Located in the historic town of Portsmouth, Va., just across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk, is Ocean Marine Yacht Center. The state-of-the-art facility is just a half mile south of Mile Marker 0 on the ICW and offers boaters convenient access to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, as well as to top-notch repair services. “We truly are a full-service yacht facility,” says Jim Bento, President and CEO of the property. “We work on everything from 13-foot Boston Whalers to 200-foot yachts and have the in-house capability to handle these repairs indoors.”
The on-site repair center offers refits and repairs, dockage and dry storage. The facility has an 80-ton Travelift and a 1,250-ton Syncrolift that can haul yachts up to 235 feet by way of a ground level rail-transfer system. Ocean Marine Yacht Center has completed more than 200 refit projects on some of the most beautiful megayachts in the world since opening in 2002, and its dry storage facility can hold as many as 320 boats up to 40 feet. Both bays of the indoor paint repair facility offer a cascading water wall washdown system, smooth paneled walls, overhead and recessed surround lighting, a pressurized ventilation system and heated floors for year-round operation. All the fully qualified technicians and certified mechanics work on-site. And don’t miss the engine showroom.
The marina is open to transient visitors, with 122 floating slips, and can accommodate vessels up to 65 feet, with 1,500 feet of alongside dockage for larger boats. All slips have access to water, telephone, WiFi, and cable television with electric hookups. The marina’s restrooms, showers, laundry facility and ship store are located in the dockmaster building. The ship store is fully stocked with bait and tackle and a complete parts department. Call ahead to order the parts you need and they will be ready and waiting for you — the staff will even ship parts to anywhere in the world. Outside are two low- and high-volume fuel stations. The property also offers an excellent concierge service, providing guests with local info, recommendations and assistance with necessary arrangements during their stay. They can make tee times, reserve rental cars, book taxis and make spa appointments, and they know all about the activities taking place along Portsmouth’s waterfront.
Upon arriving at Ocean Marine Yacht Center, visitors receive a complimentary welcome bag containing coupons for discounts at local area attractions such as the historic Commodore Theatre and Roger Brown’s Restaurant & Sports Bar. The marina is also very pet friendly, with a large grassy area where guests can exercise their animals.
“What sets Ocean Marine Yacht Center apart as a premier destination is that we are located in a very central area with easy access to entertainment and travel for the crew,” says Jim Bento. Portsmouth has a rich heritage dating back more than 200 years. The Olde Towne Historic District is within walking distance of the marina, and visitors can stroll along High Street, a great place for antiquing and checking out the array of local cafes, restaurants and pubs.
