August 3 ~ 16, 2011 the Resident 860.599.1221 www.theresident.com


7


residentPhilanthropist Jeff Marshall Shares the Story of the Mystic Shipyard


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Doing ‘‘ by


Our Customers and Our Community ShopRite’s Second to None: As I


shop at ShopRite in New London, I feel compelled and very pleased to identify my feelings about the dedicated employees I see on a regular basis. The store manager,


Scott


Jeff Marshall, President, Mystic Shipyard, gestures to a photograph of the Jennie R. Dubois that hangs outside of his office at the Mystic Shipyard West.


story & photos by Alyssa Pezzello


A


short walk from scenic downtown Mystic, the Mystic Shipyard East & West is home to a combined 270 deep water slips on either side of


the Mystic River. On July 21, Jeff Marshall, President, Mystic Shipyard, gave Alexis Ann, editor and publisher, the Resident, an insider’s look at the shipyard and his personal journey. Located on Willow Point, the Shipyard was one of the first structures built in the area that later spawned the growth of the surrounding community. The Shipyard continues to host yachting events at their Clubhouse and fundraisers on its grounds. On July 16, Mystic Shipyard West welcomed guests from all over the state for the Annual Regatta and MegaParty held by the Mystic River Mudhead Sailing Association to benefit Hospice Southeastern Connecticut. The Mystic Shipyard fi rst opened its doors in 1843 with the construction of schooners and iron-clad ships. However, the Shipyard is best known for the assembly of the fi ve- masted, 249-foot coastal schooner, Jennie R. Dubois - the largest sailing ship ever built in Mystic, designed to carry 3,000 tons of coal or 2,000,000 board feet of lumber. Built in 1902, her cost was almost $100,000. The Jennie R. Dubois worked on the River and Long Island Sound for about two years before she was unintentionally rammed and sunk by a German steamship off Block Island. On October 14th, 2006 Sound Underwater Survey and the Baccala Wreck Divers located her fi nal resting place at seven miles SE off the coast of Block Island. She was positively identifi ed on September 22, 2007. In the early 1940’s, the Mystic Shipyard built catamaran powerboats called sea sleds for racing and recreation and also as tenders for presidential yachts. In later years, the site was again repurposed, this time as a recreational marina. Today, Mystic Shipyard offers custom shipwright carpentry, fiberglass repair and refinishing, rigging services, engine repair and re-powering and much more. Jeff Marshall, President, Mystic Shipyard, mans the deck.


As a teenager, Jeff was an avid sailor and held a deep passion for boating. Jeff grew up in Norwich and graduated from Norwich Free Academy in 1979. During his summers, he lived on Groton Long Point. While searching for work at the Mystic Shipyard, he met the office manager at the time, Henry Fieore. Henry couldn’t find Jeff a spot at the Shipyard, but referred him to Reynolds du Pont, Republican State Senator of Delaware 1959-1973. Jeff worked on Fisher’s Island where Reynolds lived, captaining his boat, The Goddess, for several years. “Reynolds was a great guy. I got to know him really well; he helped me out with some references. The Du Ponts are really wonderful people.” When Jeff graduated from Drury University, Springfield,


MA, with a quad major in Business, Communication, Economics and Accounting, he began his own boat dealership, Sailing Specialties. Jeff grew the dealership to one of the largest in the country. Looking for a larger space to house his boats and materials, Jeff moved his business to the Mystic


Mystic Shipyard offers custom shipwright carpentry, fiberglass repair and refinishing, rigging services, engine repair and re-powering and much more.


Champagne, is a true professional. He is very intelligent, has tremendous people skills and always has time to listen and answer questions for customers. He represents respect and integrity. He is a true worker – always busy and sets by example. Some of his tremendous supporting team members are Robin Edge, Ray Ballirano, Chris Ladyga and Phil Moss. Also, cleanliness and safety is most important.


Located on the Mystic Shipyard West’s grounds is the Mystic Yatching Center, a perfect venue for your special event. From weddings to business meetings, the Mystic Yatching Center will fit your needs.


Shipyard in 1997, where he still works today. The Mystic Shipyard employs 18 people, full-time,


year-round. “Because we’re full service, everything from complete fiber glass to mechanical to woodworking to canvas to electronics to rigging, we can keep our employees busy year-round. We have some of the best employees out there.” And not only are these employees skilled at what they do, they are loyal to Jeff and the Shipyard. “Since I’ve bought the yard, I’ve only lost one employee in fourteen years.” The crew at the Shipyard also assists Jeff in his work with the Mudheads. Jeff’s relationship with the Sailing Association spans over 14 years. For the first 10, he helped to contribute to the Leukemia Cup Regatta. The money from those sailboat races and parties went to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Recently, the Mudheads switched causes, donating the funds they collect to Hospice Southeastern Connecticut. Jeff explains the Shipyard’s connection to the Association, “We’ve collaborated with the Mudheads for quite some time. I have always donated the use of our facilities, electricity, etc. All of my guys turn it into a first class event.” Proud of what he accomplished in the last 30 years, Jeff remarks on his journey, “I was able to take my recreation, combine it with some education and business school and turn it into a career.” Jeff gestured around his office and to the view of the Mystic River beyond the windows. “Not many can people can sit here and deal with this everyday and still have a passion for it.”


Another one of Jeff’s passions are horses. He and his wife, Jen, own the Gypsy Woods Farm, North Stonington. Jeff breeds, raises and trains quality Gypsy Vanner horses. Jeff and Jen enjoy trail riding, attending local shows, driving events and participating in breed demos with their horses. “Being able to combine my love of horses with this career, it is very unique and rewarding,” explains Jeff. Jeff is a true entrepreneur and a dedicated businessman who loves what he does. From boat service expertise, leadership qualities admired by his employees and his generosity, Jeff is a role model that those in Mystic should revere. Through his involvement with the Mystic River Mudhead Sailing Association, he continues to add to the rich history of the Mystic Shipyard in a positive way. To post your comments, visit www.theresident.com or follow us on Twitter @Resident_News


Ron Meadows, Quaker Hill P.S. The contributions Mr. &


Sincerely,


Ken Capano, Sr. owner


New London 351 Frontage Road 860.447.1424


Norwich


64 West Main Street 860.887.0409


Clinton


266 East Main Street 860.669.0107


Mrs. Capano and Family have made in our community are something I admire.


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