There are places and traditions that always seem to stand the test of time. Their foundational components remain unchanged with only slight adaptation to trends and technologies to stay current. Sail and powerboat designers know this. Displacement, entry, beam and propulsion ratios are always fluid, but certain maxims must be adhered to for a boat to float.Â
Just as the evolution of nautical design has resulted in monumental changes to the boating industry, so have the relationships between vessel owners and their marinas and maintenance facilities. The decade of 2015 to 2025 alone has witnessed consolidations, turnover, and new capacities at a pace never before seen. An underlying reason is that there simply is less waterfront property that can be approved for marina and boatyard activities. Existing properties are considered more prime than ever.
When dredging started clearing the basin that is now Atlantic Yacht Basin (AYB) in 1936, north and south bound cruisers were few and far between. The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) was officially completed in 1940 and AYB soon became a landmark in its own right. The company’s success is the result of meeting the challenges of 90 years of growth and development in the marine industry, and AYB is now preparing another important round of progress with focus on the future.
As boat enthusiasts enter, enjoy, and often eventually leave the lifestyle, they face important decisions about their investments. From regular upkeep to complete refits or overhauls, the chores and activities can seem daunting. Not to mention the complexities of onboard systems and boat construction. Who do you trust?
General Manager Brenda Wright is at the helm of AYB, having spent her career with leading marina and boatyard companies on the Chesapeake Bay. She said, “Our people and attitudes, and our experience, are what make AYB one of the most respected facilities on the East Coast. Our managers, carpenters, painters, technicians, and riggers are here because we choose to be. And our customers sense it.”
Covered slips are at a premium in the mid-Atlantic. AYB’s sheds, fairways, and docks provide uncomplicated access and protection from the elements. Boat owners who want to dock their boats under a roof to take advantage of reduced exposure and increased security, whether for one month or permanently, should ask AYB about options that cater to any size vessel. The long-term benefits are measurable. One boat owner was overheard exclaiming, “If it’s good enough for a Trumpy yacht, it’s good enough for me.”
AYB is a safe haven, marina, and repair yard rolled into one. With one of the largest and deepest inland covered boatshed operations in the region, the workshops and facilities are managed by dedicated men and women who exhibit unparalleled experience. That’s why so many classic and contemporary yacht owners go nowhere else. Strategically situated along the inland waterway, and with easy access by land or by sea, AYB is, as Brenda said, “A perfect freshwater cove.”
After 90 years, AYB’s legacies are unyielding vision, devotion to detail, and adjusting to the times. Call or visit to see if you agree.
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