Saybrook, Connecticut, Marina Named "Marina of the Year"

OLD SAYBROOK - The Saybrook Point Marina was recently named the National Marina of the Year for 2007 at the International Marina and Boatyard Conference in Atlanta held on Jan. 22.

"Great marinas have won this in the past - the ones that everyone looks to as the standards of quality," said Stephen Tagliatela, co-owner of the 150-slip marina which is the first in New England to ever receive this national top prize.

"It's a great honor to be in the same boat with the past winners," Tagliatela said, adding that "we're smaller in size then some that have won in the past, and I give Jeff Howe, our Dockmaster, who makes the Marina seem like a small village for boaters lots of the credit."

The Marina Dock Age Magazine presents the award to marinas that exhibit outstanding customer service, environmental stewardship, and contribute to the industry and local community.

The magazine's editor-in-chief Peter J. Gallanis said, "Saybrook Point Marina excelled in all these areas."

The breakwater-protected marina has its own ship's store, picnic areas with grills, Wi-Fi service, and a lighthouse built on the docks allowing marina guests to stay overnight in a luxury suite.

Saybrook Point Marina is part of a complex which includes the 80-room Saybrook Point Inn and Spa and the Terra Mar Grill Restaurant which are located on a parcel of land at the mouth of the Connecticut River.

Both the hotel and restaurant received four diamond ratings from AAA.

The Saybrook Point Marina became the first pump-out station in the area in 1995 and it was the first facility to receive the Clean Marina Award from the State of Connecticut in 2003.

In 2006, it received ValvTect Marina's 2006 "Marina of the Year" award.

It received a coveted Energy Star rating from the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, in 2007 and its waterfront became part of a public access trail offering interpretative signage of the fish, birds, and other creatures that call the river and sound their home.

"Boaters learn at an early age how to conserve water, power, and energy and we enjoy some of the most beautiful locations in the world," said Tagliatela.
"It's a natural that marinas can take that combination of conservation of nature and resources, and turn it into a way of doing business."

The marina is an integral part of the shoreline community and celebrates National Marina Day, promotes Safe Boating Week, and hosts the Coast Guard Auxiliary for free boating inspections.

To involve youngsters, a "Deck hand in Training" program is offered for ages 12 to 15 allowing them to become more knowledgeable dockhands.

The marina also awards a "Boater of the Year" award to the marina customer best exemplifying good marina citizenship.