In recent years, Hodgdon Yacht Services’ Community & Customer Appreciation Day BBQ has become a most eagerly anticipated summer event on Southport.

On Sunday afternoon, July 21, despite a forecast that threatened possible thunderstorms, friends and neighbors, customers and employees came down to the HYS boatyard and marina on Ebenecook Road to enjoy good company, great food, beverages and fine music. It was the hottest day of the year so far but there was a good breeze off the water and, as ever, the party went off without a hitch.

HYS has owned the facility at the head of Ebenecook Harbor since 2014 and has held the customer-appreciation event every year. Said owner Tim Hodgdon, “We want to thank our customers, the community, and our employees. This is a great way to do that and it brings everyone together.”

Stone Cove Catering from Bristol provided the food; the Holy Mackerels played and sang old favorites; and Kellogg Marine Supply, Hamilton Marine, and West Marine donated door prizes.

Done well, an event looks effortless, and that was true at HYS this year. But a great deal of work goes on behind the scenes to pull it off.

“Everybody pitches in,” said Hodgdon. “Jennifer Gaudette brings it all together. And everyone works hard in the week before to clean up the yard and make sure we’re looking our best.”

It’s been a busy year. “We’ve had some relatively big, ongoing, re-powering projects and, unlike some years, we really haven’t seen a slowdown this summer,” said Hodgdon. “It’s been a good year, both here and at our other facility, Hodgdon Tenders, where we have six limousine tenders under contract.” The Hodgdon tenders are shipped to European shipyards and range from 6.5 meters to 12 meters.

The storms stayed away, the sun shone, and the gathering was a great success.

“It really is our ‘appreciation’ day,” said Hodgdon. “After all, we wouldn’t be anywhere without our customers!”