Mariners migration based on the weather is as old as seagoing itself. Nowhere is this perhaps more apparent than the movement of yachts from the Northeastern U.S. to the Caribbean in the fall and return to the northern climates of the Mid-Atlantic and New England in the late spring. What makes this passage feel like home is the number of boats that make this trek, i.e. there is always someone you know. Plus, there are marinas companies today that manage facilities in both regions making for a comfortable familiarity in terms of facilities, services and amenities.
“IGY has welcomed 42 percent of the world’s leading mega yachts in the past five years, and we attribute this to having top destinations located within the industry’s natural cruising pattern,†says Tom Mukamal, chief executive officer of IGY Marinas, headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, FL. “Through our marina network, we can cross reference our customer database with extensive market research and feedback from captains, crew members, and charter companies to identify where our customers frequent or would seek to visit. In recent seasons, we’ve seen greater interest from our Caribbean customers in our Northeast marinas and greater interest in cruising the entire East Coast of the United States.â€
IGY operates four marinas in the Northeast. These include National Harbor Marina (Washington, DC), Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina (New York), North Cove Marina (New York) and Newport Yacht Club & Marina (New Jersey).
National Harbor Marina, with its 75 floating dock slips and 7 megayacht berths, is located on the banks of the historic Potomac River. Steps away is great shopping at the Tanger Outlets. Nearby attractions include the Capital Wheel and . The marina is only 15 minutes from the U.S. capital, which makes a perfect platform for a summer vacation exploration of the district’s landmarks, museums and national monuments. Nautical foodies should time their stay with either the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival, July 16-17, or Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival on August 19.
North in the New York City area, the North Cove Marina at Brookfield Place in Lower Manhattan will open its new sailing school this summer. Since the marina, with its 32 slips and 10 megayacht berths, is adjacent to the towering Brookfield Place office complex, there is plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. Also, close by is the Ground Zero Memorial and Central Park. This heart-of-the-city location makes it easy to get a front row seat at the Macy’s Fourth of July Spectacular fireworks display. There is also a free summer movie series from July 9 to August 20.
Across the Hudson River in Jersey City, the 154-slip Newport Yacht Club & Marina is an excellent place to stay and play or fly in and out. There is a sailing school and fishing charters on site. Plus, the PATH Manhattan train station is close and Newark Liberty International Airport is only 15 minutes away. Jersey City hosts its own namesake Freedom & Fireworks display on July 4, followed by a week-long Film Festival from July 13 to 20.
The Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina, a 232-slip facility with 14 megayacht berths, is located on the easternmost tip of Long Island. It’s a convenient place to stop, stay and play en route to New England ports. In fact, those who want to spend a few nights ashore can stay at the newly renovated 107-room resort, which re-opened in April. Watersports reign supreme with swimming from a private beach, surfing and sport fishing. In fact, there are several fishing tournaments including the Star Island Shark Tournament, June 15-17; Uhleins Fishing Tournament, July 15-16; and Striped Bass Tournament, October 7 to 8.
Marina guests to these four marinas and IGY’s entire marina portfolio have access to the company’s Anchor Club Strategic Partners program, which is one of the world’s leading large vessel support networks offering an array of services ranging from provisioning to crew training and health and maritime travel.
These four northeast marinas will be participating in IGY’s ‘Inspire Giving through You’ philanthropic initiative designed to get IGY’s partners, marina associates, boaters, captains, crew and more off the boats and into the communities. The event is June 10, 2017. It’s a perfect way to give-back and kick off summer yachting in the northern clime.
