Category: Marina News

At this year’s Steelpointe Yacht and Boat Show, we had the chance to experience a game-changer in marine technology, the fully electric Highfield Sport 660, powered by Flux Marine’s electric outboard motor.

 
On Friday, we stepped aboard the sleek Highfield 660 and took a ride to see the future of sustainable boating in action. Outfitted with a center console helm that includes a full Garmin navigation system and chart plotter, carbon dash with integrated trim tabs, and a flush, modern display, the boat offers a seamless blend of high-tech design and comfort.

But the real showstopper? The whisper-quiet Flux Marine electric outboard motor. Not only is it nearly silent making conversation easy and cruising peaceful but the instant torque also delivers impressive acceleration and control.

Chris Myers, Director of Sales at Flux Marine, spoke with us about the vision behind their groundbreaking technology:

“We’re proud to lead this category of larger electric outboard motors,” Myers said. “The benefits are obvious. it’s quiet, there’s zero maintenance, zero emissions, and instant torque. It enhances the experience for everyone on board. We’ve built this from the ground up as a fully electric solution and for marina owners, the conservation aspect is crucial. The team at Steelpointe understands that, and this is the perfect fit for this location.”

Robert Christoph Jr., President of Bridgeport Landing Development said the new purchase is in line with the company’s goal of being environmentally and customer conscious.

The collaboration between Highfield and Flux Marine is rooted in a shared mission to deliver unmatched capability and durability on the water. As noted on Flux Marine’s website: “Our shared commitment to performance makes Highfield the ideal partner for Flux Marine. With Highfield’s reputation of durability and Flux’s focus on cutting-edge propulsion technology, this collaboration creates a boat package that inspires confidence on the water.”

Charging is just as efficient as the motor itself. The system allows for flexible charging options: from 20% to 80% in 7.5 hours with standard shore power, just 1.5 hours with a fast charger, or even overnight using a regular home outlet.

As electric propulsion becomes more prominent in the marine industry, the Highfield 660 with Flux Marine motor proves that power, sustainability, and style can all ride in the same boat.

The Steelpointe Yacht & Boat Show, known this year as Steelpointe25, delivered a memorable experience over the weekend at Bridgeport Harbor Marina. Set against a backdrop of waterfront luxury, the event featured an elite lineup of yachts and boats from renowned brands like Pardo, Absolute, Prestige, Valhalla, and Scout. The event was invitation-only, giving attendees exclusive access to explore vessels in an upscale, relaxed setting.

But the show wasn’t just about yachts, it was also about high-energy entertainment. The crowd was treated to live performances by DJ Brody Jenner and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Mike Posner. The duo brought unmatched energy to the marina, turning the docks into a dance floor under the stars. Brody Jenner’s electrifying set and Mike Posner’s chart-topping hits created a spectacular vibe that carried well into the evening.

From luxury vessels and innovative designs to celebrity appearances and an electric crowd, Steelpointe25 proved to be more than just a boat show, it was a celebration of lifestyle, community, and summer on the water. With its seamless blend of elegance and excitement, the event set a new standard for what a waterfront showcase can be. Steelpointe Harbor once again confirmed itself as the premier destination for boating enthusiasts and entertainment seekers alike.

Wheels, Wings, and Water Soars to New Heights

The hanger buzzed with excitement as Three Wing Aviation hosted the highly anticipated “Wheels, Wings, and Water” event, a unique celebration of aviation, cars, and maritime culture. The event’s title perfectly captured the diversity of experiences attendees enjoyed, with displays ranging from vintage aircraft, sleek luxury cars to marine vessels, all showcasing the intersection of technology, design, and human ingenuity. Aircraft from Three Wing Aviation’s own collection were proudly displayed, offering a rare opportunity for visitors to get up close and personal with iconic planes.

 
Not to be outdone, the automobile portion of the event featured some of the most impressive cars on the market, including classic muscle cars and cutting-edge electric vehicles. Meanwhile, the water element was represented by a range of beautifully crafted boats and personal watercrafts, perfectly complementing the show’s land and air displays.

Alyson Cambridge Shines with a Stunning Performance

As the day’s activities unfolded, the highlight for many came in the form of a breathtaking performance by acclaimed soprano Alyson Cambridge. Known for her powerful voice and captivating stage presence, Cambridge took center stage in the hanger, filling the space with her stunning rendition of both classical and contemporary pieces.

