The marina industry has experienced a significant shift from historically family-owned operations to equity-backed conglomerates. These companies create national and even global networks of premier waterfront properties, offering enhanced services and amenities. In addition to ownership, these companies may engage leading management businesses that act on behalf of the owner company to maximize efficiency.
We have discovered a number of marina conglomerates while researching and updating the guidebook Exploring the Pacific Coast – San Diego to Seattle, previously authored by Don and Reanne Douglass. Work on this publication is currently underway, watch for future announcements.
Conglomerates in California that own multiple marinas in various locations include: California Yacht Marinas, California Recreation Company (CRC), Safe Harbor Marinas, Suntex Marinas, and Almar Group. Safe Harbors also has a large presence on the U.S. East Coast. TopSide Marinas are in the Great Lakes market and Windward Marina Group in the Florida market.
The idea of businesses or entities owning multiple marinas has its place in Oregon and Washington State, too. Marina operators include McCuddy’s Marinas, Columbia Crossings, and Sundance Marinas in Portland; large-scale marina operators in Washington State are managed by the Port of Seattle, Port of Everett, and Port of Anacortes. Did you know that Roche Harbor Resort is owned by Rich Komen and Saltchuk Resources? This partnership has kept Roche Harbor one of the finest first-class destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
Likewise, boaters who frequent the waters of British Columbia are very familiar with the Mill Bay Marine Group and the Oak Bay Marine Group, both of which offer quality marinas and amenities. Port Sidney Marina, part of the Mill Bay Group, continues to be a favorite destination and beautiful Brentwood Bay Resort & Marina near Butchart Gardens is owned by Forebase International Holdings.
Photo by Lorena Landon
Mill Bay Marina
