North Cove up and running

Jul 3, 2013 by Guest Writer

After eight years, a financial crisis and a hurricane, Dennis Connor’s North Cove in New York City is poised for a powerful summer.



Fully booked in June for the first time, the megayacht marina in downtown Manhattan also has all new power and was hiring new dockhands for the summer.



“It’s been a wild roller coaster ride for us,” Commodore Michael Fortenbaugh said. “We didn’t know what would happen this year with bookings, but we’re at the top of the roller coaster. We’re full [for June]. We’re so thankful.”



The marina just recently shook off the final reminders of Superstorm Sandy, which hit the city in late October, flooding much of the city’s underground infrastructure. While the marina’s docks and yachts survived, the shore-based electrical infrastructure all had to be replaced. And with not enough electricians to handle all the work across the city, the marina was only able to turn off its generators on May 2.



“Boy, when you get your electricity back on after being on generators so long, what a difference it makes in your life,” Fortenbaugh said.



The marina is often busy in June and September as yachts reposition for their summer cruising. But last year, July and August were also busy at The North Cove, so Fortenbaugh said he hopes bookings will continue all summer.



“Boating and yachting is coming back in New York City,” he said. “Boats are traveling again. We’re seeing more boats stopping by than ever before.”


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