Let the season begin!  This is tentative until the ice goes out?

The day starts out with our Annual SWP Lottery for all the secondary watercraft in the marina. If your plans include keeping a Dinghy, Jet Ski or other Secondary Type Watercraft in the Marina this summer, you won’t want to miss this event.

In accordance with the Secondary Watercraft Storage Plan, a lottery is used to determine the storage location for secondary watercraft.

Each boater must be present and will have one entry into the lottery if they wish to participate. A lottery for all boat types will be held first, followed by a separate lottery for jet skis.

Upon selection from lottery, individuals can then select the space from t hose available in the common storage areas. Any remaining vacant storage space will then be rented on first come, first serve basis.

New Boater Orientation
Saturday, April 11th at 11 a.m.

Our New Boater Orientation offers an opportunity for those who are new to BMA (and even those who would like to get re-acquainted) with our programs and amenities. Meet representatives from Administration, Service and Gas Dock who will offer information on the variety of services and amenities that our Marina has to offer. This is an excellent opportunity to become more familiar with our facility before the season starts.

Note: All BMA boaters are invited to attend.

Boater Maintenance Seminar
Saturday, April 25th at 9 a.m.

April 25th marks the third annual Bayport Marina Boater “Maintenance Seminar.” This seminar is an opportunity for you to learn more about your boat’s operating systems but you must RSVP by April 13th.

The scheduled topics for this first go around are:

• A/C and SMX central system
• Propellers
• Shore cords
• Communicating your service needs
• Batteries
• Service tools and equipment.

Gregg Nelson and Mike Hurley will conduct this class. Coffee and donuts will be served.

Be sure to RSVP by the 13th--See you on the 28th.

Bayport Marina Staff Open House and BBQ
Saturday, May 9th 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

We invite all BMA boaters to join us at our 6th Annual Staff Open house!

The staff will open your Boating Season by hosting a BBQ of hot dogs, brats, Marsh’s “Killer Beans”, salad and beverages in the Service Department.

Come meet the personnel from your Service Department, Gas Dock and Administration. It’s a great opportunity to find out what’s new for the upcoming season and introduce the members and staff.

Commodore's Ice Breaker
Saturday, May 9th

Welcome this year’s Spring Launch with Commodore Morgan Fudge as we look forward to another great season. This year’s event kicks off at 6:30 on May 10th with Mama Maria’s appetizers and buffet.

As always, the new 2008 BMA Sportswear will be available. “Come see what’s new for 2008.”

Safety Day
Coast Guard Auxiliary Courtesy Marina Examination
Saturday, June 6th

(Excerpts from Scuttlebutt, March 2004)

Are your fire extinguishers operative and mounted? Are you properly displaying vessel registration numbers and placards required by law? Is the backfire flame arrestor on your engine clean and working properly? Are you sure?

Even if you pay careful attention to safety, dangerous mechanical problems can crop up on the best-maintained boat. That’s why the U. S. Coast Guard recommends that all recreational boaters (including personal watercraft users) take advantage of the free vessel safety check (VSC) program every year.

VSC are provided by experienced members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Power Squadrons, (two volunteer boating safety organizations). They are the best way of learning about problems that might put you in violation of state or federal laws or, worse, create danger for you or your passengers on the water.

All you have to do to get a VSC is contact the Marina Office (651) 439-2040 and sign up for Saturday, June 5th between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. A typical VSC takes about twenty minutes.

The examiner will check the presence and condition of fifteen items required by state and/or federal regulations and inform you of items recommended but not required to make your boat safer and answer any questions on boating safety. At the conclusion of the VSC, you’ll receive a copy of the official safety check form and, if your boat successfully meets all the requirements, your boat will have a VSC decal placed on it that is valid for the year of the exam

Again, there is no charge and vessel examiners do not issue fines or citations. If your boat does not successfully pass, you can fix the problem at your own discretion, have an examiner verify that the item/s have been corrected, and then receive your VSC decal.

One more good reason to get a VSC is that many insurance companies offer discounts to boaters who successfully pass a VSC. Check with your local boat insurance agent for details.

Be responsible for your safety and the safety of your passengers. More information on boating responsibly may be obtained at www.uscgboating.org , or calling US Coast Guard Info Line at (800)368-5647. Boating safety course line at (800) 336-BOAT (2628).

Learn to Sale
June 15th
Sailing School to open on the St. Croix River
More info...

National Marina Day
Saturday, August 8th

Mark your Calendar… And watch for your invitation in the mail. You don’t want to miss this one.

Farewell to the Season BBQ
Saturday, September 19th

Join us on the Patio by the Clubhouse at 7 p.m. BMA will furnish grills, sodas, and a keg of beer. Bring a dish to pass, whatever you would like to grill and your utensils.

Fall Pull Out Begins
Monday, September 28th

• February 19th
• May 14th
• September 10th
• November 12th

Other Important Dates

• Return Spring Launch Forms
  Monday, March 9th
• Return Fall Pull-Out Forms
  Monday, August 24th