MARINALIFE is pleased to announce this year's photography contest that showcases the joy of boating and good times on the water.
We welcome snapshots that capture moments of maritime merriment the freedom of getting back on the water after a long winter, a memorable boating experience with family and friends, a special seaside vacation, the thrill of water sports, an epic fishing trip where you reeled in a trophy catch, or the face of a pet who's too cute for words. Whatever floats your boat, we'd like to see it.
Who's Eligible: Everybody is invited from amateur shutterbugs to seasoned photographers to send your favorite shots of what you love most about the cruising lifestyle and high seas adventures.
Deadline: Spend the spring and summer taking great shots, then submit your favorite photos in the form below by Friday, September 9, 2022.
What to Submit: Limit of up to 3 photos per person, send high resolution images (300 dpi, 2 mb or 600 kb). Please include a brief description of the photo's location, the photographer's credit, and the contact info, email and phone.
Winners: Our staff will select the first, second and third place winners and runners up whose photographs will appear in upcoming issues of Marinalife. Prizes will be announced soon.
Please submit any questions to submissions@marinalife.com
With thousands of marine species in its warm waters, the Caribbean is known for year-round big game sportfishing. From the Bahamian archipelago to the Caribbean islands, boaters can join annual tournaments that celebrate anglers’ passion for a prize-winning catch.
The region’s open waters are home to an abundance of Spanish mackerel, yellowfin, tuna, billfish and tarpon — and fishing enthusiasts flock to the Caribbean for its world-renowned white and blue marlin. With no off-season, the sky’s the limit on what you pull aboard. Check out the following tournaments that run from March through June.
Bahamas, March 7 – 9
Kick off The Bahamas billfish tournament season at Chub Cay Resort & Marina located at the southern tip of the Berry Islands. Last year’s event attracted 17 boats competing for prizes.
The Sir Charles Williams International Fishing Tournament
Barbados, April 9 – 13
The Barbados Game Fishing Association hosts this annual competition at Port St. Charles Marina in St. Peter. Go after prizes and record-breaking blue marlin in the five-day event.
4th Annual Chub Cay Invitational
Bahamas, April 11 – 13
Chub Cay Resort & Marina and Fly Zone Fishing hold another fishing competition at this gorgeous venue following the March tournament.
Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament
Cayman Islands, April 23 – 30
Hosted by the Cayman Islands Angling Club, this has been the island’s premier sportfishing tournament for more than 25 years. Eligible species include wahoo, yellowfin, tuna, dolphin and billfish.
Antigua and Barbuda Sport Fishing Tournament
Antigua, May 16 – 19
This 56th annual event invites regional and international sportfishing fans to compete for prizes. The tournament takes place at Falmouth Harbour Marina on the south shores of the island.
The Shootout: Production vs. Custom
Abaco, Bahamas, May 1 – 4
Head to Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour Marina to catch this annual competition that challenges the skills of production line boats vs. custom-designed vessels. The event hosts 50 inboard teams of boats 33-feet or larger. The marina also hosts the exclusive Custom Shootout tournament May 15 – 18, featuring teams by invitation only.
Bahamas, May 8 – 11
The Baker’s Bay Golf & Ocean Club hosts two days of offshore fishing and a one-day golf tournament at this exclusive event. This competition is limited to the first 30 boats to register.
Walker’s Cay Blue Marlin Invitational
Bahamas, May 22 – 25
Carl & Gigi Allen, owners of this northernmost Bahamian island, are hosting their 4th annual fishing tournament at Walker’s Cay Marina. The event is open to 50 boats and offers jackpots for marlin, dolphin, wahoo and tuna.
Elbow Reef Classic Fishing Tournament
Abaco, Bahamas, May 29 – June 1
Hope Town Inn & Marina hosts this community-driven event on the island of Elbow Cay. All proceeds go to preserve and protect the Elbow Reef Lighthouse.
Battleground Bahamas Yellowfin Tuna Fishing Tournament
Freeport, Grand Bahama, June 13 – 15
Founded in 2020 by native Bahamian fishermen, this family-friendly tournament donates to the Rotary of Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Committee. Reel in the heaviest tuna, mahi, blackfin or wahoo to win prizes.
