Marine Feature Series: Bay Port Yachting Centre
Dec 23, 2020
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Catering to a base of about 700 customers, Bay Port Yachting Centre is undoubtedly a hub of the Midland area. It was first formed nearly thirty years ago by Ken MacDonald and a group he put together; since then, the business has expanded into one of the premiere marinas around Georgian Bay. We spoke with Steve Goddard, General Manager, for more information on Bay Port Marina. If you’re involved in Midland community life, there’s a good chance you have a connection to Bay Port Yachting Centre. In addition to its extensive base, the business is a member of the local Chamber, is a big supporter of the Georgian College Marine Technician Program, participates in numerous community events, and has sponsored the Midland Cultural Centre’s Sizzling Summer Concert Series as well as recreational hockey and baseball teams. When you’ve been a fixture on the water for as long as they have been, Bay Port Marina has learned the importance of giving back to the community.
This year, of course, has presented other teaching moments. The COVID pandemic closed Bay Port Yachting Centre just as they were about to have an early spring launch and, typically, begin one their busiest times of the year. Working closely with Boating Ontario to open lines of communication and create new industry protocols, they were allowed to open and begin the season. There was an upsurge in new customers and boaters that has been a welcome sight in an otherwise dreary year. More people have, of course, found an ardent interest in boating and watersports in 2020.
What does 2021 hold for Bay Port Marina? They hope to continue meeting customers’ expectations of excellent service, for one. They are also investing in a gas dock this winter and revamping the surrounding area: clearly, next year will see a few dockside innovations for the company. Don’t forget, too, that Bay Port Marina is fully stocked on Chandlery products and is a servicing dealer for Mercury, Volvo, Yanmar, Yamaha, Raymarine and Cummins. Each company, Steve says, has new products ready for 2021.
Come for the products, stay for the service. Whether Bay Port Marina is upgrading their dock or supporting a local group, you know they’ll have the customer’s best interest in mind.
If you’re involved in Midland community life, there’s a good chance you have a connection to Bay Port Yachting Centre. In addition to its extensive base, the business is a member of the local Chamber, is a big supporter of the Georgian College Marine Technician Program, participates in numerous community events, and has sponsored the Midland Cultural Centre’s Sizzling Summer Concert Series as well as recreational hockey and baseball teams. When you’ve been a fixture on the water for as long as they have been, Bay Port Marina has learned the importance of giving back to the community.