Well, if so don’t forget Bridgeport Fuels.

You see DiscoverBoating.com advises…

…storing any boat with the fuel tank almost full, leaving just a little capacity to accommodate expansion of the fuel if the temperature warms. Filling the tank displaces any air in the tank and eliminates the opportunity for condensation to form inside the tank during storage. This can occur if the boat is stored outdoors or in an unheated building. Proper fuel treatment is a key element of any long-term boat storage preparation plan. When handled correctly, starting your boat next season can be as simple as turning the ignition key. Neglect of the fuel system, however, can cause problems both inconvenient and expensive.

If you are looking to fill up your boat’s tank locally or on route to another location, our high-speed fuel dock at Bridgeport Fuels in Connecticut is open every Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm and offers both diesel & gasoline. Conveniently located on Long Island Sound, we’ll make sure your boat is topped off and ready to go.

Bridgeport Fuels has marine diesel / gasoline with traditional and high speed delivery systems that pumps up to 5,000 gallons per hour.

From Discoverboating.com

How to Treat Boat Fuel for Long-Term Storage
  1. Plan your late-season boating trip to use up most of the current fuel.
  2. Fill the tank with fresh fuel so it’s almost full.
  3. Be sure to use gasoline that does not contain ethanol.
  4. As you fill the tank for storage, add a marine-specific fuel stabilizer additive.
  5. Follow all instructions outlined on the fuel stabilizer product.
  6. Next, give the boat a short run on the water to distribute the fuel.
  7. When next season comes along, go boating right away with the stabilized fuel.

Chevron has produced a video that illustrates the formation of condensation in the fuel tank and addresses the issues boaters need to know when storing their boats over the winter or off the water for an extended period of time.

BTW-No Tax on marine fuel.

Connecticut state law exempts marine fuel dock owners and operators from paying Connecticut diesel fuel taxes.  Bridgeport Landing Development, LLC President of Operations, Bob Christoph Jr. says the recently passed bill follows a federal law that allows for the sale of the tax-exempt fuel when strictly used for marine purposes.

Bridgeport Fuels is LOCATED AT:
837 Seaview Avenue @ Bridgeport Boatworks
Bridgeport, CT 06607
203-330-8787
info@bridgeportharbormarina.com

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.

Photo credit: DEEP LWRD

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.

Photo credit: DEEP LWRD

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

Maybe it hasn’t sunk in yet, but Bridgeport’s Steelpointe Harbor has attracted the world’s finest and largest sailmaker. The company that has produced the sails for every America’s Cup winner since 1987 is dropping anchor at the Seaview Avenue site. While that is tremendous news for the city and the Steelpointe developers, Rodrigo Meireles, Global Manufacturing Manager of North Sails says North Sails is also thrilled. He comments, “It’s a great place, one of the best places on Long Island Sound to have a sales and distribution point.” About the developers he said, “The Christoph’s are making a marine destination on the sound.” North Sails is moving their manufacturing, local sales and service as well as their global headquarters for North Technology Group from Milford, Connecticut where they had been for the last 40 years.

The new manufacturing loft is 310 by 100 feet with no columns. North Sails is sharing the building with Bridgeport Boatworks, a boat and yacht service facility which has also attracted one of the world’s finest on the water, Hornblower Cruises. North Sails, which also specializes in sail repair, is happy to be adjacent to Bridgeport Harbor Marina, a facility that’ll make it convenient for some of their boating customers to bring sails to their facility or have sails delivered right to their boats. North Sails hopes to have the majority of its Bridgeport operations running by June 30 where they will ship nearly 100 sails a week to locations around the world.

North Sails is benefiting from a recent surge in demand for sails, in part because of the pandemic, and expects a continued upward trajectory. The company also expects to have all administrative offices moved in by August. Once in, North Sails hopes to be involved in the community through maritime education opportunities. Steelpointe Developer Bob Christoph says adding the world’s leading sailmaker to the Steelpointe portfolio makes the harbor into one of the East Coast region’s most sought after marine destinations. North Sails, along with Bridgeport Harbor Marina, the Steelpointe Yacht and Charter Show, Bass Pro Shops, Hornblower, and Bridgeport Boatworks has made Steelpointe Harbor attractive to other marine industry services and suppliers as well as boat cruisers from up and down the coast.

The Christoph vision for Bridgeport Harbor continues to take shape. Recently, the father and son harbor-front development team announced that global sail maker North Sails was moving manufacturing, service and sales to Bridgeport Harbor into one of Christoph’s facilities along Seaview Avenue. The parcel owned by the Steelpointe Harbor developers across the harbor will suddenly be very busy.

North Sails will be joining their new neighbor Bridgeport Boatworks and Boatwork’s new tenant/client, Hornblower, a major Ferry company out of New York City.

