MARBLEHEAD — Harbormaster Mark Souza called 2025 one of the town’s safest and most successful boating seasons in years at Thursday morning’s Harbormaster Breakfast at the Dolphin Yacht Club.
He cited a sharp drop in calls for service and no major incidents on the water. Souza, now entering his 10th year as Marblehead’s harbormaster, shared his annual update during a Marine Community meeting at the Dolphin Yacht Club, attended by yacht club officers, mooring company representatives, and Town officials, including the fire and police chiefs.
“It was one of the least call-for-service seasons I’ve had since I’ve been here,” Souza said. “That shows safe boating, responsibility on the water, and just a careful experience for everybody out there.”
He said the season brought ideal weather and a cooperative boating community. There were no barge fires, major storms, or whale-related incidents.
A highlight of Souza’s report was news of a new patrol vessel, funded through a federal Port Security Grant awarded three years ago. The boat, built by Munson Boats in Washington, is expected to arrive in approximately four weeks and will replace the aging “Stacey Clark.”
The new vessel will retain the name “Stacey Clark.”
Souza said the upgraded aluminum craft will be more versatile and durable, with modern communication systems and a flat-deck design allowing easier shoreline rescues.
“It’s a great asset to the town,” Souza said. “It can handle rocky shorelines and will help us work more efficiently with other harbor and law enforcement agencies.”
Souza also announced new software for managing waitlists, billing, and mooring permits. The previous system was retired after failing to meet the department’s needs.
“We’re already seeing a huge improvement,” he said. “It’s more user-friendly, and the fee is even a little lower.”
The new system, Souza added, will streamline communication with residents and simplify renewal and payment processes for mooring holders.
Souza also addressed Marblehead’s ongoing Harbor and Seawall Resiliency Project, designed to protect Marblehead’s waterfront from sea-level rise and storm damage.
While the project recently faced a setback after a grant denial from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) due to non-compliance with 3A, Souza said the Town remains committed to moving forward.
“This isn’t a question of ‘should’ we do this; it’s ‘we have to,’” he said. “We’re working with the town administrator, Select Board, and Harbors and Waters Board to find a solution.”
He said the Town may need to adjust the project’s scope or funding sources but pledged that it will not be abandoned.
Souza praised Marblehead’s yacht clubs, dockmasters, and launch operators for what he called a “seamless” season of regattas and events.
“Usually, you only hear complaints,” he said. “This year, it was all positive. Every event went smoothly, and the visiting crews had great experiences.”
He also credited the operators at West Shore Launch Services for improving customer satisfaction and noted that there were no complaints of excessive wake or speed violations.
“That means you’re paying attention to your crews,” Souza said. “The better job you all do, the better I can do mine. It’s truly a team effort.”
Souza ended his report with appreciation for the local maritime community and town residents, saying he’s proud to serve Marblehead.
“I’m not a resident, but it feels like I am,” he said. “Everyone here makes me feel part of the community. I care about this harbor as much as my dog.”
