NEWs
PORT 32 Marinas Acquires Portside Marina in Morehead City, North Carolina
Prominent purchase represents PORT 32’s first marina outside of Florida and renewed focus on growth along both the US Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico
Morehead City, N.C. (November 13, 2024) – PORT 32 Marinas, LLC (PORT 32) recently acquired Portside Marina, one of North Carolina’s most conveniently located marinas. Located at 209 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC, the marina is situated along the state’s “Crystal Coast,” a prime permanent residence and vacation destination for avid boaters. Its prime location along the Intracoastal Waterway on Bogue Sound, near the Beaufort Inlet and adjacent to the Port of Morehead, makes it a boating and fishing haven for locals and visitors to the area.
PORT 32 is a leading owner, operator, developer, and acquirer of a growing collection of irreplaceable marina assets in premier markets across both the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico. The purchase of Portside Marina represents its first marina acquisition in North Carolina. With the addition of Portside Marina, PORT 32 seeks to grow its family of marinas along the east coast and up the ICW.
"We are thrilled to have a presence on the Crystal Coast - the boating community in Morehead City has some of the best people and fishing on the East Coast. We look forward to getting to know and supporting this fine community and being a part of all the awesome things already going on here," says Austin Schell, CEO PORT 32.
Our new General Manager, Patrick Creech, has over a decade of marina experience, most recently as GM of Ripley Light Marina in Charleston, SC. He brings additional experience from marinas in Wrightsville Beach, NC and Hilton Head, SC, and he eagerly anticipates joining the Morehead City community in his new role. He is a passionate boater focused on providing quality customer service and making a lasting positive impact on those around him.
Portside Marina’s complete dry stack storage currently stores up to 213 vessels of 30 feet in length or less. Its 12 deep water transient slips accommodate vessels up to 125 feet. Amenities such as the fuel dock, live bait station, marine repair, ship store, and more make this one of the most desirable marinas for boaters along the Intracoastal Waterway. The marina’s convenient concierge service and southern hospitality can’t be beat.
Located approximately a mile and a half from the Beaufort Inlet, Portside Marina provides immediate access to the ocean, a significant feature for sportfishing enthusiasts. North Carolina’s beautiful barrier islands protect the waters of Bogue Sound from the ocean, and Portside Marina’s location behind Sugarloaf Island protects its vessels against the elements despite its proximity to the inlet. The marina is walking distance from Morehead City’s growing downtown district, which is home to many unique eateries and experiences, from fresh-catch seafood at Yellowfin Pub or Catch 109 Oyster Bar to wood-fired pizza at Jack’s on the Waterfront and a round of drinks at Tight Lines Pub & Brewing Co. The Morehead City Waterfront is also home to the world-renowned Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, bringing in hundreds of participants every June to compete for the grand prize, with the tournament’s total purse weighing in at $7.6 million in 2024. Transient boaters may enjoy venturing to the neighboring towns of Beaufort, Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle, each a short drive or boat ride away and full of exciting activities. The area’s recreational and commercial boating, rich maritime history, beautiful geography and deep rooted community excites the PORT 32 team as they make their home in Carteret County.
"It’s no coincidence that our first PORT 32 property outside of Florida was Portside Marina in Morehead City, NC. This is an exceptional boating community set within a beautiful landscape. We cannot wait to show you the upgrades and services we have planned, which will enhance the boating experience and honor the unique character of this coastal town. Morehead City is a special place, and we’re thrilled to be part of its vibrant community.” Jeremy Enck, Regional VP PORT 32
About PORT 32
Based in Charleston, South Carolina, PORT 32 is a leading owner, operator, developer and
acquirer of dry and wet slip coastal marina assets. PORT 32 provides expertise in the
development and management of marina assets to bring customers an unparalleled level of
service within the marina industry. PORT 32 owns and operates a growing collection of
marina assets in premier markets. For more information, please visit https://port32marinas.com.