To the Editor:
This letter was sent to the Oak Bluffs selectmen:
My wife and I have been boating for over 35 years. We currently cruise a 44-ft power vessel (Lady Di). During that time, we have visited and moored or docked at numerous harbors from Baltimore to Maine. Our primary boating is in Newport, Block Island, Oak Bluffs, and the surrounding area. Our homeports are Westport Yacht Club, of which I am a past Commodore and sit on the board of directors, and Padanaram Harbor, where our home is located. We are also members of the New Bedford Yacht Club, where I race and own an Etchell.
We believe that Oak Bluffs Harbor is the best run harbor that we have ever been at. Your facilities are well maintained and constantly being improved. It is apparent that the harbor is a high priority and major asset of the community and hopefully a good contributor to town revenue. It is also a great town to visit.
The management team that you folks have created, in my opinion, is next to none, starting with your harbormaster down through the ranks of schedulers, communication staff at the harbor office, dock attendants, shuttle drivers and pump-out personnel. They are always courteous, well-trained, and above all very professional, even when dealing with difficult visitors. I am especially impressed with the mix of staff, starting with young high school kids experiencing their first job, to college kids moving up through the ranks, as well as a few older veterans that have been around for a long while, including a few seniors. What a management education they are getting. It appears that they enjoy it, as I keep seeing faces return for several years.
As an owner of a manufacturing facility, Silver City Aluminum, that runs 24 hours a day, I realize the challenges that an organization faces, especially in these economically trying times. Your board and harbor management team appear to be doing it right.
Ron and Diane Xavier
South Dartmouth