Press Releases
Galveston Yacht Basin Reborn!
Rich in history and vibrant in rebirth, the Galveston Yacht Basin has been a staple on Galveston Island for as long as I can remember. The monumental marina was built by avid fisherman Robert Everett “R.E. Bob” Smith in the 1960s and completed in 1969. What makes the Galveston Yacht Basin unique is it wasn’t built as a business endeavor but out of a joy and love of the ocean and for fishing. The roots and history of Galveston Island and the people who care about it run deep.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, the Yacht Basin was structurally devastated. A fire set ablaze 150-200 boats in the dry storage unit. Fortunately, the majority of the wet slips in the marina were usable. So while the basin never officially “closed” due to its 481 functioning wet slips, the marina was not running to its entirety after Ike. The restaurant, pool, onsite filling station and more were all out of commission.
Enter in a group of friends who decided to take a chance. Like Bob Smith before them, present owners John “Rocky” Sullivan, Greg Pappas and Steven Swan hold a deep affection for the basin and angling. It was a somewhat risky move, but because they believed in the importance of reviving a piece of this city’s rich history, these men have opened new doors and brought a new face to the Galveston Yacht Basin.
The Galveston Yacht Basin has completely reinvented itself and its ideals. As for the member’s area, the swimming pool and outdoor lounge section is back open for business, and there is even talk of an additional waterside restaurant and grill in the near future. As for right now, the restaurant, bar and lounge area has been completely refurnished and placed back in its original form ready for reserved parties and events. Complete with novel custom décor, the new owners have preserved all original wood panels, ceiling, and artistries once imported from Germany as its founder, Bob Smith, intended it.
The marina, which can accommodate a 100 foot yacht or a 7 foot bay boat, is also making huge progress! Construction is underway for a brand new 60 foot tall, 57,000 square foot dry storage unit that is in a class of its own. A modern feature completely new to the dry storage facility is the fully tuned concierge service that will be available to those who wish to take advantage of a little extra help before a long day on the water. With one phone call to the marina you can get all the supplies and necessities you’ll need for the next day’s events. Whether it’s bait, ice, snacks, or even beer, the full service concierge assistance can make it happen! The wet slips areas are changing as well as new owners have implemented built-in palapas upon request. This is a fun change slip owners can really enjoy.
Also new to the Basin is a fully functioning boat maintenance shop adding an extra convenience for when something on your boats breaks…again. There’s also a small store up and running that provides on the water gas fill up and sells drinks, snacks, floats, t-shirts, and other convenience items.
Good news for the Galveston visitor and those who can’t manage renting a slip of their own, is that GYB is now open to the public for launching. This is especially notable to Galvestonians and out-of-towners because the GYB is the closest launch to the Galveston jetties and offshore access that the city has to offer. Changing the policy to a public access was something the new owners were excited about, and you should be too.
According to Sullivan, “it’s time to bring the fun back,” and that’s exactly what he, Pappas, and Swan are doing. The Galveston Yacht Basin is the third largest saltwater marina in Texas Gulf Coast and it was almost lost and forgotten forever. Thankfully there are those out there who care enough to put their faith and hard work into making this piece of Galveston come back to life!
If you have yet to take part in this growing and newly revitalized experience, I suggest you come down and check it out!
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Galveston Island loves a PARADE, and PIRATES!
All of Galveston Island is buzzing about the recently announced PIRATE GHOST PARADE coming to the downtown area on Friday October 12!
The mardi-gras style parade features an armada of boats ferrying pirate crews sharing "treasure beads and doubloons" with the crowds along the charted course of Market St, Post Office St. and the Strand from 6PM to 8PM.
Party-goers and children who join-in with the pirate dress theme will no doubt be awarded the bulk of the "treasures" thrown to the crowds!
All Pirate Ghost Captains wishing to enter any trailered boat with crew and treasure onboard floating through the streets of Galveston can register at www.PirateGhostParade.com.
Join the Pirates again on Saturday as they cast-off on another adventure from the Texas Coast Boat Show located at the Galveston Yacht Basin.
Come out and join the PIRATE GHOST PARADE! This is going to be a great event for Galveston Island!
