repairs were
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Brewer Yacht then sealed and faired, before being painted with Awlgrip. In addition, the original engine was removed and the boat was repowered with a new Westerbeke 52.
Brewer Pilots Point Marina South recently completed construction of three brand new Pump-Out Boats as part of a program funded by the Clean Vessel Act, making it easier than ever for boaters to have their holding tanks emptied at Pilots Point. Two boats were built of plywood and fiberglass, the other of aluminum. “The boats are 100% electric and zero emission,” says Josh Bagnati, Dockmaster. “A group of AGM batteries power an electric outboard motor and a peristaltic pump, while a solar array feeds current back into the batteries. We designed the boats to handle larger holding tanks, so they can stay out longer,” says Josh. “We believe these new vessels will be the most efficient and environmentally friendly boats on Long Island Sound.” This project was a unique and fun challenge for the talented craftsmen at Pilots Point. Not only did the crew get to display their skills, but they got to give back in way that benefits the entire marine community. Anyone in Westbrook Harbor can now call for a pump out by contacting the Pilots Point Dock Office. Alternatively, a form may be filed in the Main Office of either the South or North Yard to trigger a scheduled weekly pump out. “This option allows members to leave on Sunday and come back Friday night to an empty holding tank,” says Josh. “Thanks to the Clean Vessel Act, we are able to provide these pump outs FREE of charge. We’re working hard to keep the water we all share clean for everyone’s enjoyment!” The hard work is paying off. Last year, Pilots Point received special recognition from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for helping to maintain clean waterways.
Brewer Deep River Marina completed upgrading a Grand Banks 32 this winter. Work included barrier-coating the bottom; repainting the cabin house; refinishing the mast and boom for a steadying sail; and thorough servicing of the engine in preparation for a trip south this season. Three other boat bottoms were also barrier coated and refinished this winter, while varnish on the teak and mahogany trim of a Hunt 29 and a Chris Craft 36 were stripped and refinished. In addition to the usual engine and stern drive maintenance and repair, the crew also replaced a number of exhaust manifolds and risers and did several valve jobs. Lastly, the final phase of a cabin restoration project aboard a Lowell 43 trawler, that has been part of a multi-phase refit over a three year period, was completed. Brewer Yacht Yard at Mystic addressed routine annual service details and maintenance varnish on winter storage boats inside, while battling rough winter weather outside! Brewer Wickford Cove Marina repaired the bow and completed a topsides paint job on a Swan 46 that collided with a government marker last season; prepped and painted the topsides on a Little Harbor 60; and completed a repair on a Tartan 3500 that was struck by another vessel while sitting on her mooring. “The boat suffered a hole through the topsides, requiring a fair amount of fiberglass work and fairing,” says Larry Colantuono, General Manager. Once properly prepared, the topsides were finished with Awlgrip paint. Beyond paint and repair work, the bulk of Wickford’s projects this winter
Brewer Pilots Point Marina North repaired core damage due to long-term water ingestion on a Farr 395. To accomplish this, the carpentry team removed balsa core and installed a new fiberglass and foam core inner skin, designed to prevent future water damage and improve boat speed and performance. After vacuum-bagging a new outer skin, using vinylester resin, the team’s challenge was to perfectly fair and paint the bottom. “Boats in production today are made in a mold and are perfectly even,” says Brian Lenahan, Pilots Point’s North Yard Head Carpenter. “Our goal was to produce that same fresh-outof-the-mold perfection, but by hand.” Brewer Ferry Point Marina applied fresh varnish to several winter storage boats, refinished the deck on a Bruckmann 35 with Awlgrip; replaced the teak and holly cabin sole on a Downeast cruiser; installed a gyro on a 40’ sport fish; repowered a Pearson Triton with a remanufactured Atomic 4; sandblasted and refinished the bottoms on four motor vessels over 40’; installed a PlasTeak deck on a 330 SeaRay Sundancer; and tackled several projects involving inverter and electronics package upgrades. Brewer Dauntless Shipyard stripped the decks on a 1961 Hinckley Bermuda 40 that has been in the same family since it was new! The decks were stripped all the way to the core,
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Yard Projects were mechanical. “Due to the diligence of our team during fall decommissioning, we were able to help boaters identify and address deficiencies which could ruin an otherwise good boating season.”