The acoustics of the hanger provided a unique backdrop for Cambridge’s performance, amplifying her voice in a way that left attendees spellbound. Her performance was the perfect soundtrack to an event that was a celebration of excellence across multiple disciplines.

A Resounding Success

From roaring engines and soaring aircraft to luxury yachts and live music, “Wheels, Wings, and Water” and Steelpointe25 delivered a truly exceptional celebration of innovation, lifestyle, and community. With unforgettable moments and record-breaking energy, both events have firmly cemented Steelpointe Harbor as the region’s ultimate destination for premier waterfront experiences.

The prestigious 2024 Steelpointe Yacht and Charter Show, an invitation-only event at the Bridgeport Harbor Marina, offered a diverse range of luxury experiences. Guests, exhibitors, and sponsors were immersed in a world of luxury lifestyle brands and the possibilities in yachting. They were treated to the sight of rare and exotic cars, private jet and helicopter displays, exquisite yachts, and live music. Each yacht, from classic designs to cutting-edge technology, was a masterpiece of craftsmanship and engineering.

 
This year’s event, presented by Mohegan Sun, took place from Saturday, June 22 to Sunday, June 23. Dozens of sponsors were on site, such as BMW and Zwilling USA, to name only a few. Talented performers played their hearts out as patrons sang along while enjoying cold drinks and delicious food from the marina’s premier restaurant, Boca Oyster Bar.

The event kicked off on Thursday at the ‘Wings, Wheels & Water Party’ at the Three Wing Aviation Hangar at Sikorsky Memorial Airport, showcasing an unforgettable night of luxury, in-demand aircraft, luxury vehicles, yachts, and art. The Steelpointe Yacht and Charter Show has become a staple in the boating industry as thousands come to the Park City to enjoy the harbor.

People from the East End of Bridgeport slowly filtered into a growing crowd excited to hear about Bridgeport Landing Development’s newest retail project. Renderings, a podium, and local politicians were also part of the scene, an announcement about a development on Seaview Avenue at the mouth of I-95’s Exit 29 northbound entrance and exit. The announcement was about the building of a facility that would house a Dunkin Donut, Jersey Mike’s, a gas station, and an electric vehicle charging station. According to community leaders like East End NRZ President Keith Williams it has been a long time coming in this gas station desert. “For all those who’ve been sitting back waiting to see what’s going to happen, well time is passing. You better invest because if you don’t invest in East End, you’re going to say man I missed that boat.”

Bobby Christoph of Bridgeport Landing Development said, “The neighborhood has been very supportive. We’ve heard what you wanted and hopefully we’ve answered that call. This will be a first-class opportunity that doesn’t really exist anywhere in Fairfield on this two-acre site.”

The Lessee and operator of the new facility is Nurul Alam, “I’m so excited to be here with this opportunity. I have several gas stations throughout the state, but I don’t have any business in Bridgeport I’m so excited for Bridgeport and I want to thank Bobby Christoph for giving me the opportunity.” East End Councilman Earnest Newton said “I can tell you five years from today you all are going to say it reminds me of when we grew up here. So, thank you all, I’m excited because I lived long enough to see the changes.”

The new station expects to pass all upcoming zoning hurdles and if and when it does it will join nearby Steelpointe Harbor retailers such as Bass Pro Shops, Starbucks, Chipolte, T-Mobile, Boca Oyster Bar, as well as Bridgeport Harbor Marina. It is also expected that more announcements will come soon for residential and other projects on the Harbor.

 
The Prestigious invitation only Steelpointe Yacht and Charter Show 2023 at the Bridgeport Harbor Marina succeeded again despite spotty rainy weather. Guests, exhibitors, and sponsors eventually saw blue skies and experienced a deluxe caliber of luxury lifestyle brands, as well as exposure to the possibilities in yachting. They enjoyed rare and exotic cars, private jet and helicopter samplings, exquisite yachts, and live music from across the US. From classic designs to cutting-edge technology, each yacht was a masterpiece of craftsmanship and engineering.

This year’s event held from Thursday to Sunday June 15th, 16th, 17th & 18th was presented by Rollstone Capital. Dozens of sponsors were onsite from BMW to TEAM FOX in support of Parkinson’s Research. Talented performers played their hearts out as patrons sang along, while enjoying cold drinks and delicious food from the marina’s own premier restaurant, Boca Oyster Bar. William Beckmann and Lauren Weintraub were this year’s headlining artists who performed from a stage moored out in the harbor among nearly a dozen other musical performances.

