Triton Networking with Marina Bay Marina

Apr 7, 2017 by Triton Staff

The Triton heads back to the New River for networking on the third Wednesday in April with Marina Bay Marina in Ft. Lauderdale. Tucked into the south bank of the river just west of I-95, the historic marina has had a facelift under its new owners since the early 1990s.

Join us for great casual networking around the pool at the adjacent Falls at Marina Bay apartment complex between 6-8 p.m. No RSVP required.

Until then, learn more about the marina and the new hotel going up beside it from Marina Bay Marina Dockmaster John Workman.

Dockmaster John Workman

Tell us about Marina Bay Marina.

We have 168 slips available on 15 floating docks. We can accommodate vessels up to 150 feet. Our vessels range from liveaboards to weekenders to broker boats for sale to vessels with captain and crew living on site. Our proximity to the airport and all the interstate highways makes the marina popular with out-of-towners who like to be a quick Uber ride from their plane to their vessel. Based on availability, we typically have slips available for a quick overnight stay all the way to full-time residency.

It is important to note that due to the I-95 overpass at the entrance to Marina Bay, we cannot take any vessel with a mast higher than 52 feet. That is why we have so few sailboats here.

Anything new in the marina?

We have added and upgraded a total of 10 new finger piers at the southern part of the marina, in front of Rendezvous restaurant. These docks are designated for vessels up to 55 feet and offer great access to the pool and restaurant.

There is an interesting history to the place; tell us more.

In the 1960s, this site was dredged to access the sand and gravel for the construction of I-95 in south Broward County. This has created one of our unique features: a basin with a depth of over 40 feet. In the 1970s, the marina was created on the site. It was well known for its collection of 40 houseboats that were available for nightly rentals. Many well-known people of the era spent time at Marina Bay. For example, Evel Knievel had his boat docked here. The restaurant, New River Storehouse, attracted national figures such as Bob Hope, F. Lee Bailey and Jimmy Dean, as well as local athletes.

In the late 1990s, Jack Taplin purchased the marina and significantly changed the property. He oversaw the construction of the Falls at Marina Bay luxury apartments, moved the restaurant to its current location and upgraded the docks. Over time, it has developed into the luxury marina it is today.

You have apartments there, too, right? Do marina guests have access to the amenities?

Yes, we share the property and amenities with The Falls at Marina Bay. All registered boaters and their guests have full access to the property including the pool, hot tub, fitness center, tennis and racquetball courts, showers and laundry facilities.

Tell us about that new hotel going up on the corner.

The 150-room hotel should open this summer and will have a sleek modern nautical design. There will be a rooftop bar and lounge, bamboo Zen garden, and tapas lounge. The hotel will offer discounts and specials to the marina community, especially those associated with the Marina at Marina Bay.

Anything special planned for the Triton Networking event?

We will have the Triton Networking event around the pool and hope for beautiful weather. We’re looking forward to live music, food and a bar. We will have information on the hotel available at the event, but I do not think the hotel will be ready for visitors. All those in attendance are welcome to tour the marina property.

Parking is somewhat limited on site, so ride-sharing would be appreciated.

For more details about Marina Bay Marina, visit www.marinabay-fl.com. Triton Networking is April 19 at the marina. By land, find the clubhouse and pool of the Falls at Marina Bay on the northwest corner of I-95 and State Road 84. Take State Road 84 west of I-95, turn at the first right at the base of the overpass. The address is 2525 Marina Bay Dr W, Ft. Lauderdale (33312), or call +1 954- 791-7600.

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