It so happens just south of Boatworks, the Bridgeport Port Jefferson Ferry along with Vineyard Winds, a windmill manufacturer, are also preparing to develop facilities. The Seaview Avenue buzz is palpable, especially when combined with the development at the adjacent Steelpointe Harbor which includes Bass Pro Shops, Starbucks, T-Mobile, Chipotle and Boca Oyster Bar. All of that sits alongside a harborwalk accessible to the public, and the new state-of-the-art 220-slip deepwater marina, Bridgeport Harbor Marina. Also, The Lighthouse Building, at the head of the marina is the hub of all the activity as it houses the RCI Group headquarters run by Robert Christoph and Robert Christoph Jr.

North Sails officials said recently, they are excited to announce the move. The new loft will open on July 1st, 2021, bringing several global departments under one roof and serving as the global headquarters for North Technology Group. This location puts North Sails at the heart of an exciting nautical destination.

The new loft will be one of seven North Sails-owned manufacturing lofts worldwide and will be in 35,000 square feet of purpose-built space. The North Sails team has everything they need to construct and service a wide range of sails, from small dinghies to superyachts and coastal cruisers to Grand Prix racing machines.

Ideally positioned on Long Island Sound, local sailors will enjoy the easy access and customer-friendly sail pick-up and drop-off, as well as an extensive list of services: sail storage, washing, evaluations, measurement, new sail quotes, and more. The loft will also be an East Coast distribution hub for North Actionsports, the kiteboard and windsurf division of North Technology Group.

“Our entire North Sails team is looking forward to opening our loft doors in Bridgeport,” said North Technology Group Executive Chairman Tom Whidden. “We’re excited to be a part of a growing waterfront community that has a strong marine industry heritage. Local and out-of-town cruisers and racers will benefit from having a new waterfront service loft on the East Coast. This is a great move for North Sails.”

Steelpointe Harbor developer Bob Christoph Jr. stated, “North Sails is the worldwide leader in sail-making. I am thrilled to have them come to Steelpointe Harbor. This move will help the waterfront continue to grow as a destination for marine, retail, and activity.”

Congressman Jim Himes added, “Steelpointe Harbor has been an area of exciting development in the city, and North Sails’ decision to bring their operation here will only add to that momentum.”

Since signing the lease, operations and sales teams have been working to optimize the new space for an enhanced customer experience. As longtime members of the Connecticut and Long Island sailing communities, the North Sails team is excited to welcome clients, both new and existing, to the space.

“People will come into this harbor and marina, dine, shop, get your boat worked on, as well as go see a first-class show,” Christoph told a Connecticut Post reporter recently. “It’s very exciting to see the way Bridgeport is coming together.” Christoph added, “We’re going to continue to grow Steelpointe Harbor into a maritime destination.  The important thing that we’ve always been careful of is not just grabbing the first and easiest tenant to come to the property. It’s nurturing and growing the program and continuing to grow it with first-class tenants and global brands.”

Bridgeport Boatworks and RCI officials were beaming recently as Connecticut’s Governor and local officials all descended on the Boatworks helipad to announce the inclusion of the Hornblower Group to Bridgeport Harbor. And why not? The promise of a major international ferry company coming to Bridgeport has serious positive ramifications. If you’re wondering how could this happen 60 miles from the Big Apple you need only revert to Bridgeport’s original Harbor plan.

Decades ago, when City leaders targeted the East Side Peninsula, now named Steelpointe Harbor, as an ideal spot for redevelopment — they predicted correctly that its location on the harbor could attract water related development. The East Side and the East End of the harbor leading to Pleasure Beach had for years been significant sites for industry and neighborhood jobs for those who lived there. And it was the city’s vision and past history that helped attract RCI Marine, a prominent marina and waterfront developer.

The RCI Group, now headquartered in Bridgeport, is a fully integrated, multi-dimensional real estate organization nationally recognized for its premier marina, residential and waterfront developments. It’s projects and operations have been located throughout the Midwest and the Eastern seaboard of the United States. The RCI Group is widely regarded in the eastern United States and the Caribbean for providing a full, first class array of real estate services to a select group of developers specializing in the creation of unique, luxury, multi-dimensional marine related waterfront destinations.

Their Vision for Steelpointe Harbor on the East Side and the Seaview Avenue RCI sites on the East End of Bridgeport Harbor embraces the harbor’s assets utilizing the waterfront to attract visitors, consumers, boaters and the commercial boating industry. Working with the natural resource, they began by creating a state-of-the-art marina, restaurant and retail operation that has now been joined by Bridgeport Boatworks, a full service shipyard that is already making waves and ready to grow.

Fast forward to now, on April 5th, 2021, Gov. Ned Lamont, Rep. Jim Himes and Mayor Joe Ganim held a news conference with Bridgeport Boatworks announcing a new agreement with Hornblower Group that will provide new opportunities to the community. The regional press’ turnout just further proves how important this growth is for both Bridgeport and Connecticut as a whole and the support behind this project.

The Hornblower Group is the world’s leading provider of water-based experiences with headquarters in San Francisco, Chicago, New York and London. The group’s expansive portfolio reflects almost a century of sector expertise and innovation, which over time has continually redefined the marine hospitality industry, establishing a portfolio of distinctive award-winning brands across multiple categories including Hornblower Cruises & Events (Dining & Sightseeing), American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruises Lines (Overnight) and NYC Ferry, HMS Ferries and Seaward Marine Services (Transportation). Hornblower also operates the official ferry boat service to Alcatraz Island, the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island Memorial Museum on behalf of the National Park Service as well as Hornblower Niagara Cruises on behalf of the Niagara Parks Commission.

