Progressions ...
Milwaukee Community Sailing Center Sports Numerous
Eco-Friendly Initiatives
After the June 6, 2009 groundbreaking of the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center’s $1.7 million facility, plans to install the first geothermal heating and cooling system on Milwaukee’s lakefront forge ahead. Privately funded through individual, corporation and organization donations, the center has met 50% of its $140,000 goal to fund the geothermal system. Although three times that of a conventional heating system, geothermal technology offers significant savings in the long run. Businesses and residences with geothermal systems see savings between 30% and 70% on monthly utilities.
“Our new facility is a reflection of the eco-friendliness of sailing,” said Peter Rieck, executive director of Milwaukee Community Sailing Center. “With its green building design and construction materials, energy-efficient systems and resource conservation efforts, the new Milwaukee Community Sailing Center will set a precedent for environmental leadership on the shores of Lake Michigan,” said Rieck.
The geothermal system being installed at the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center is a helical pier system, which features 12 wells, with each being at least 300 feet deep. The system uses the constant temperature below the Earth’s surface to heat and cool air and water. Beyond the financial savings over time, geothermal systems offer less maintenance with longer equipment life and fewer emissions.
New Website Launched Exclusively for Global Charter Business
In late July, YachtWorld.com, a division of Dominion Enterprises, announced the launch of www.yachtworldcharters.com, a single, global marketplace for both the yacht charter industry and individual yacht charterer alike.
According to a release distributed by the company, charterer benefits include a choice of nearly 5,000 vessels in more than 300 destinations worldwide, together with stories and reviews on both boats and destinations. The new site also offers online pricing, availability and reservations, plus special offers.
“The sheer choice of boats and destinations, on a global basis, are what sets YachtWorld Charters apart,” said Ian Atkins, VP and general manager of YachtWorld.com and Boats.com. “Add to this the 2.5 million global visits by boating enthusiasts that visit YachtWorld each month interested in chartering or buying a boat and you can see why www.yachtworldcharters.com is so compelling for both charterers and charter operators.”
Reported benefits for the charter industry include visitor traffic, the ability to manage inventory on a daily basis, detailed descriptions of each vessel with multiple photographs, plus the ability to provide real time and late availability, along with cruising areas.
“The Internet is a necessary and powerful route to market for charter providers and www.yachtworldcharters.com will deliver not only a global audience but also essential functionality to allow them to manage their businesses more effectively day to day. This includes the option to receive charter inquiries directly or have YachtWorld manage the whole booking process for them,” added Robert Corden, commercial director, YachtWorld.com and Boats.com
West Marine Honors Schaefer Marine
Congratulations to Sail America member Schaefer Marine who was honored as “Best Supply Chain Partner” at West Marine’s 15th Annual VIV (Very Important Vendor) Awards at the company’s Watsonville, CA support center. The program recognizes and celebrates vendors who continually seek to satisfy their customers by offering what they want, with an innovative approach. Winners are selected based on consistent excellence in product quality, sales growth and the helpfulness of their sales support staff.
Shake-a-Leg Miami Premiers Ship-Shape Project
Shake-a-Leg Miami, best known for its work with disabled and disadvantaged children and adults, recently announced a new initiative – the “Ship Shape Project” – designed to upgrade the non-profit organization’s Bayshore Drive facility, and to revitalize the fleet of boats in its community sailing program during the next two months.
“Obviously, we will need a strong showing from our volunteer base,” said founder Harry Horgan, “and we are now actively recruiting new volunteers, particularly those with skills in the marine trades, and those who would like to learn those skills.”
Horgan said the Ship Shape project has been a consideration for awhile, but was fast-tracked after planning an Oct. 11 reception for attendees at this year’s Conference on Marine Industry Technical Training, to be held as part of IBEX (International Boat Builders Exhibition and Conference) in Miami Beach.
For more information about the Shake-A-Leg Miami Ship Shape project, contact Barbara Jean Walsh at 561-922-7220.
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