Brian Lockhart, CT Post:
The developers of Steelpointe Harbor have found another noteworthy nautical tenant for their swath of land on the East End and East Side–and confirmed their interest in acquiring the soon-to-be-shuttered coal-fire plant across the water.
On Tuesday the Christophs–the father/son harbor front development team–and global sailmaker North Sails announced the latter was moving its Milford manufacturing, sales and service location to the former Derecktor Shipyards, just off Interstate 95 on Bridgeport’s Seaview Avenue.
… Between North Sales, the Boatworks and Hornblower on the East End and a new marina, Bass Pro Shops and Boca Oyster Bar across the Yellow Mill Channel, Christoph said the plan to make the city the next big boating destination is coming together.
Steelpointe Harbor boat show.
Full story here.
News release:
North Sails is excited to announce that their Milford, Connecticut manufacturing, sales, and service loft is moving to Steelpointe Harbor in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The new loft will open on July 1st, 2021, bringing several global departments under one roof and serving as the global headquarters for North Technology Group. This location puts North Sails at the heart of an exciting nautical destination that features the Bridgeport Harbor Marina, a 220-slip deepwater marina, waterside retail, and dining–all in a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood.
The new loft at Steelpointe Harbor is one of seven North Sails-owned manufacturing lofts worldwide and is 35,000 square feet of purpose-built space. The North team has everything they need to construct and service a wide range of sails, from small dinghies to superyachts and coastal cruisers to Grand Prix racing machines.
Ideally positioned on Long Island Sound, Local sailors will enjoy the easy access and customer-friendly sail pick-up and drop-off, as well as an extensive list of services; sail storage, washing, evaluations, measurement, new sail quotes, and more. The loft will also be an East Coast distribution hub for North Actionsports, the kiteboard and windsurf division of North Technology Group.
“Our entire North Sails team is looking forward to opening our loft doors in Bridgeport,” said North Technology Group Executive Chairman Tom Whidden. “We’re excited to be a part of a growing waterfront community that has a strong marine industry heritage. Local and out-of-town cruisers and racers will benefit from having a new waterfront service loft on the East Coast. This is a great move for North Sails.”
Steelpointe Harbor developer Bob Christoph Jr. stated, “North Sails is the worldwide leader in sailmaking. I am thrilled to have them come to Steelpointe Harbor. This move will help the waterfront continue to grow as a destination for marine, retail, and dining activity.” Congressman Jim Himes added, “Steelpointe Harbor has been an area of exciting development in the city, and North Sails’ decision to bring their operation here will only add to that momentum.”
Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim shares, “I’m pleased to welcome North Sails to their new home in Bridgeport and bring their sail-making expertise to the marine industry that is being revitalized on our city harbor. North Sails will add to the city’s growing economy while providing visible activity on land, in the air, and in waters of our East Side–it’s exciting.”
Local State Senator Dennis Bradley shares, “North Sails coming to our city is great news for Bridgeport and the state as we begin our economic recovery.”
Since signing the lease, operations and sales teams have been working to optimize the new space for an enhanced customer experience. With unparalleled expertise, fresh working spaces, and convenience to the Bridgeport-Port Jefferson Ferry, this flagship loft builds on decades of experience to ensure our clients will have the best service and results possible.
As longtime members of the Connecticut and Long Island sailing communities, the North Sails team is excited to welcome clients, both new and existing, to the space at Bridgeport Harbor Marina Harbor. See you in July!