So it is quite the coup for Bridgeport Boatworks to have drawn this international company for a vessel maintenance, upgrade, and retrofit facility at the Boatworks facility in Bridgeport Harbor. The development, planned for operation by third or fourth quarter of 2021, is slated to bring new jobs and advance Boatworks as an important hub for regional maritime services. The facility will feature a 720-ton travel lift for hoisting large vessels — among the largest lifts in New England and will complement the 75-ton and 200-ton lifts already operating at Boatworks.

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. Boatworks plans to invest $8 million to improve and expand the facility’s infrastructure.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said, “It is great that new, value added jobs are coming to Bridgeport, and that Connecticut is advancing as a regional maritime hub for industry.”

Hornblower Chief Operating Officer of Ferry and Transportation Services, Scott Thornton stated, “We are pleased to bring our expansive, industry-leading fleet — from the East Coast and eventually the Midwest — for service and maintenance to this new port facility, Bridgeport Boatworks. We look forward to partnering with the City of Bridgeport to establish and build upon its reputation as a global maritime hub.”

Boatworks sits on the Seaview Avenue site managed by RCI Group. Robert Christoph Jr., President of Operations of RCI Group, said, “Hornblower is an industry leader which has recognized the significance of having a first-class facility in Bridgeport and we are happy that they have joined us with a substantial operation in Connecticut.”

Harry Boardsen, Owner of Bridgeport Boatworks, stated, “We look forward to Hornblower as a tenant, as they will strongly advance the Boatworks’ prospects as a preeminent regional maritime facility.”

The commercial and retail industry on Seaview Avenue perfectly complements the Bridgeport Harbor Marina on Steelpointe along with Bass Pro Shops a retailer of boats and boating and fishing supplies among other products. In fact, the Bridgeport Harbor with a new fuel dock, an oyster fishing company, Bridgeport Port Jefferson Ferry, and other nearby retailers, entertainment and recreational facilities have created a synergy of activities and venues that is sure to make the city into a visitor hub once the pandemic wanes.

Even right at this moment you can enjoy gourmet seafood and drinks-at Boca Oyster Bar overlooking the beautiful harbor waterfront while you dine. The 2nd Annual Steelpointe Yacht & Charter Show, an event that RCI Group and their partner Showpiece Shows have developed together, draws in thousands of industry leaders and boating enthusiasts, further putting Bridgeport on the map as go to destination for marine life activities. The next show will be Fathers Day weekend, June 17-20.

Harry Boardsen of Boatworks said recently that, “As soon as I signed the lease with Bobby I called Hornblower knowing we could be their consolidated service center. Now we forsee further development and expansion with new bulkhead work and docks. We got a lot more to go in business and job growth. This location has more capacity for new equipment and services and we will be expanding.”

Bridgeport Boatworks is the New England’s newest Yacht and Commercial Shipyard. Boatworks launched in 2018. The third property in a family of Connecticut waterfront operations, Bridgeport Boatworks ownership and management staff are seasoned in yard ownership, management and development.

RCI is creating a Lifestyle brand and series of complementing facilities on both sides of the harbor. Overall, the development at Steelpointe Harbor aims to bring residents and visitors back to the waterfront through designated live, work, and play spaces.

What’s important to note is that the recent Hornblower announcement will soon be followed by more exciting news for Bridgeport Harbor and its developers. All of that expects to serve as a stimulus for future water related growth around the harbor and adjacent neighborhoods of the city.

About Hornblower Group

Hornblower Group is the world’s leading provider of water-based experiences with headquarters in San Francisco, Chicago, New York and London. The group’s expansive portfolio reflects almost a century of sector expertise and innovation, which over time has continually redefined the marine hospitality industry, establishing a portfolio of distinctive award-winning brands across multiple categories including Hornblower Cruises & Events (Dining & Sightseeing), American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruises Lines (Overnight) and NYC Ferry, HMS Ferries and Seaward Marine Services (Transportation). Hornblower also operates the official ferry boat service to Alcatraz Island, the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island Memorial Museum on behalf of the National Park Service as well as Hornblower Niagara Cruises on behalf of the Niagara Parks Commission. For more information visit www.hornblower.com

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 RCI

The RCI Group, headquartered in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is a fully integrated, multi-dimensional real estate organization nationally recognized for its premier residential and waterfront developments. It’s projects and operations have been located throughout the Midwest and the Eastern seaboard of the United States. With five decades of experience, the RCI Group excels in real estate development, property acquisition, asset management, property management, leasing and ownership. Today, the RCI Group and its related companies are widely regarded in the eastern United States and the Caribbean for providing a full, first class array of real estate services to a select group of developers specializing in the creation of unique, luxury, multi-dimensional marine related waterfront destinations. www.rcimarine.com