voices: the community speaks of Nantucket and GHYC

Mr. Dirk Roggeveen
February 7, 2004
Nantucket Conservation Commission

Dear Members of the Conservation Commission,

On behalf of those concerned for the preservation of The Creeks, I wish to point out that any GHYC "dock plan" is in reality a MARINA. 50 slips or 150 -- it doesn't matter.

The kind of boats that will dock there are likely to be power yachts that live, breathe and defecate petroleum products -- no matter how well maintained. There will be few if any sailboats without engines, for the kind of people who are buying "memberships" are not likely to be that kind of sailor. They are most likely to buy show boats and will turn any such docking area into a MARINA -- probably an ever-growing one.

ANY kind of marina in such close vicinity to our biggest salt marsh would cause pollution not only from petroleum products but also from the frequent need to "wash down" and cocktail debris accidentally going overboard. The forecast is that the kind of "members" this "yacht club" will attract hardly ever go to sea, but prefer the ambiance of UPSCALE MARINAS.

Two flood tides a day going from the GHYC marina and disgorging into the mouth of The Creeks should be a horrifying thought to anybody charged with the duty of conserving and protecting our wetlands.

Therefore I propose an alternative for the ConCom's consideration if our other permitting authorities allow a Great Harbor Yacht Club to come into existence. Deny the petition for ANY series of docking slips.

Instead, allow the club to do what almost EVERY OTHER yacht club in this country does: provide launch service for its members and a bulkhead float to accommodate members' dinghies. Thus their members would keep their yachts on moorings in the Harbor, just like everybody else who lives here.

Dock slips are for transients, like those who use the Boat Basin. Launch service is for a club's permanent members.

Meanwhile, the Gray Lady Marine facility would presumably service boats as it has been doing all these years.

The Creeks will have won another round for its survival.

Respectfully submitted,

C.S. Lovelace