The docks are in place, the clubhouse is painted and the boats are arriving, marking the start of the season at the Brooklyn Marina.
The marina, which is celebrating its 15th season this year, are now “the proud owners” of their own property, said club treasurer Richard Smith in an interview.
Previously the marina leased the property from Bowater Mersey. Given the uncertainty surrounding the future of the town’s largest employer and the investment in the facility since it was started, Smith said the marina association decided to approach the company about purchasing the marina land.
A deal was struck, members stepped up to the plate with financial backing for a mortgage, with the sale going through in April.
“Now all we’ve got to do is pay it back,” said Smith.
To that end, the marina has a full lineup for the season, which includes hosting the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron on July 29, and the revival of weekly racing later this month.
The marina canteen is now open part-time and registration for junior sailing lessons was taken on June 5.
“Last year we had 42 kids in the sailing program,” said Richard Smith, club treasurer. “It’s probably one of the best in eastern Canada.”
The marina will run four, weeklong sessions offering three levels of instruction over the summer starting on June 28.
At the canteen, cook Wayne Smith will begin whipping up his daily lunch specials this week, with the regular supper specials starting on June 21.
Kicking off the suppers will be a haddock chowder supper in support of Seafest on June 19. David Burbine and Traditional Country will provide the entertainment starting at 2 p.m., with the first supper seating at 4:30 p.m.
On average the Brooklyn Marina hosts about 120 travelling vessels during the season, and as of May 29 had already hosted four.
