Channel Islands Landing Ready to Reopen

Byline: Catherine French

CHANNEL ISLANDS HARBOR — A grand reopening is planned this month for the completely revamped Channel Islands Landing Marina and Boatyard, located at 3821 Victoria Ave., on the east side of Channel Islands Harbor.

The complete reconstruction of the 14.5-acre site that includes a yacht marina, a boat services yard, dry storage for boats and Catalina Yacht Brokerage had been schedule to finish last September, but permitting delays added about 7 months to the construction schedule.

“The original plan was to complete the makeover in one phase,” explained Bob Nahm, general manager and project manager for the site. “But with the economic slowdown and unforeseen project delays, we will have completed what is now Phase 1 — and in a year or so, we’ll begin to work on Phase 2 of the project.”

Phase 2 will include the addition of two new buildings for the boatyard and marine services, along with retail space.

The $8.5 million makeover includes an increase in boat berthing capacity from 91 to 157 slips, the addition of two new restroom/shower facilities and a laundry room for slip renters, as well as improved dockside parking. Also, boaters and other visitors will have a wonderful new 1,500 linear feet harbor-side promenade to stroll and enjoy the views of the harbor. Visitors will enjoy the new eco-friendly landscaping and modern lighting, as well.

“We believe the improvements will benefit boaters as well as improve overall public access to this side of the harbor,” Nahm said. “All of the reconstruction includes new Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant gangways and public restroom facilities, as well as room for wheelchair access to the promenade.”

The boatyard has undergone a facelift, too, including new hoist piers to support a 75-ton Travelift. The landing currently has a lift capacity of 55 tons. And the entire site has been equipped with state-of-the-art bio filters, to collect and filter water so that no runoff reaches harbor waters.

Bellingham Marine built the new concrete docks and slips that range in size from 22 to 50 feet, with 46 percent of the berths designated for boats 32 feet and smaller. To better accommodate transient boaters, 15 new slips are being added.

According to Nahm, the redesign of the site plan has allowed for increased storage capacity for trailerable boats from 325 to 400 with hoisting services that can accommodate boats weighing up to 8,000 pounds.

“We will start renting slips” this month, Nahm said. “We have 75 boat owners who are already on our waiting list for slips and others who have kept in touch, waiting for the marina to reopen.”

For more information, call (805) 985-6059.