Brewer Sakonnet Marina removed, serviced, painted and reinstalled twin diesels on a Stamas Express 370; repaired the shafts, props and rudder on a Luhrs 34, following an unfortunate grounding; and buffed and waxed numerous storage boats. The crew also soda-blasted, barrier coated, and bottom painted a total of four boats.
Brewer Cowesett Marina removed the mast step and rebuilt the hull rub rails on a 54’ Irwin ketch, recored the transom on an O’day 34, replaced the v-berth/anchor locker bulkhead and windlass platform on a Morgan 38, installed bow thrusters on a Hatteras 55 and a Beneteau 36, replaced a generator on a Hylas 46, painted a mast for a J35C, repowered a 48’ Mayflower ketch, replaced the cabin sole on a Pearson 34, painted the hull of a Silverton 33, and replaced all of the hoses on twin CAT 3208 engines aboard a Tiara 36. The crew also bead-blasted, barrier-coated, and bottom painted a Sealine 46, a J-35C, an Intrepid 37, and a Nordic Tug 37.
Brewer Fiddler’s Cove Marina repowered 2/5.7L Volvo sterndrive motors on a 2002 Doral 310 with long blocks from Jasper Engines, and repaired a section of the port bow rub rail on a 2009 Eastbay 49, after the boat tangled with a piling last season. The crew also addressed annual varnish needs on several boats, including an Alden 51, a Sabre 42, an Eastbay 49, and a 1988 Express Blackwatch 33. Other recent work was performed by Fiddler’s certified techs who replaced a 2014 Yamaha F350 powerhead on a 39 Intrepid, due to catastrophic failure; and replaced and repaired a Yamaha F250 on a 2008 Edgewater that had presented with a water-in-the-oil problem. These repairs were in conjunction with Yamaha Warranty as Fiddler’s is an authorized Yamaha Dealer and Service Center.
Brewer Greenwich Bay Marina addressed a laundry list of routine maintenance items and serviced everything from water pumps and drives, to winches. The crew also repaired a 42’ sailboat that had washed ashore after parting her mooring during foul weather last fall. “We removed the keel to make repairs to the keel sump, completely rebuilt the rudder, and made a number of additional repairs to things like toe rails and stanchions,” says Chris Ruhling, General Manager.
Brewer Plymouth Marine had very full and busy shops this winter. In December, the crew towed a 43’ tuna boat from Harwichport to Plymouth after it suffered damages from an engine room fire while fishing offshore. “We removed everything from the engine room and put it back together, repowering her with a Cummins Qsm 11 660 hp engine,” says Tim Moll, General Manager. The crew also finished an Eastbay 43, and the deck and cockpit on a Legacy 28, with Awlgrip; refurbished a yacht club launch with new rubrails, new seats, and fresh Awlgrip paint; and peeled and repaired old, cracked gelcoat on the hull of a Post 56. In addition, a Catalina 36 was repowered with a new Westerbeke engine and several other boats were fit out with bow and stern thrusters.
Brewer Cove Haven Marina was also very busy this winter. The mechanical team installed a new generator, six new engines, and rebuilt a D-42 engine on a Swan 42. The Paint Shop team was also active, refinishing topsides, racing bottoms, and a mast and boom, as well as painting the deck, topsides, and racing bottom on a Swan 42. The crew also repaired a sailboat that hit a rock last season. The keel was tied to a steel grid system inside the boat. “To get the bent steel grid out of the boat, we removed the interior woodwork and cut a 7’ section out of the bottom, around the keel,” says Pat Peck, Yard Manager. “To complete the work, we ordered a new keel and rebuilt the steel grid. It was a very interesting project in the sense that we needed to pull expertise from all of our shops in order to make this happen. It was great to see all the guys bring their different talents to bear on one project.”
