Maddie’s Sail Loft owner looking to reopen landmark

MARBLEHEAD – One way or another Maddie’s Sail Loft will be open for Race Week this year.Owner John Tangusso told selectmen Wednesday night that he is trying to market the legendary local sailing bar, which disappointed many local customers when it closed Jan. 18.”We have had three showings in eight days,” he said. “We’re honestly trying to find someone who will maintain the institution as we all know it.”However, Tangusso said he is also working on a Plan B: reopening the downstairs at Maddie’s Tuesdays-Saturdays for lunch and early dinner, as early as April. If that generates enough profits the main dining room could reopen around Memorial Day.Tangusso pointed out that after Maddie’s closed he arranged for the woman in charge of his kitchen to take a seminar and maintain her state certification, “in the event we reopen.”Selectmen, who invited Tangusso in to see if any action needed to be taken regarding Maddie’s liquor license, asked Tangusso to return with a further report April 9.Outside the meeting room Tangusso said the closing night was the best he had during his ownership, 30 percent better than Thanksgiving Eve.”Maddie’s is relevant to Marblehead,” he said. “We’d like to see it stay open.”