The event kicked off on Thursday at the ‘Wings, Wheels & Water Party’ at the Three Wing Aviation Hangar at Sikorsky Memorial Airport showcasing an unforgettable night of luxury, in-demand aircrafts, luxury vehicles, yachts, and art. A Friday Night Yacht Hop and Food Pairings and the exhibition throughout the weekend gave guests and sponsors plenty to do and see. The Steelpointe Yacht and Charter Show has become a staple in the boating industry and a feather in the hat of the hosting city and Steelpointe Harbor as thousands come to the Park City to enjoy the harbor.

From the Spring 2023 edition of Sound Outlook Newsletter, published by DEEP

Regular readers of Sound Outlook know that public access to the shores of Long Island Sound is one of the cornerstones of the State’s Coastal Management Program. Public access is defined as a water-dependent use in the Connecticut Coastal Management Act, and highest priority and preference must be given to locating water-dependent uses in shorefront areas. Most often, the provision of coastal public access areas is achieved through the municipal coastal site plan review process.

In May of 2010, back when DEEP was DEP, the then-Office of Long Island Sound Programs (now the Land and Water Resources Division) reviewed a municipal coastal site plan application for the redevelopment of Steel Point in Bridgeport. The project represented a unique opportunity to showcase Bridgeport’s vision to reestablish its connection to Bridgeport Harbor, promote more sustainable development practices, and maximize water-dependent use of suitable waterfront property. The General Development Plan proposed for the property included development of a marina, a general public access walkway, public fishing, and a mix of non-water-dependent uses such as retail and restaurants that would invite the public to the water’s edge.

Throughout the subsequent redevelopment of Steel Point, the Office of Long Island Sound Programs/Land and Water Resources Division continued to work closely with the applicant and the City of Bridgeport to ensure that the DEEP-related components of the project moved forward in an efficient manner, and that consistency with coastal management policies was appropriately achieved. To that end, we are happy to report that the Steelpointe Harborwalk public access walkway is one of the newest additions to the Connecticut Coastal Access Guide. 

The Steelpointe Harborwalk runs along Bridgeport Harbor from The Bass Pro Shops, and loops in front of Boca Oyster Bar. Bicycles and skateboards are not allowed, but leashed dogs are welcome. This site is open daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

When you take a stroll along the Harborwalk, or any of the over 350 public access sites on the Connecticut Coastal Access Guide, you can take comfort in knowing that Connecticut’s Coastal Management Program is working continuously to bring additional public opportunities to enjoy Long Island Sound.

Click here to view the full Sound Outlook newsletter.

The vision of a LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY neighborhood on Bridgeport’s East Side peninsula known as Steelpointe Harbor continues to take shape. Soon, residential buildings will join the marina, retail, and restaurant establishments there as well as a burgeoning marine industry across the harbor.

The harbor’s developer, Bridgeport Landing Development (BLD) has announced a new partnership with Flaherty & Collins, an Indiana-based multi-family housing sector developer. Through this relationship the first 420 market rate apartments on the Steelpointe waterfront will begin construction as soon as the final City and State reviews are completed.

Flaherty & Collins’ development projects are located primarily in the Midwest with a few East Coast properties; however, this will be their first project in the Northeast. BLD is delighted to be working with this highly respected established company now in the Bridgeport market. The overall cost of this first residential phase is estimated to be 200 million dollars.

“This is a truly unique and exciting project and partnership for us,” said Ryan Cronk, principal of Flaherty & Collins Properties. “Between the City of Bridgeport and RCI, we’re really building something transformative at Steelpointe Harbor… This is just what this burgeoning area needs.”

The residential buildings will have waterfront views, with high-end and modern amenity options and an outdoor pool and deck, with outdoor kitchens, gathering spaces, a structured parking area, as well as a dog park and pet spa.

The development will also include a fitness center, a spin studio, sauna and jacuzzi, an outdoor pickleball court.

This 420-unit project is only the 1st phase of market rate residential development on Steelpointe. As part of BLD’s commitment to affordable housing in Bridgeport, BLD agreed to build or help finance new affordable units representing 10 percent of their total market-rate units. Through its Affordable Housing Partnership with BNT, the first partnership of its kind by any developers in Bridgeport, BNT has been able to construct 50 affordable units funded by BLD in the West Side and the East End and is currently working on a project on the East Side. All this, prior to a single market-rate unit being built on Steelpointe. The last project, completed in 2021 was the creation of West Liberty Commons, with 18 new construction affordable townhouse units, for working-class residents.