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Brewer Yacht Yard Projects The crew also repowered a 1981 Vineyard Vixon 34 with a Westerbeke 35EA, a 1978 Pearson 35 with a reconditioned Yanmar GM 30, and performed a complete systems overhaul on a 1997 Chuck Payne Able 36. The Able is now fit out with a new sanitation system, a new Panda generator, a pilot house AC system, a complete Garmin electronics package with a 15” screen, a KVH tracvision, a Xantrex inverter, and new Stidd seats. In the Paint Shop, a J-46 underwent major fiberglass repairs and was refinished with new Awlgrip paint, while a 2004 American Tug 34, with a faded red gelcoat hull, was also refinished with Awlgrip.
Brewer Hawthorne Cove Marina tackled gelcoat and fiberglass repairs and replaced teak toe and rub rails on a Catalina 30, after it suffered storm damage last season. The crew also secured lifeline stanchions and repaired fiberglass and gelcoat on a Cal 27; replaced the fuel system and fuel tanks on a Mason 43; and reworked the exhaust system on an Albin 35, before rebuilding the head. Other work included replacing the shaft and coupling on a Catalina 34, upgrading it to a dripless stuffing box; and repairing fiberglass and replacing a swim platform on a Sea Ray 310. Winter storage boats, in general, underwent routine service on everything from running gear to batteries. The crew also turned out a lot of varnish maintenance, giving many vessels a fresh Bristol look. Brewer South Freeport Marine repowered a classic 1958 lapstrake Sea Skiff 19, built by Associated Naval Architects (“ANA”) in W. Norfolk, Virginia, by removing and replacing a right rotation Crusader V-6 with a converted left-to-right rotation GM 262 V-6. After removing, stripping, cleaning, and inspecting the engine, the manifold risers were found to be rotten, indicating that the engine had been ingesting water. The changeover required swapping the cam shaft, distributor, oil pump, and seals. The goal was to keep one family’s heirloom boat as original as possible. After all worn parts were replaced the engine was painted and reinstalled. Since parts for the original engine are no longer sold, the GM Mercruiser block provided a way to repower and match the boat’s existing torque. This was no small undertaking, but with improved reliability and performance the boat should provide many more years of enjoyment for a family that has owned the boat since it was new!
The Brewer “Cruising Club Card” Welcoming guests to BYY with the following benefits: • Overnight Dockage Savings – 25% off subsequent visits to any Brewer marina for the rest of the season, after paying in full for the first transient night. • Fuel Discounts – 5¢ per gallon off all fuel purchases made at any Brewer fuel dock. For Brewer member benefits, please see page 16
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Reprinted with permission from Soundings Trade Only. 25
Turning a Passion into a Profession Please join us in congratulating Yacht Brokers Association of America’s newly elected President, Brewer Yacht Sales Broker, Hal Slater, CPYB. Hal joined the Brewer team in the fall of 2005, after serving the previous twenty-seven years in various sales and marketing positions in the hardware industry, including seventeen years at Stanley Tools and ten years with Milwaukee Electric Tools, to pursue a new career inspired by his passion for “the boating lifestyle”. Managing the Brewer Yacht Sales office in Branford, Connecticut at Brewer’s Bruce & Johnson Marina since July of 2006, Hal has earned numerous Brewer Yacht Sales awards ranging from “Team Spirit” to “Most Boats Sold”. In addition, he has earned the Brewer Yacht Sales “Broker of the Year/Top Producer” award since 2007.
Founded in 1920, the Yacht Brokers Association of America (YBAA) is the oldest yacht brokerage association in the United States, setting the standard for yacht sales professionals. Several Brewer brokers have held positions as board members of this distinguished organization, which acts as the governing body for ethics, professional conduct, and technical training in the brokerage business. Many of BYS brokers hold the title of CPYB (Certified Professional Yacht Broker), which is the advanced degree program for the industry.
