The Clean Marina program encourages marina operators and recreational boaters to reduce the sources and impacts of pollution and protect water quality.

“By voluntarily implementing environmental stewardship practices, the Lewes Yacht Club has taken a leadership role in protecting the recreational and economic benefits of this beautiful canal,” said DNREC Deputy Secretary David Small. “The marina’s efforts will not only improve the cleanliness of the canal but demonstrate that environmental responsibility is good for business.”

The Lewes Yacht Club recently completed a total makeover of its marina on the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal near Roosevelt Inlet. Commodore Richard Martin said the work was a group effort completed by a devoted marina committee.

To meet Clean Marina requirements, the yacht club developed an operations and maintenance plan that includes updated emergency procedures and a spill kit and requires all boaters to follow strict guidelines regarding maintenance and fish cleaning.

During construction, the marina installed environmentally sound floating docks that can be easily removed from the water for maintenance and repair. The docks are constructed of composite decking, which will not leach chemicals found in traditional treated wood decking. In addition, new plumbing and utility towers were installed, and a marina office building was constructed that has improved marina operations.

To reduce runoff, paved surfaces were kept to a minimum, and grass buffers and landscaping have been maintained. The yacht club has an agreement with the City of Lewes for shared access with the marine pump-out unit at Lewes Canalfront Park.

The Lewes Yacht Club joins with Canalfront Park and Pilottown marinas as the third marina on the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal to receive the designation.