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Today's member spotlight features Marina Holdings LLC and three of its companies’ philanthropic initiatives, from conservation, to fostering the next generation of marine technicians, to working with vets, Freedom Boat Club of Maine, Yarmouth Boat Yard, and Moose Landing Marina are setting examples of the variety of ways the recreational boating industry can be of service.

In 2020, Freedom Boat Club of Maine (FBC) partnered with Maine Island Trail Association (MITA). MITA is a membership organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the wild islands of coastal Maine. Through the partnership, FBC encouraged its boat club customers to become MITA members, covering the costs for those who expressed interest. FBC also adopted Bangs Island through MITA in 2020. As such, FBC’s staff and customers took on the responsibility of making periodic checks of the island throughout the boating season to help report on the conditions during the visit, remove any existing debris, and made sure visitor use areas were clean and well maintained. This came at a time when visitation to the islands skyrocketed, as people sought safety and solitude from the pandemic.

To tackle the consistent shortage of qualified marine techs in Maine, Yarmouth Boat Yard organized a partnership between Yamaha, Maine Marine Trades Association, and Southern Maine Community College to create a 150-hr Outboard Motor Repair Training course. Students that graduate from the program gain valuable skills that can lead to better job opportunities and increased earning potential. Yarmouth Boat Yard worked with the State to provide a grant, so the program is free to all qualified students. The Lead Technician from Yarmouth Boat Yard teaches the course. To date, 35+ students have graduated from the program and another course is starting this February.

Each year, Moose Landing Marina partners with VAST (Veterans Adaptive Sports & Training) to take veterans out for a day on the water boating and fishing. It is a large undertaking with generally 30+ vets who participate each time. The vets, many who are disabled, are brought by buses from the local Maine Veterans Homes. Moose Landing donates 3-5 rental boats, and their staff members drive the vessels and assist the veterans. VAST employees help coordinate the efforts and accompany the vets. They bring lunch and water for the vets as well as fishing gear and bait, which is donated by other local businesses. Moose Landing is honored to give back to those who have given so much and will continue this initiative as long as there is interest from the vets to participate.

For more information, contact Tracy Coughlin, Marketing Director for Marina Holdings LLC, 207.846.9050, [email protected].