To spark the imagination of those contemplating similar projects in their marinas, Robert Wilkes highlights ten of the best Bellingham Marine marina rebuilds.
Best Superyacht Marina:
Rybovich, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA

Rybovich’s transformation from shipyard to superyacht destination marina placed this already iconic facility in a class all of its own.
You won’t find a marina and shipyard more tailored to serving the needs of superyacht owners and crews than Rybovich, the world’s pre-eminent superyacht facility. The marina can accommodate yachts of 120m (400ft) with high freeboard, heavy duty docks; in-slip refueling; abundant power and the ability to service yachts right from the docks. Specializing in 10-star concierge service, crews enjoy hotel-like amenities and an on-site bistro social life. The shipyard can haul out most yachts and also has a 2,500- ton floating dry dock. A new 14 acre (5.6ha) work-site was recently added nearby and a channel was dredged to integrate the two sites. Read more about developer’s plans for Rybovich, best superyacht, destination marina.
Best Iconic Boat Show Venue:
Bahia Mar Yacht Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

Bahia Mar Yachting Center was rebuilt in the early 2000’s. The developer’s aim was to build the ultimate special event facility. Power and dock configuration were a top priority.
Bahia Mar Yacht Center is one the earliest and longest serving venues of the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show – the largest boat show in the world – and the 2002 rebuild ensures that it will continue in that tradition. Masterfully designed, the marina functions as a world class superyacht center 11 months out of the year. The magic begins in October when the marina expands from 242 large yacht slips and side ties into a 1,000-boat gunwale-to-gunwale moorage for the iconic Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The rebuild transitioned the marina from fixed to floating docks and incorporated a one of- a-kind electrical system with custom-built distribution panels for the show. The system ensures adequate power for all the yachts on display. Learn more about the award winning marina at Bahia Mar Yachting Center.
A new hot spot for tourists, boaters and local residents opened on Lake Macquarie. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held April 18th, marking the completion of phase 1 and the opening of the marina.

Johnson Property Group and key supporters celebrate grand opening of Trinity Point Marina. A luxury boating facility design and built by renowned dock builder Bellingham Marine.
Trinity Point, NSW, Australia – 17 May 2019 – April 18th was a significant milestone for Johnson Property Group and Managing Director, Keith Johnson. Mr. Johnson first began planning Trinity Point in 1999. His vision – a luxury resort destination/residential lakeside development. The development would place Lake Macquarie on the map as favorite spot for locals and travelers alike.
“It’s been a long and challenging journey but worth it,” shared Johnson. “The opening of the marina is a big step forward in the $388 million overall project.”
Former Lake Macquarie Mayor and Local MP, Greg Piper attended the grand opening. Piper echoed the crowds’ comments, “I have to say, everything out here is first class.”
For those seeking best in class marina facilities, look no further than Trinity Point. The marina is a showcase of modern marina construction and environmental responsibility. It also exemplifies the live /play lifestyle younger generations find appealing.
Johnson hired, international marina builder, Bellingham Marine to help with detail design and construction. “It was critical we did the marina right,” said Johnson. “It was a major key to what we aimed to achieve. It had to be something special.”
A transition plan is in place. Owner and Chairman, Joe Ueberroth, will assume the title of CEO.

Everett Babbitt (left), Bellingham Marine CEO, has announced his retirement effective December 31, 2019. Joe Ueberroth (right), Owner and Chairman, will assume the title of CEO.
Bellingham, WA, USA – 31 January 2019 – Everett Babbitt, Bellingham Marine CEO, has announced his retirement effective December 31, 2019. Following his retirement, he will continue to serve as a Director of the company.
Everett joined Bellingham Marine in 1984, performing in a variety of roles until 2004 when he was named President and CEO. Under his leadership, Bellingham Marine became the recognized international leader in marina construction. He expanded Bellingham’s global reach and tripled annual revenues. The Company now builds more coastal projects annually than its competitors combined.
“As with many of my colleagues, I have been incredibly fortunate to be able to spend my career with Bellingham Marine”, stated Everett Babbitt. “I believe our success is based on our commitment to continued innovation, building a superior product and to our customers.
“We have worked hard to attract and retain the best talent in the industry. Over the last several years, I have focused my energy on developing the next generation. I am confident that we have the strongest team in our history to lead us forward.”
Learn the secrets to replace your docks on a tight budget without sacrificing quality or style.