Turning a “passion into a profession” is the motto of YBAA’s new President. Hal’s passion for boating and spending time on the water started at a very young age on the Connecticut shoreline, cruising the waters of Long Island Sound with his parents. The memories and strong family bonds created then have continued with his wife Missy, their three children, his two sons-in-law, and grandson. Hal is proud to say his grandson, Hunter, loves nothing more than being on the boat with “Pop-Pop”.
Join us in congratulating Hal Slater, CPYB, and the other newly elected members and officers of Yacht Brokers of America.
BYS Launches New Website Brewer Yacht Sales proudly announces the launch of a new website. The new website incorporates several all-new features designed to make searching for over 600 online boat listings even better.
Brewer Yacht Sales’ site offers new advanced search capabilities, larger boat photos, social sharing capability for each listing, and the ability to email a friend. Brewer Yacht Sales team pages display broker profiles, testimonials along with links to social media and all brokerage listings.
BrewerYacht.com is now using Responsive Web Design technology, which enables fluid and effortless multi-platform viewing from any device, including desktop computers, tablets, and smart phones. “Our marketing team spent months analyzing customer behavior. In the last three years tablet and mobile user traffic tripled; iPhone and iPad use accounted for 80% of our mobile traffic in 2014,” says David Pugsley, General Manager and Vice President of Brewer Yacht Sales. "We're in the business of bringing buyers and sellers together. The re-design of BrewerYacht.com has made it easier for us to facilitate that; it’s also simple to email a friend or share photos on social media sites," says Jackie Joslyn, Office Manager for Brewer Yacht Sales.
Looking for information on boat insurance, finance or documentation? Fill out our easy-to-use, secure e-forms and receive an immediate response. BrewerYacht.com also provides information about boat transport and helpful information for those who are new to boating. Buyers and sellers can also keep up-to-date with Brewer Yacht Sales in our “News & Announcements” section. Brewer Yacht Sales, Inc. is New England’s largest yacht brokerage, with ten offices and sixteen full-time professional yacht brokers, and is part of the Brewer Yacht Yard Group, with twenty-four full-service yacht yards and marinas from Maryland to Maine. For more information, please contact Jackie Joslyn at 860-399-6213 or jjoslyn@byy.com.
For information on our new FL location, log onto our website at BrewerYacht.com! 26
Boat Yard Cat Gabbi Mary Kelleher and Gary Jodoin want you to know…boating isn’t just for dogs! Their 10 year old, Seal Point Siamese cat is a seasoned boater too, and deserving of equal billing in our newsletter. “Since cats are rarely seen around marinas people are generally surprised to see a cat on board, but Gabbi genuinely enjoys the boating/marina lifestyle!” says Mary. “She loves to cruise aboard our Sea Ray Sedan Bridge and always grabs the attention of everyone who sees her.” With Brewer Yacht Yard at Mystic as home port, Gabbi and her family spend much of their summer on the boat, both at the marina and cruising to various points of interest, including Greenport, Block Island, Sag Harbor, and Three Mile Harbor. “Gabbi is equally comfortable on deck and in the comfort of the cabin. She keeps an eye out for lobster pots when we’re underway, and when we’re at the dock she’s quite the attraction, sitting on the steps to the bridge watching the canines go by on leash.” Last summer, Mary and Gary were married at the Mystic Aquarium. They spent their honeymoon boating. No surprise, Gabbi was invited to go along to stand watch and chaperone! Be sure to keep an eye out for Gabbi and crew this season; they’ll be easy to spot. They’ll be flying a new, custom “Cat On Board” burgee…a little something they picked up at the Newport Boat Show last September.
Boat Yard Dog Sophie
Sophie is pictured here in her younger days aboard Breathless.
Maria Fasulo and Laurie Olson have been boating out of Greenport, New York since 2000. In 2002, they became part of the Brewer Yacht Yard family when Brewer acquired Stirling Harbor Marina. “We have both a power boat and sailboat,” says Maria. “But over the years, one of our many joys has been having our dog, Sophie – a kind-hearted Shih Tzu, with a gentle soul – at our side, and part of the fun on B Dock.” In February, after 16 years, most spent hanging out at the marina, if not on one boat or another, Sophie passed away. “No doubt, she will be missed on B Dock this summer, not only by us, but by our boating friends.”