As the maritime industry grows and evolves, organizations like the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA) work to bolster the safety and success of recreational boating.
Based out of Foxboro, MA, MMTA recently hosted the 18th annual Business of Boating Conference with a lineup of educational sessions at Foxboro’s Lakeview Pavilion. Industry experts addressed topics on technology, employment law, government relations, workforce funding, national sales updates, national codes and compliance, and more.
Key takeaways for boaters, marinas and maritime businesses from the conference include the following information and resources:
Marina Electrical Systems — design and code compliance updates:
Local Massachusetts regulatory, legal and government relations updates:
Local Massachusetts Resources that help market your business:
Regional Workforce Training:
MMTA presented Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll with the 2023 MMTA Elected Official of the Year award, and Warren Kelly received the MMTA Frank Farrell Award honoring industry leadership.
“Workforce is always a big topic. It was nice to hear from students and instructors this year, considering many of our member businesses struggle to find employees, and that causes a critical impact in the industry," says Randall Lyons, executive director of MMTA. "Legislative topics are also key this year, because our members need to be aware of several action items.”
MMTA focuses on public advocacy and provides resources, education and professional development to people employed in the marine industry. The association provides essential resources and stays up to date with the latest trends, changes and innovations. Check out MMTA’s workforce training videos, boating safety resources and services at boatma.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Alexa Zizzi
Phone: 410-752-0505
Email: azizzi@marinalife.com
(BALTIMORE, MD, January 16, 2024) Marinalife is pleased to announce the winners of its 14th annual Best Marina Contest. Boaters, marinas and members of the maritime industry in North America and the Caribbean cast their votes, and the results are as follows:
BEST LARGE MARINA
First Place: Brunswick Landing Marina – Brunswick, GA
Second Place: Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina – Hilton Head Island, SC
Third Place: Morningstar Marinas Golden Isles – St. Simons Island, GA
BEST SMALL MARINA
First Place: Chicks Marina – Kennebunkport, ME
Second Place: Jekyll Harbor Marina – Jekyll Island, GA
Third Place: Dowry Creek Marina – Belhaven, NC
Brunswick Landing Marina returns as a back-to-back first place winner in this year’s Best Large Marina category. Located in the heart of downtown Brunswick, the destination boasts well-maintained floating concrete docks in a waterway that is historically safe from hurricanes. The 101-acre marina offers dockside parking, 445+ dry and wet slips, a full-service boatyard, and social events. Over the years, the marina has evolved into a must-see for cruisers by welcoming liveaboards without additional fees.
“Winning the Best Large Marina award two years in a row is an honor. As we strive to provide a world class experience, we are humbled that our customers appreciate our hard work and vision,” said Dock Master Kyle Schieferdecker. “We would like to take this opportunity to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who voted for us. Without your support, none of this would be possible.”
The marina team is currently working with the Army Corp of Engineers and Department of Natural Resources on permit applications to construct coastal Georgia's first permitted mooring ball field adjacent to the docks to provide a lower-cost option for visitors.
Chicks Marina in Kennebunkport, ME, returns as the reigning first place champ for the Best Small Marina award. Tucked away in the southern coast of Maine, this cozy 50-slip marina offers seasonal and transient dockage, heated winter storage and custom boat services. Amenities include laundry, showers, shuttle services, a ships store, and gas and diesel fuel dock. The marina celebrates more than 50 years of top-notch customer service.
“It is such an honor to be recognized for the fourth year as Best Small Marina. We appreciate being noticed for our efforts and the pride that we take in making the stay at Chicks memorable,” said Amy Gaynor, operations manager of Chicks Marina.
As we celebrate 24 years of Marinalife, we send a special thanks to the marinas and boaters nationwide for participating in this year’s contest. Keep an eye out for announcements this summer for our 2024 Best Marina Contest.
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About Marinalife
Founded by lifelong boaters, Marinalife delivers tools and resources to allow the boating community to fully embrace life on the water. Marinalife joined with Snag-A-Slip in 2017 and together, we create tech-enabled solutions, allowing boaters and marinas to easily connect and transact. Headquartered in Baltimore, MD, our crew is passionate about two things: boating and delivering exceptional service to our customers. For information, visit marinalife.com, call 410-752-0505 or email info@marinalife.com
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