Sponsor interests please call (281) 702-8744.
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This roundup of upcoming shows and events includes news from the Texas Coast Boat & Outdoor Show, the Monaco Yacht Show and Quincy (Ill.) Classic Boat and Outboard Show.
The Texas Coast Boat & Outdoor Show will be held Oct. 12-14, celebrating the redevelopment and refurbishment of the Galveston Yacht Basin, one of Galveston’s oldest landmarks.
The event will feature more than 100 power- and sailboats in the water and an onshore exhibition where visitors will be able to browse the latest in watercraft, fishing gear, water-ski and wakeboarding accessories, products and services and marine accessories and outdoor equipment.
A major attraction of the boat show weekend will be the National Tri-Hull Powerboat Championship, an American Power Boat Association-sanctioned event, attracting drivers and crew from across the country, with Texas bragging rights up for grabs.
Other events include an evening Mardi Gras-style boat parade on the first day of the show.
Organizers are working with the Galveston Historical Foundation to create fundraising opportunities to assist with repairs to the 1877 tall ship Elissa, the official Tall Ship of Texas, along with other non-profit organizations.
Information about the show is available by calling (561) 842-8808 or going to www.texascoastboatshow.com.
Click here for the full release.
- By Trade Only Today
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In October this year to celebrate the redevelopment and refurbishment of one of Galveston’s oldest landmarks, the Galveston Yacht Basin - one of the biggest additions to Galveston’s annual event line up will be taking place, the Texas Coast Boat & Outdoor Show which will be presented by Emerald and Diamond Beach, luxury residences on the Gulf Coast!*
This “festival” will feature over 100 boats in the water, both power and sail, plus a huge onshore exhibition where event attendees will have the opportunity to browse the latest in watercraft, fishing gear, waterski and wakeboarding accessories, products and services for the boating lifestyle along with marine accessories and outdoor equipment.
A major attraction of the Boat Show weekend will be the action packed National Tri-Hull Powerboat Championship, an APBA (American Power Boat Assoc) sanctioned event, attracting drivers and crew from across the USA, with Texas bragging rights up for grabs!
Join the festivities of the “Mardi Gras” style Boat Parade on Friday evening and enjoy the fun with the “Ghost Ships of Galveston” floating down the Strand! Follow the treasure map of the street parade, and collect pirate gold and jewels thrown to the crowds!
Additionally, visitors to the Show will be able to watch the spectacular start of the “Treasure Chest Poker Run” on Saturday morning as powerful race boats head offshore to compete in this all day event.
Meet the Miss GEICO Racing team, with Throttleman Scotty Begovitch, and get a close up look at the amazing Miss GEICO and Caveman Powerboats with a chance to win great prizes at the GEICO display.
Don’t miss the live bands on stage, great food and activities for the children - an excellent opportunity to get away for a fun packed weekend break in the great City of Galveston.
The event organizers are also working with the Galveston Historical Foundation to create fund raising opportunities to assist with the repairs aboard the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa, the official Tall Ship of Texas, along with other worthy non-profit organizations.
For further information on the Texas Coast Boat & Outdoor Show and the weekend events please contact: 561.842.8808 email:
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or visit: www.texascoastboatshow.com
* Emerald, located on the East End of the Island is the newest condominium in Galveston, and will be the last to offer unobstructed views in every direction. Its location, overlooking the Gulf, offers the best of Galveston - beach access, dining and entertainment. Combined with Emerald’s selection of homes, rich collection of amenities and a range of features that not only make life effortless, Emerald also offers peace of mind, and is redefining what it means to live in Galveston.
Diamond Beach located on West Beach offers Galveston's only five-star mid-rise resort residences. Along with an unmatched location that provides endless Gulf views, Diamond Beach adds a collection of luxurious amenities that make it more than a home away from home.
The indoor and outdoor pools, spa, grille, fitness center, theater, wine room, and of course, spectacular beach will make you never want to leave. Diamond Beach is the only building ever built on the south side of the seawall. Step out onto the seawall and run, walk, rollerblade, fish, or peddle bikes for miles – exactly 20 miles if you make a round-trip of it.