Do you have a pet that spends his/her time at a Brewer marina? Does he/she love boating as much as you do? If so, send a brief description and a photo to Kristin Peterson, Tide Watch Editor, c/o Brewer South Freeport Marine, PO Box 119, South Freeport, ME 04078, or e-mail the information to tidewatch@byy.com. Please note: though dogs are welcome, they must be leashed while on BYY property, as a courtesy to those who may/may not be comfortable around animals. In support of our dog-friendly policy, dog owners are asked to clean up after their pets.
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Staying Green Tips for Environmentally Conscious Boating Brewer Yacht Yards has proven that major boat yards and marinas can be effective, efficient, and environmentally sensitive in all activities and services. By recycling, managing waste, choosing green products, and following best management practices, Brewer facilities have earned Clean Marina designations in Connecticut and Maine, and are recognized as industry leaders in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and Maryland. “We vigorously encourage and promote green practices, both within our own workforce and with our customers,” says Rives Potts, President of Brewer Yacht Yards. “And we are proud of the difference our efforts have made over the years. Today, more than ever, grounds and work spaces are clean; waste materials are organized and contained; and our recycling programs are being embraced by our members. The transformation of attitude over the last decade has been terrific!”
These deposits remain on the bottom forever, effectively poisoning the earth beneath the boat. If bottom cleaning is necessary, your boat should be hauled at a marina and power washed over land, ideally where catch basins and power washing containment systems are in use. The best way to keep your boat’s bottom clean is frequent use of your boat! Bottom paint is designed to work best when the boat it is moving through the water. If your boat is experiencing abnormally heavy growth, your bottom paint is not working properly for your local environment or for your level of boating activity. It should be reapplied, and/or another more appropriate antifouling paint should be selected. Discuss your options with your marina or boat yard. And remember: there are many environmentally ‘friendlier’ antifouling paints available now, including copper-free and solvent-free paints.
Choose friendlier bottom paints: But this is no time to rest on our laurels. With the arrival of another boating season, it’s time, once again, to recommit ourselves to protecting the marine environment and preserving the health of the coastal waters upon which we all depend. Brewer Yacht Yards is staying green and we invite you to do the same! Here are some tips for environmentally conscious boating from our team.
Switch over to water-based bottom paints, like Pettit Hydrocoat Eco. It’s far less toxic, to both users and the environment.
Keep bilges clean: Most oil/fuel spills that occur in boat yards originate in the bilges of boats, and are discharged by automatic bilge pumps. Keeping your bilge clean and free of debris will aid in the identification of an equipment leak and will reduce the likelihood that any chemicals will be discharged into the water. Use oil absorbent bilge pads as a preventative measure. Oil and fuel in the water pose many environmental problems and threaten marine life. Furthermore, an oil spill originating from a boat may result in a fine for the owner from a number of different law enforcement agencies and, at the very least, will be a source of embarrassment for you and your marina.
Take advantage of dockside pump out facilities: Discharging toilets and holding tanks overboard is unsanitary and environmentally hazardous. Human waste contains large amounts of nitrogen which is very hazardous to coastal waterways. Steven Bellone, a New York, Suffolk County executive says, "Nitrogen poisoning and its effects on our waterways and coastal vegetation in Suffolk County and Long Island is the most critical issue our community has faced in a generation.” Harbors can contain hundreds of boats and an equal number of heads (toilets). It would be only too easy to overwhelm the natural flushing capacity of a harbor and destroy a local ecosystem.
Keep engines tuned: Engines that are tuned up regularly will operate at maximum efficiency. Things like clogged filters and fouled plugs can decrease efficiency and increase pollution.
Avoid in-water boat washing: Soaps and detergents contain many harmful chemicals that can have a negative impact on marine life. Frequent washing with water only can be just as effective as occasional scrubbing with harsh chemicals. Scrub your boat regularly with a soft brush and water. If a more aggressive cleaning is necessary, use only small amounts of phosphate-free, biodegradable soaps that are intended for use on boats.
