Bair Island Marina, in the heart of Redwood City, California, is a unique, man-made boating facility owned by Irvine Apartment Communities. This modern, 100-boat marina was designed and built by single-source contractor Bellingham Marine, in conjunction with Irvine and its consulting engineer. Located in the center of Silicon Valley between San Francisco and San Jose, Bair Island is a dredged basin that was breached to fill with water and then shored by a sheet-steel pile seawall.

Many luxurious, California-style apartments surround this first-class marina in a development known as The Villas at Bair Island. Boat slips range in size from 35′ to 45′, with no live-aboards allowed, and slips can be rented now.

Silicon Valley is the center of the growing high-technology industry. With innovative companies such as Hewlett Packard, Apple computer and Tandem Computers at its core, the area affords many entrepreneurial and business opportunities. There is also a pronounced sense of community marked by an emphasis on cultural and philanthropic activities, a commitment to education and a passion for the outdoors.

The Marina Ramp Rider from Marina Accessories was installed to accommodate those with difficulty walking on stairs or inclines. It is estimated to have saved the marina’s owner $35,000 to provide barrier-free access.

From Bellingham Marine, P.O. Box 8, Bellingham, WA 98227. Website: www.bellingham-marine.com.