Port Personality: Christina Martin at Nantucket Boat Basin

Christina Martin

Managing Director

Nantucket Boat Basin, Nantucket, MA

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How long have you been at Nantucket Boat Basin and what prepared you for this job?

I started in May 1993, the day after I graduated from Boston College — intending to stay for a summer of fun before I got a “serious” job. After that first summer, I was promoted to assistant dockmaster, a position I held for 22 years. In 2015, I was promoted to director.

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What is one of your all-time best boating memories?

I used to have a jet ski that I drove in the harbor and just outside the channel after work and on midday breaks. If I timed it right, I could jump the wakes of three to four ferries and other transiting yachts — so much fun!
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What are you most excited for at this marina this time of year?

Spring is an amazing time on Nantucket — the daffodils start blooming, the ducks and sea life start returning, shops and restaurants begin opening for the season, and our fantastic guests come back “home” to visit!

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Name the top three songs on your summer boating playlist.

Anything Beatles, ABBA, or Jimmy Buffett.

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As a winner of Marinalife’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards “Most Pet-Friendly Marina” category, what do you think makes your marina a top pet-friendly boating destination?

We happily cater to our guests’ pets with fun amenities and docking accommodations. We celebrate them and love that for many their pets are a huge part of their boating experience! Our All Paws on Deck contest encourages guests to showcase nautical photos of their pets, often with costumes and props.

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Where do you like to send people for an authentic dining experience when they arrive at your marina for the first time?

Slip 14 on Old South Wharf is a longtime favorite. It’s right on the water with great food and fun, creative cocktails. The Brant Point Grill across the harbor at the White Elephant Hotel combines beautiful views with an authentic Nantucket dining experience.

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What is the one thing everyone should do or see at your marina?

I think sitting on the back of your boat or on a bench on the wharves, watching the world go by, can be a fantastic way to pass the time people watching with the backdrop of amazing yachts on our beautiful, historic docks.

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What are the advantages or challenges to being a woman in the marina business?

It can be a real challenge being a woman in this industry, especially when guests or vendors are looking for the “man in charge,” but I’ve found that an advantage can be modeling strong leadership for the young women we employ seasonally and our two younger female marina managers. I think it’s important to empower young women to know they can be successful in the marina industry and important for the young men to see what we can do and be comfortable with female leadership.

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If you could spend a day on the water with a celebrity, who would it be?

I’d have to say Paul McCartney — my all-time favorite.

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What is the No. 1 attraction you recommend for new visitors to your area?

Nantucket has so many things to do and see, but our 82 miles of pristine, protected beaches are second to none and no matter what type of beachgoer you are, you can find the perfect beach.