Consider alternative energy sources:
Never scrub bottom paint in the water:
Obey ‘no wake’ zones::
In-water abrasion of antifouling causes the release and deposit of large quantities of heavy metal-containing bottom paint.
Wetlands are the backbone of the costal ecosystem. Excessive wave action caused by boat wakes degrades wetlands, harming
Even for power boats, new solar panels and wind generators are very efficient and can reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Not only are alternative energy sources cleaner, but they reduce noise pollution too by reducing the need to run engines and generators to charge batteries and refrigeration.
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Staying Green a virtually irreplaceable habitat for innumerable marine flora and fauna.
Keep up with regular boat maintenance: Regular maintenance by trained marine professionals is the best way a boater can mitigate the potential environmental impacts of boating. Identifying equipment failures before they happen, removing loose and flaking bottom paint prior to launching, and staying on top of general good housekeeping practices are the easiest ways to protect our precious waterways and ensure the future of boating.
Properly manage used Hazardous and Non-Hazardous materials and waste: Take responsibility for proper disposal of used oil and fuel, antifreeze, batteries, filters, solvents, and waste bilge water. It’s a bad idea to leave open pails of oil, for example, outside the entrance to a yard’s collection shed. Oil containers can collect rain water and overflow, or spill and run into storm drains, polluting the grounds and surrounding waters. It’s better for boaters to call on boat yard or marina staff for assistance, so that the oil can be safely stored in a used oil tank until taken away for recycling. Yes, it’s recycled! In fact, most of the liquids boat yards dispose of are not considered waste. Used engine oil, used antifreeze, dirty diesel fuel and gasoline, metal oil filters, and old batteries are all recycled. Every Brewer Yacht Yard has a program in place for safe, responsible disposal or recycling of these products. But it’s a team effort and removal of waste is not free! Used paint thinner, for example, must undergo an expensive disposal process. Therefore, it is critical that used liquids never get mixed in collection site barrels. For example, if a cup of brake cleaner or paint thinner finds its way into a 275 gallon used oil tank (non-hazardous), then the entire 275 gallons suddenly becomes hazardous waste. This costs $1000s more to dispose of properly. For this reason, it’s critical that boaters take care of used products by calling on yard staff for help. It’s all about taking responsibility, working together, and sharing the cost. Our love of boating should not be at the expense of the environment we all love and enjoy.
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13 BREWER
ESSEX ISLAND MARINA
11 Ferry Street Essex, CT 06426 Manager: Doug Domenie 860-767-2483 • eim@byy.com
14 BREWER DEEP
RIVER MARINA
50 River Lane Deep River, CT 06417 Manager: Jim Brown 860-526-5560 • drm@byy.com
15 BREWER YACHT YARD
AT
MYSTIC
56 Roseleah Drive Mystic, CT 06355 Manager: Ned Ahlborn 860-536-2293 • mys@byy.com
24 Yacht Yards & Marinas from Maryland to Maine www.byy.com
16 BREWER WICKFORD COVE MARINA
65 Reynolds Street Wickford, RI 02852 Manager: Larry Colantuono 401-884-7014 • wcm@byy.com
