Published: Friday, January 16, 2004 at:11:32 PM




Marine Operations News

New Equipment for the Quarterdeck’s Fleet

The Quarterdeck staff have continued their refurbishing and maintaining of the Freedom 30s and Bradley 22s. New sails have been bought for the Freedom 30s, just prior to this year’s Pro-Am Regatta. Haarstick Sailmakers have provided us with our new sails, which are slightly bigger than the last set and will bring more excitement to our Freedom 30 sailors.

We have good news for our live-aboard guests who will appreciate the silent nights with our new hard-bottom inflatable Caribe dinghies. No more fiberglass dinghy banging against the hull at night! Our Freedoms make light work of towing these great dinghies, along with their new 8hp Johnson engines. And we’ve added a bimini on board every boat. Plus we’ve upgraded the Bradley 22s, adding a new 130hp Evinrude to our fleet.

Departmental Developments

We are continuing the development of two very important departments within Marine Operations this year, the Chandlery and the OMC Workshop and dealership.

Visiting yachtsmen have been happy to see the addition of a ship store to our waterfront. It seems that so far charts and boathooks are our best selling items! In addition to stocking frequently requested items for visiting boaters, the Chandlery manages all the purchasing for the waterfront, keeping our departments functioning at full capacity.

Our OMC Workshop has developed into a full dealership, another great asset to our property. Visiting yachtsmen again have made great use of our OMC Certified Technicians, as temperamental dinghy engines are rampant in the BVI! Our Technicians are able to handle many outboard illnesses, but as well serve as dealers, bringing in engines by request, installing and completing regular maintenance calls and warranty work.

Marina News

For yachts over 100 feet, as the word is out that our concrete L-dock is the right place to be. We have been able to increase our marina size by installing power and water posts on the concrete L-dock as well as on our Carvery/Gazebo dock. We have groups of boats that enjoy the idea of their own private dock adjacent to our blue beach and pool, a little removed from the hustle and bustle. These extra spots are a bit shallower than our slips at the Quarterdeck.

Our fuel dock is improving as well, with the addition of two more water hoses allowing us to water up to three boats at a time, depending on size. Return visitors will surely notice a difference!

Our mooring field is undergoing a refit at the moment, as can be seen by the multicolored look of our mooring field. On the way out are our older orange balls to make room for the new white ones. No matter the color, you can be assured of a peaceful night’s sleep while staying on one of our moorings. Our evening launch service continues to bring guests in for dinner, drinks or a night at the band. Be sure to radio in for information on the night’s festivities.

The Engines that Keep Us Humming!

Our family of Caterpillar engines is growing steadily. We have recently refit Reef Sampler, our smaller ferry boat, with a brand new 3208 Diesel engine. This engine, along with our many other Caterpillars, will be serviced by our Cat-Certified Technician. With this move, we are nearing completion of our program of standardizing all our diesel engines to Caterpillars. Our technician is also available to service visiting yachts, depending on his work load at the time. If the Cats are all purring nicely, he will definitely have the time to have a look at your diesel!