National Marina Day is on August 11, 2007. Take this chance to visit your local marina or harbor and learn more about recreational boating!
August 11, 2007 is National Marina Day. Sponsored by a number of major industry organizations, this is the fifth such event produced by the Association of Marina Industries (AMI). This is a great opportunity boaters and those interested in boating to learn more about their local marina and recreational boating opportunities. AMI points out in their website that marinas have become an integral part of recreational life in the United States since a trade group first coined the term marina in 1928. Themes for this year's event center on marinas as being valuable gateways to boating and champions for the environment.
Marina Benefits - More than 12,000 local marinas provide safe access and reliable gateways for boaters to navigable water. Marinas provide amenities like launch ramps, vehicle parking, mooring slips and boatlifts to facilitate this access. Marinas offer a range of services to their customers including fuel delivery, vessel repair and the provisions needed for a long weekend trip. Community development planners have come to see the benefit of well thought out waterfront development. Communities throughout the country appreciate the popularity of marinas as places were people gather for relaxation and recreation with family and friends. Marinas are a magnet for visitors in any town.
Political Support - The United States Congress and many states like South Carolina have passed resolutions in support of National Marina Day, recognizing the many contributions marinas make within the country and to their states and the environment. Marinas have increasingly become advocates for the environment, recognizing the importance of preserving the resources people wish to visit. Nationally there has been the development of clean marina certification programs and best management practices for boat maintenance. The industry relies on preserving a flourishing fish and wildlife habitat for sustaining its future as a viable recreational activity.
Chairman's Message - National Marina Day Chairman for 2007, Brad St. Coeur - CMM says, "Having National Marina Day recognized by the House of Representatives is a great affirmation of our goals as National Marina Day celebrates its sixth year...This resolution honors our efforts as an industry, and it is my sincere hope that marina operators everywhere will take advantage of this opportunity to participate in the annual celebration and show their local communities that marinas are America's family-friendly gateways to boating."
Many Local Events - Many local marinas are putting special events for National Marina Day. They include things like fishing clinics, barbecues, boating safety classes and facility tours. It is a great opportunity for a marina to highlight its customer appreciation or host a community picnic. Many marine industry sponsors, like West Marine, are offering special pricing on products associated with the event.
To find out more about National Marina Day, visit the AMI website, watch for advertisements in the local newspaper or contact your local marina directly. See you at the marina!
