October 1, 2009
Because David Rogers likes to go fast in a good, strong breeze, he took a sailing course in college. And because it was where the classes were held, he hung out at Charleston City Marina.
So when it became time for a summer job, he simply asked the people he knew, and he was hired.
Now he’s harbormaster of the marina in charge of 40 acres of water, 425 slips and the 1,530-foot MegaDock fueling station.
The marina in downtown Charleston, S.C. was undergoing transition when Rogers first started as part-time summer help in 1994.
After graduating with his business administration degree from the College of Charleston, Rogers was preparing his resume for a serious job search when the marina manager called him to work full-time.
After his sailing class he continued to sail with the Charleston Ocean Racing Association until he realized that being in the middle of a race and being on-call for the marina 24 hours a day wouldn’t work.
Rogers also loves to fish in any spare time he finds, but his latest passion is surfing.
“I’ve got short boards, long boards and a couple in between,” Rogers said.
Rogers and the staff often work more than 12 hours a day during the busy transient seasons of April to July and October through December, but he’s quick to get to Costa Rica for surfing during his vacations.
Rogers is proud of the marina’s professionalism and said three staff members are certified marina managers.
He listed a few of the marina’s accolades including a designation as Marina of the Year in 2005 and the 2009 Jack Nichol award, an international award in recognition of excellence in modern recreational marina design.
“We’re a perfect stop about halfway between the New England area and South Florida,” Rogers said. They are at marker 469.5 on the ICW and are seven miles from the jetties at the Atlantic Ocean.
“We’re a safe area to be during the hurricane season and many boats spend winters here.”
Downtown Charleston is a big draw for visitors and the staff at Charleston City Marina loves to help yacht crew and guests make the most of the southern history and charm.
The marina has a shuttle to ferry people downtown and to daily stops at West Marine and a plaza with shopping amenities for boaters. They’ll call a cab, make copies in the office and arrange trips to the airport.
“This is a great spot for crew exchange, with the international and executive airports less than 30 minutes away,” Rogers said.
“We’re like a hotel, but the guests bring their own room.”
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