The Anchorage Advisory Committee’s meeting highlighted the impending addition of a new landing craft from Scully, with an investment totaling $121,000. Anticipation surrounds its arrival, expected within four to five months. This vessel is designed to be versatile, equipped with twin engines, a winch, and a drop-down bow, among other features. Its potential use in emergency response situations was emphasized. The vessel will be marked with the town’s logo, although the naming process is still under discussion, with suggestions for community involvement and a christening ceremony upon its arrival.

The conversation also touched upon the installation of yellow special purpose buoys around the mooring field, displaced by recent storms. Coastal Engineering will oversee the reinstallation, scheduled for early June. The committee deliberated over a debris removal contract, currently under review by FEMA, with efforts underway to secure an extension.

Attention then turned to financial reporting and occupancy data for the marina. Members expressed the need for clearer data presentation, with suggestions to compile monthly and daily occupancy figures for better financial insight. A member recommended including historical data comparisons and detailed breakdowns of mooring field usage.

A marina owner raised concerns about the town’s mooring field operations potentially competing with local marinas. This prompted a discussion on the competitive landscape, with some council members suggesting the town’s facility serves a different market segment, particularly for larger vessels. Emphasis was placed on the environmental benefits provided by the mooring field, such as pump-out services, and the potential for collaboration with local marinas. The council agreed on the importance of clear communication about the mooring field’s role and services.

The council also reviewed the financial outcomes of a recent event, Cruisers Day, which received positive feedback. Discussions explored leveraging this success for broader promotional efforts, including potential media coverage and content for trade publications to enhance the town’s visibility as a boating destination.

Additionally, the meeting addressed communication improvements, including the promotion of a town app for news alerts and calendar events. Concerns were raised about canal maintenance responsibilities, leading to the introduction of a document to clarify ownership and duties. The council considered reaching out to other municipalities for insights on canal management.

Further topics included derelict boat legislation, aimed at providing municipalities with tools to manage unattended vessels. The legislation seeks to hold boat owners accountable, especially in light of recent storms, with discussions emphasizing the Coast Guard’s role in determining seaworthiness.