17 BREWER COWESETT MARINA
7 BREWER YACHT
HAVEN MARINA
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1 Masthead Drive Warwick, RI 02886 NORTH YARD Manager: Greg Bartoszuk 401-884-0544 SOUTH YARD Manager: Matt St. Angelo 401-884-0544• cow@byy.com
181 Harbor Drive Stamford, CT 06902 18 BREWER GREENWICH BAY Manager: Todd Breden MARINA 203-359-4500 • stamford@byy.com 252 Second Point Road Warwick, RI 02889 BREWER STRATFORD MARINA Manager: Chris Ruhling 605 Broad Street 401-884-1810 • bgb@byy.com Stratford, CT 06615 Manager: Rod Swift 203-377-4477 • stratford@byy.com 19 BREWER COVE
HAVEN MARINA
9 BREWER BRUCE &
JOHNSON’S MARINA
2 BREWER YACHT YARD AT
GREENPORT
500 Beach Road Greenport, NY 11944 Manager: Mike Acebo 631-477-9594 • gre@byy.com
3 BREWER STIRLING
HARBOR MARINA
1410 Manhasset Ave Greenport, NY 11944 Manager: David Doody 631-477-0828 • bsh@byy.com
4 BREWER YACHT YARD AT
GLEN COVE
128 Shore Road Glen Cove, NY 11542 Manager: Mark Friel 516-671-5563 • bgc@byy.com
5 BREWER CAPRI MARINA
15 Orchard Beach Blvd. Port Washington, NY 11050 Manager: Steve Wachter 516-883-7800 • bcm@byy.com
1 BREWER OXFORD BOAT YARD & MARINA
402 East Strand Oxford, MD 21654 Manager: Graham Norbury 410-226-5101 • oby@byy.com
6 BREWER
POST ROAD BOAT YARD
155 East Post Road Mamaroneck, NY 10543 Manager: Paul Muenzinger 914-698-0295 • prb@byy.com
MAIN & WEST YARD 145 South Montowese Street Branford, CT 06405 Manager: Ed Vianney 203-488-8329 • bjm@byy.com
10 BREWER PILOTS POINT MARINA
63 Pilots Point Drive Westbrook, CT 06498 SOUTH YARD Pilots Point GM: Jeremy Maxwell 860-399-7906 • ppm@byy.com NORTH YARD Manager: Bob Connell 860-399-5128 • ppm@byy.com EAST YARD 860-399-6421 • ppm@byy.com
11 BREWER
FERRY POINT MARINA 29 Essex Road Old Saybrook, CT 06475 Manager: Brendan Page 860-388-3260 • bfp@byy.com
12 BREWER DAUNTLESS
SHIPYARD & MARINA SHIPYARD 37 Pratt Street Essex, CT 06426 Manager: Doug Domenie 860-767-0001 • bds@byy.com MARINA 9 Novelty Lane Essex, CT 06426 860-767-8267 • bdm@byy.com
30
101 Narragansett Avenue Barrington, RI 02806 Manager: Michael Keyworth 401-246-1600 • chc@byy.com
20 BREWER
SAKONNET MARINA
222 Narragansett Boulevard Portsmouth, RI 02871 Manager: Joe Palmieri 401-683-3551 • bsm@byy.com
21 BREWER FIDDLER’S COVE MARINA
42 Fiddler’s Cove Road North Falmouth, MA 02556 Manager: Fred Sorrento 508-564-6327 • fcm@byy.com
22 BREWER
PLYMOUTH MARINE
14 Union Street Plymouth, MA 02360 Manager: Tim Moll 508-746-4500 • bpm@byy.com
23 BREWER HAWTHORNE COVE MARINA
10 White Street Salem, MA 01970 Manager: Noah Flaherty 978-740-9890 • hcm@byy.com
24 BREWER SOUTH
FREEPORT MARINE
31 Main Street/P.O. Box 119 South Freeport, ME 04078 Manager: John Brewer 207-865-3181 • bsf@byy.com
MARYLAND TO MAINE ! *
From Maine’s Rocky Coast to Maryland’s gentle Eastern Shore… cruise with Brewer.
* ValvTect fuel is not available in MD.
31
PRST STD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID ALTOONA, PA PERMIT #150
BREWER YACHT YARDS 63 Pilots Point Drive Westbrook, CT 06498
Want to live by the sea? Consider a condo at Pilots Point Marina!
Special opportunity to own a luxury townhome in Westbrook, steps from Pilots Point Marina! Home owners enjoy use of marina amenities, including the pool, recreation areas & Clubhouse. Only 27 homes available, pre-construction pricing starts at $299,900! Luxury living on Long Island Sound | 860-388-1228 | condosbythemarina.com