Take a tip from Santa Barbara Harbor. Enlist Bellingham early in your marina construction process and get the marina you want with your limited funds.
For Santa Barbara Harbor rebuilding 500 of their slips without imposing large rate increases seemed impossible. Set to find a way, the Harbor enlisted the help of top marina builder, Bellingham Marine. Together the two set out to achieve the impossible.
With an open mind and a willingness to invest time in the process, you too can rebuild your tired marina without breaking your budget.
Follow these 3 marina renovation tips and discover how.
1. DON’T HOLD BACK ON THE PLANNING PHASE
The tighter the budget the more valuable the planning phase. Get a good understanding of the big picture. Then, sit down with your marina builder and begin to construct a plan that will take you from point A to point B.
Planning Phase Focus
The planning phase should include more than design and material choice. Identify and define these key items:
- Business goals
- Market demand
- Site conditions (including limitations)
- Sticking points (what are you not willing to compromise on)
- Budgetary constraints
- Funding sources
This important step will give you the lens you need to make critical decisions going forward. Everything should point back to your business goals and market demand.
Your site’s conditions – water depth, wave environment, boundaries, entrance channels and your sticking points will guide you toward what’s possible.
Armed with the above information and your ideas on dock type and amenities, your marina builder will be able to identify your options.
Your options package should include:
- A range of approaches including phased construction options
- Permitting requirements and possible workarounds
- Possible system trade-offs
- Optional features and amenities (upgrades and downgrades)
- Future add-ons
A marina builder worth their weight in gold will know what trade-offs can occur within your project. The goal? A solution that is a best fit for your business, your budget and your customers.
Bellingham Marine collaborates with The BoatYard at Marina del Rey to expand service offerings for boats in Southern California.
Marina del Rey, California, USA – 11 October 2018 – Big boats mean big money. They also mean big equipment when it comes to repairs. Large vessels often have trouble finding boatyards in Southern California that are capable of servicing them, until now.
Boat owners in the region have a new option with the installation of a 100-ton travel lift pier at the The BoatYard at Marina del Rey. The new Marine Travelift has opened up The BoatYard to a much larger market. From fishing boats to catamarans, there is a local demand for a machine of this stature.

The three new travelift piers have 35-ton, 100-ton and 135-ton capacities enabling the marina to service large fishing vessels and catamarans.
The lift sits on one of three new fixed concrete piers built by Bellingham Marine. The piers have 35 ton, 100 ton, and 135 ton capacities. In addition, Bellingham built the new 114-slip marina. Included are new concrete floating docks, aluminum gangways, and modern dockside utilities. The majority of the existing concrete guide pile are still in use.
Construction took place in phases, one dock at a time. This allowed the majority of boaters to stay in the marina during construction. Staying open means the marina can keep current tenants and sustain cash flow.
“Every project is unique and we work hard to make the transition as smooth as possible for our clients,” said Eric Noegel, manager of project development for Bellingham Marine.
The BoatYard at Marina del Rey is a full-service boat repair yard and marina. It provides customers with a one-stop shop to handle all of their boating needs.
Bellingham Marine is the world’s leading marina design-build construction company. The company specializes in floating docks, platforms and wave attenuation systems for marinas worldwide. Visit www.bellingham-marine.com for more information.
For further information please contact:
Roxie Comstock, Manager of Business Enhancement
Bellingham Marine
Tel: 360-676-2800