MARINA ACCOMPLISHMENTS for 2019 and What’s Coming in 2020

01/10/2020

Marina Accomplishments for 2019 and What’s Coming in 2020

2019 was a very productive year for the Albemarle Plantation Marina. The major accomplishment at the Marina in 2019 was the re-decking of B Dock in January and February. Randy’s grounds maintenance crew replaced the deck boards, and AP volunteers refurbished the power pedestals. A new pedestal was also installed at the T-head to accommodate large transient boats.

Other repair and maintenance projects completed were:

• The dinghy dock was re-decked.
• The kayak launch platform was replaced in May.
• The marina Wi-Fi system was upgraded to provide high speed coverage throughout the Marina. A webcam system was also installed to monitor all docks and the fueling station from the Dockmaster’s office. AP volunteers Jack Atwell, Steve Harris and Jeff Winter assisted the Dockmaster with the installation.
• The “Polish the Brass” Flower Ladies, all AP volun-teers, filled the Marina flower boxes with an assortment of pretty flowers in the spring and maintained them throughout the boating season.
• OYC volunteers worked with the Dockmaster to re-furbish and strengthen the Opti and Sunfish docks.

The Dockmaster conducted dozens of boat tours for prospective buyers as part of the Discovery Package program. Several who bought property at AP cited the Marina as their main reason for buying.

The Albemarle Loop program led by Jack Atwell attracted 80 transient boats to the Plantation this year.  Corporate advertising, including Facebook and Waterway Guide, as well as word of mouth, brought these boaters to our doorstep. Four Loopers loved the Plantation so much that they bought homes here! The Life on the Loop promotions in the spring and fall included an oyster roast and a pig roast at AP that sold out.

The Albemarle Sound Sailing Association (ASSA) held its first consolidated regatta on the Sound, bringing all four yacht clubs to the Albemarle Plantation Marina this year. OYC Commodore Charles Prewitt said that the other clubs love it here and want to continue to have AP host the annual regatta next year and beyond—which is a tribute to our facilities and our folks who volunteer to make the ASSA so well run.

The Marina Shelter in Place Inspection Team (SIPIT) volunteers numbered 20 this year and led an exercise during Hurricane Dorian in early September. The team inspected all boats at the Marina every four hours during Code Red and adjusted lines and fenders as required, ensuring that no boats were damaged and safety rules were enforced.

As was presented at the 2020 budget meetings, the Marina will get funding to re-deck and refurbish power pedestals at A Dock next year, among other projects. This work is planned for January-February and AP volunteers will again participate. This project will complete the re-decking of the entire Marina, which should last at least 20 years before re-decking will be needed again.

Thank you to Dockmaster J.E. Dar-nell, the AP grounds maintenance crew, and AP resident volunteers for making 2019 a very successful year for the Marina.