The Dockyard Marina developed under the auspices of the West End Development Corporation is one of the most up-to-date and technically advanced marinas in the world.

It is custom designed and constructed using materials which conform to the highest standards and meet the most exacting specifications.

And the `Pontona' concrete floating dock system is the best in Scandinavian design and engineering. Its strength, flexible design, relatively low maintenance costs and proven durability make `Pontona' the ideal docking system for the marina, according to manager, Mr. Mark Osinga.

"The floating docks have held up well over the years. We've endured many a winter storm here and the boats have always been very safe,'' he said.

The marina, which lies at the entrance to the Great Sound and the shipping channels to Hamilton Harbour, is easy to navigate an approach via the main shipping channel along the North Shore.

Features include electricity, fresh water supply and if requested, telephone link-up to each ship. Wedco provides a 24-hour security surveillance system for the entire Dockyard area. And there are boat and engine repair workshops, fuel dock facilities and dry storage as well as launch and haul-out services near the marina.

In addition, a Clubhouse, which is open 24 hours a day and located conveniently close to the marina basin, provides mariners with showers, toilets, lockers and a laundromat.

Also a restaurant -- the Waterside Inn -- accommodates people for outdoor and indoor dining. "The restaurant is located below the clubhouse,'' said Mr.

Osinga. "And it is open seven days a week.'' There is also a convenience store as well as a chandlery, which is affiliated with the Marine Locker, nearby.

When Wedco first advertised the marina space to planners, owner, Mr. Tony Smith was intrigued with the idea. "Wedco was determined to have a marina here and they certainly had the right idea,'' he said.

"I read the Dockyard studies and saw that the site is probably one of the safest areas for a marina in Bermuda,'' he said, "so I decided to go ahead and develop it.'' The marina opened for business in 1987.

"We have approximately 60 boats in the marina at the moment. But we have room to expand if the demand continues to grow,'' said Mr. Smith. "We will always accommodate new customers.'' Mr. Osinga added: "As Dockyard becomes more active and as our name gets out there, we'll pick up extra business -- especially with the foreign yachtsmen.'' The marina harbours an average of 20 foreign boats a year for long periods, according to Mr. Osinga. And several more berth for short durations throughout the season.

The marina was recently outfitted with alongside berths and out-hauls for larger boats. As well, a three-phase power supply was installed this year.

"This allows us to target the larger vessels which require more power,'' said Mr. Osinga.

New to the marina this summer is a boat rental facility. "We plan to rent kayaks, sailboats and outboards,'' Mr. Osinga said.

"We're growing which is very exciting,'' he added. "But we must expand our services to keep up with the growth.'' SAFE BERTH -- Wedco provides a 24-hour security surveillance system for the entire Dockyard area. And there are boat and engine repair workshops, fuel dock facilities and dry storage as well as launch and haul-out services near the marina.