5 Tips and Considerations When Selecting a Marina
Whether you’re sailing from one coastal location to another or island-hopping in the Northeast or the Caribbean, selecting the right marina when you need to resupply, refuel and recharge your own batteries can be the difference between a luxurious vacation at sea and a far less relaxing trip. To maximize your enjoyment and minimize your frustration, you might consider the following factors when choosing a marina.
1. Location
It may seem obvious, but significant consideration should go into where the marina is located – both in terms of its geographical location and in terms of how close it is to amenities, services and necessities.
Is the marina located in town, or in a more remote setting? Will you need to secure transportation to get around the area, or is it pedestrian friendly? Can your crew easily access a market for provisions? They will have plenty of tasks to perform once ashore, so they shouldn’t have to travel too far to pick up necessary supplies.
In terms of marinas in Rhode Island, The Marina at Brown and Howard Wharf is uniquely situated due east of the entrance to Newport Harbor – directly off historic Thames Street and within easy walking distance of hot spots such as Bowen’s Wharf, Bannister’s Wharf, yacht clubs, as well as all the maritime vendors, recreational shopping, fine dining, night life and all other attractions that the City by the Sea has to offer.
In fact, it is so easy to get to and from this location that many maritime vendors, suppliers and provisioners will simply come to you! We are happy to provide you with our preferred vendor list for your convenience.
2. Marina Infrastructure
Sturdy, well maintained docks, consistently strong water pressure and reliable electricity are all intangibles for a pleasant marina experience. When deciding on a marina, you or your skipper should inquire when the last major renovations to various infrastructural elements, such as the electrical systems, were made. Nothing can ruin your relaxation like a power outage!
Brown and Howard Marina has recently completed a comprehensive dredging project and finished a total renovation of its electrical system. It has brand new floating docks and utilizes a state-of-the-art pedestal system to deliver uninterrupted, metered electricity.
3. Marina amenities
When picking a marina ask what (if any) amenities will be made available to you. Dockside amenities such as strong WiFi and LAN internet can really enhance the quality of any marina stay, but only if they work reliably! There are a range of services that may made available by the marina staff, such as a dedicated concierge to handle requests you may have during your stay.
Brown and Howard Marina has a bounty of amenities, such as free parking, a dedicated concierge service, industry-leading MarineSync RUM metering at each of the power pedestals and access to cable television and high-speed internet.
Brown and Howard Marina also offers extensive amenities for your crew, including a lounge specifically for captains and crew members. The marina also maintains a partnership with a local resort, giving guests access to swimming pools, a sauna and fitness center. These types of extra mile amenities will keep your crew happy and refreshed.
4. Security/Privacy
Docking a large yacht or sailboat can attract lots of attention – and attention is often the last thing you want when you’re seeking a relaxing vacation.
Quality marinas take their on-site security very seriously, and may even have dedicated security personnel to watch over the premises at night. There should always be clear separation between the slips, marina grounds and public property – enforced by signage or a physical barrier such as a secure fence.
Brown and Howard Marina employs dedicated weekend security staff, has security camera monitoring and is located entirely on private property surrounded by a keycode-accessible perimeter fence, meaning you’ll be able to enjoy total peace of mind during your stay. A vacation at sea should coincide with tranquility, and a stop at a marina should be no different.
5. Attention to detail
Does the marina have a dedicated crew cleaning docks and keeping them clean? Are ropes and lines kept tidy and out of the way of foot traffic? Is the marina office well-furnished and free of clutter? Does the marina offer a welcome package for new and returning guests? Is a dockmaster or marina manager available at all hours to answer any questions?
What separates a quality marina from just any other marina is this attention to detail – and that appreciation for the little nuances that enhance your experience as a guest cannot be fabricated.
Brown and Howard Marina takes great pride in giving guests a premiere marina experience, and there will always be someone available to answer questions and help fulfill your every need.