As for the “Work” in the LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY in the Steelpointe model, businesses were added which would add to the repositioning of Bridgeport Harbor as a destination that also supported the nearby arena, amphitheater, and neighborhoods. When construction started in 2014, jobs were being created as the bulkheads needed to support the buildings at the site were getting built enabling the creation of retail sites which also employed of local workers.

National retailers who had not had a prior presence in Bridgeport, moved here. Included were Bass Pro Shops, Starbucks, T-Mobile, and Chipotle. The project was also designed to create other marine industry opportunities. Bridgeport is now home to the Bridgeport Harbor Marina (BHM), one of only 3 deep water ports in Connecticut. With its annual Father’s Day Yacht & Charter Show showcasing how the old industrial image of decaying wood pilings, scrapyards, coal piles and steel mills have been replaced by new docks, private recreational vessels, ferries, and charter boats. Adding to the local employment base is BOCA. Owned and operated by a local Fairfield family, this acclaimed waterfront restaurant has become a popular gathering place overlooking the harbor and its waterside activity.

On the East Side of the harbor, BLD is creating Steelpointe East. The largest sail maker in the world North Sails, is there, so is Hornblower one of the Northeast’s largest ferry & tour boat operators. With Bridgeport Boatworks’ full service marine servicing company tending to both the recreational and commercial markets, their growth is dependent upon having an available workforce, specifically from the Bridgeport area whenever possible. When they couldn’t find the types of specialized workers they needed, they created scholarship programs to pay for training local workers and established internship programs reminiscent of Bridgeport’s manufacturing and industrial past, employers who are growing their businesses by working with the community to recruit from the nearby neighborhoods.

BLD’s commitment to a healthy City extends beyond the housing and businesses on the Waterfront. A few blocks over in the East End, BLD has been working to support the community by listening to what the neighborhood needs and finding creative solutions to help them accomplish their goals. With the help of other for and not for profit institutions, as well as local and state government, BLD is helping Ashlar Development create a grocery store in a neighborhood that has not had one in over 30 years. BLD is participating in the planning to rebuild an overlooked urban infrastructure while repositioning roadways to comply with the Safe Streets concept, calming the traffic, and making it more bike and pedestrian friendly. Continuing to address the needs of the community, BLD is currently finalizing the plans for a gas station, car wash and convenience store on Seaview Ave.

As for the “PLAY” aspect of the marina, waterfront recapture has been a priority making the harbor accessible to the community for the first time. A harbor walk has opened Bridgeport Harbor to the public and the new Bridgeport Harbor Marina has attracted boaters and visitors alike. Visitors come to eat on the water, shop and, bowl at Bass Pro, go downtown to catch a ferry to Long Island, or attend a boat show at the marina. As the Bridgeport waterfront continues to develop, it needs new residents and visitors who will patronize local attractions. Downtown Bridgeport, once the home to the likes of the Palace and Majestic Theaters where it was known in the theatre industry that you had to ‘go through Bridgeport’ to get to Broadway. Downtown is again alive with activities at the Amphitheater, the Arena, Stress Factory, Bijou and the Cabaret. BLD and the Steelpointe Harbor project is only one piece of a reemerging new Bridgeport.

City Council President Aidee Nieves said, “Steelpointe is just an anchor. We need to make sure development continues up the East Main Street corridor and into the rest of the neighborhoods.” Nieves told a reporter recently, that the goal is for residents and visitors at Steelpointe to also have reasons to travel further into the East Side and East End — and vice versa — making it all one “vibrant neighborhood” and “making sure there are no ‘invisible barriers’ created.”

What was once only dreams and pretty pictures is now becoming a sustainable reality. Bob Christoph Sr. and Jr., the people behind BLD, are seeing their years of hard work pay off much to the delight of people who come to LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY at Steelpointe Harbor in Bridgeport.

“Bridgeport Harbor Marina is proud to be the location for the first ever The Klein Cup Regatta. The event will be held in benefit of The Klein Memorial Auditorium Foundation and take place across two days at the beginning of October” state Robert Christoph Jr.

The Inaugural Klein Cup Regatta will take place at Steelpointe Harbor in Bridgeport, CT on Friday, September 30, Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2. The competing yachts are all former entrants in the Louis Vuitton Cup or the America’s Cup.

