Marina Spotlight: Borden Light Marina

Nestled at the base of Narragansett Bay, Borden Light Marina is one of the only family-owned and operated large marinas in New England. Surrounded by historic ports and more than 140 miles of deep-water cruising, the location is a quick escape from Boston and Providence, Newport and Bristol and just 16 miles to the open ocean. The spacious facility boasts 310 wet slips accommodating vessels from 24-64 ft., 275 land storage spots and 50 amp electrical service with deep-water draft.

The marina recently upgraded 2,000 linear feet of floating docks and added a new 35-ton marine travel lift. Boaters love the amenities including fuel, a fitness center, pool, playground and fire pit, plus five grilling stations with patios for summer BBQ fun. Two cozy clubhouses with TVs, a coffee shop and three restaurants are all available on-site.

Enjoy live music and sip cocktails on one of the only floating bars in New England at The Tipsy Seagull, feast on local cuisine at The Tipsy Toboggan gastropub, or dress in your best for fine dining at Pier 52, which also hosts a lovely private event venue.

Fall River, MA, is rich in maritime history with plenty of waterside attractions. Borden Light Marina lies within the Fall River Waterfront Cultural District and is in walking distance to Battleship Cove, the nation’s largest WWII vessel collection with naval ships, submarines, aircraft and a maritime museum. Catch a show at the Narrows Center for the Arts national concert venue or stop for authentic Portuguese cuisine along Columbia Street.

Also, within walking distance, check out the Fall River Historical Society Museum & Library to learn about the mysterious Lizzie Borden case, one of the nation’s most notorious unsolved murders from the 1800s that made the Borden name famous.

Take a short stroll along a boardwalk that connects the marina to the main waterfront area at Veterans Memorial Bicentennial Park to view the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Wall and Iwo Jima replica. Don’t miss the town’s seasonal events such as the Day of Portugal in June, Fabric Arts Festival in May and Holy Ghost Festival in August.

Throughout the summer, the marina community hosts events ranging from Cigar Night, Soup Night, fundraisers and a Fourth of July “light your boat” contest to the popular Charity Poker Run. Borden Light also has big plans to build 100 more marina slips, add on-site retail and open a year-round upscale Mexican restaurant.

“I think what sets us apart is that we’re family-owned, we’re always on-site, we have an unbelievable staff that cares, and on top of it all, we have an incredible boating community that contributes to us annually,” says Borden Light Marina owner Michael Lund.

“These annual events and our wonderful staff have been the genesis of life-lasting relationships,” adds Lund.