The public is invited to enjoy racing each day from sightseeing boats, as well as pre- and post-racing family activities on the dock. After each day’s races, attendees can join the teams for parties on the dock with food and music. On Sunday, there will be the prize giving with the Klein Cup awarded and a charity auction. The regatta and the auction will benefit The Klein Memorial Auditorium Foundation, which preserves and runs the famous Klein Auditorium on Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport. The Klein Cup Regatta is presented by The Klein in cooperation with the 12-Metre Yacht Development Foundation.

Click here to learn more.

Bridgeport, CT (April 21, 2022) – Bridgeport Boatworks and Hornblower Marine announced today the launch of six scholarships supporting students at Porter & Chester Institute’s Bridgeport campus. The scholarships, totaling $15,000.00 and valued at $2,500.00 per student, will be dedicated to local Bridgeport residents and will continue to establish the Bridgeport waterfront as a maritime industry leader and job center.

The announcement was made at the launch of Porter & Chester Institute’s Bridgeport campus welding program. Porter and Chester to Initiate New Welding Program

In April 2021, Bridgeport Boatworks announced that it had entered into a long-term lease agreement with Hornblower Group, a global leader in world-class experiences and transportation and the operator of NYC Ferry, Statue Cruises, and ferry and vessel operations across North America and the UK, for a vessel maintenance, upgrade, and retrofit facility at the Boatworks. Under that partnership, Hornblower expects to create 45-60 employment positions at the facility while Boatworks anticipates 20 new employees will be recruited as the facility becomes a more robust regional hub for industrial maritime needs.

Harry Boardsen, Owner of Bridgeport Boatworks, stated, “We are investing in our local community and the people in them who will be our workforce in the very near future. We are thrilled to be a part of a developing water-related culture.”

Hornblower Chief Operating Officer of Ferry and Transportation Services, Scott Thornton stated, “We are thrilled to continue our expansion in Bridgeport while strengthening our partnership with Bridgeport Boatworks to build upon the city’s historic maritime culture and ensure the maritime jobs of the future are accessible to local residents and students.”

“The fact that many of our skilled trades students will have the opportunity to apply for these generous scholarships supported by leaders in the Maritime Industry is fantastic! Not only will our welding students have access to the dollars, they will also have the opportunity to get hands-on experience and the possibility of a great career,” said Jim Bologa, President and CEO of Porter and Chester Institute.

Courses through the Porter & Chester Institute welding program will begin on March 21, 2022. Program information and scholarship application guidelines can be found at www.porterchester.edu

About Boatworks
Bridgeport Boatworks is New England’s newest Yacht and Commercial Shipyard. The third property in a family of Connecticut waterfront operations, Bridgeport Boatworks ownership and management staff are seasoned in yard ownership, management, and development. Bridgeport Boatworks prides itself on its growing reputation as a world-class Shipyard facility providing outstanding customer service. For more information visit www.bridgeportboatworks.com

About Hornblower Group
Hornblower Group is a global leader in world-class experiences. The corporate entity of Hornblower Group is comprised of American Queen Voyages®, City Experiences, and Journey Beyond. Seaward Services, Inc., a marine services company specializing in the operation, maintenance, and repair of government and privately owned vessels, is also a subsidiary of Hornblower Group, operating and maintaining U.S. Navy Ranges and port facilities, including local oil spill response. Today, Hornblower’s footprint spans 112 countries and territories, and 125 U.S. cities, with offerings including water-based experiences, land-based experiences, overnight cruise experiences, ferry, and transportation services, and full-service support via Hornblower Marine at Bridgeport Boatworks in Connecticut. Hornblower Group is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with additional corporate offices in Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Dublin, Ireland; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; London, United Kingdom; New Albany, Indiana; New York, New York; and across Ontario, Canada. For more information visit www.hornblowermarine.com.

About Porter & Chester Institute
Porter and Chester Institute (PCI), a private sector, a post-secondary technical institution with nine campuses throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts, featuring eleven different career programs, supports committed students in achieving the technical and professional skills essential for their chosen career through industry-modeled, student-centered education and training. For more information, please visit PCI at www.PorterChester.edu or call (800) 870-6789.

Press Contacts:
Michael DeiCas / Hornblower Group / michael.deicas@hornblower.com
Ann Baldwin / Baldwin Media ann@baldwinmedia.net or (860) 985-5621