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  • Best ICW Stop Between Charleston and St. Augustine

    Best ICW Stop Between Charleston and St. Augustine

    Cruisers traveling the Intracoastal Waterway often look for the best marina stop between Charleston and St. Augustine. Located just minutes from the ICW, Brunswick Landing Marina in Brunswick, Georgia has become one of the most popular transient stops for boaters cruising the Southeast coast.

    That stretch of the ICW covers roughly 200 nautical miles and includes the winding rivers, marshes, and tidal creeks of coastal Georgia. While there are several places to tie up along the way, experienced cruisers often look for a stop that offers more than just a dock for the night.

    Many traveling boaters have discovered that Brunswick Landing Marina checks nearly every box for a comfortable and memorable stop along the Georgia coast.

    Located just a short distance off the Intracoastal Waterway in the protected Brunswick River, the marina has become a favorite destination for cruisers traveling both north and south along the waterway.

    A Perfect Midpoint Stop on the ICW

    For most vessels cruising between Charleston, South Carolina and St. Augustine, Florida, Brunswick sits almost perfectly in the middle of the journey.

    Typical cruising legs along this route include:

    • Charleston to Beaufort

    • Beaufort to Brunswick

    • Brunswick to St. Augustine

    Stopping in Brunswick allows cruisers to break the trip into manageable distances while enjoying a well-protected marina with full amenities.

    Unlike many ICW stops that consist of a small dock or fuel pier, Brunswick offers the feel of a full marina community.

    Easy and Safe Access from the Waterway

    One reason cruisers frequently recommend Brunswick is how straightforward the approach is from the ICW.

    The marina sits just a short run from the Intracoastal Waterway via the well-marked Brunswick River channel. The approach offers good depths and wide turning basins, making it accessible for a wide range of cruising vessels.

    Once inside the basin, boaters find calm water, floating docks, and plenty of room to maneuver.

    Protection from wakes and weather is another major advantage. Many cruisers comment on how quiet and secure the marina feels compared to more exposed ICW docks.

    Amenities Cruisers Actually Use

    Transient boaters often choose a marina based on the amenities available after a long day underway. Brunswick Landing has become known for providing the kinds of facilities cruisers truly appreciate.

    Some of the most popular amenities include:

    • floating docks with reliable shore power and water

    • clean bathhouses and laundry facilities

    • fuel dock and pump-out services

    • courtesy cars available for provisioning trips

    • Wi-Fi throughout the marina

    • easy access to grocery stores and marine supplies

    These practical conveniences make it easy for travelers to restock, recharge, and prepare for the next leg of their journey.

    Walkable Historic Downtown

    One of the unique features of Brunswick Landing is its location within walking distance of historic downtown Brunswick.

    After tying up, cruisers can explore a variety of nearby restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, and local businesses. The downtown area has a relaxed coastal atmosphere that many visitors find refreshing after long days on the water.

    Popular activities for visiting boaters include:

    • walking the downtown historic district

    • dining at local seafood restaurants

    • exploring waterfront parks

    • visiting local shops and markets

    A Friendly Cruiser Community

    Another reason boaters enjoy stopping in Brunswick is the sense of community.

    The marina has developed a reputation as a gathering place for traveling cruisers. It’s common to see boaters sharing stories on the docks, meeting new friends, or attending informal events organized around the marina.

    For long-distance cruisers making the seasonal migration north and south along the ICW, these social connections often become a highlight of the trip.

    Services for Boats and Crews

    In addition to transient dockage, Brunswick Landing also offers a full-service boatyard capable of handling a wide range of maintenance and repair needs.

    This makes the marina particularly useful for cruisers who may need to address maintenance issues before continuing their journey.

    Having access to haul-out facilities and professional marine services provides peace of mind for travelers far from their home port.

    A Reliable Stop for ICW Cruisers

    Every cruiser develops favorite stops along the Intracoastal Waterway. Over time, Brunswick Landing has become one of those places that boaters consistently recommend to others planning the trip.

    Its combination of safe docks, helpful staff, practical amenities, and access to a charming coastal town make it a natural place to pause while traveling the Georgia coast.

    For boaters planning their next leg between Charleston and St. Augustine, Brunswick is well worth considering as a stop along the way.

    Planning Your Stop in Brunswick

    If you’re cruising the ICW and looking for a comfortable place to rest, resupply, and explore, Brunswick Landing Marina offers transient slips for vessels of many sizes.

    To learn more about amenities or reserve a slip for your trip, visit the marina’s Dockwa reservation page or contact the dockmaster for current availability.

    Cruisers traveling the Intracoastal Waterway often find that a stop in Brunswick becomes one of the most memorable parts of their journey.


  • Introducing the Hook & Loop Cocktail

    Introducing the Hook & Loop Cocktail

    Introducing the Hook & Loop: Brunswick Landing Marina’s New Signature Sip

    At Brunswick Landing Marina, we’re always looking for ways to celebrate coastal life and bring our community together in fresh, memorable ways. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our brand-new signature cocktail: the Hook & Loop.

    Inspired by the spirit of the waterfront and crafted with sunny days in mind, the Hook & Loop is a vibrant and refreshing drink that captures the essence of marina life in every sip. Whether you’re relaxing on the dock, celebrating with friends, or simply soaking in the salt air, this cocktail is the perfect companion.

    What’s in it?
    Here’s the golden ratio that makes the Hook & Loop so delicious:

    • 4 parts Light Rum – for that smooth, tropical kick

    • 4 parts Strawberry Lemonade – sweet, tangy, and refreshingly familiar

    • 2 parts Pineapple Juice – a splash of the tropics

    • 1 part Lemon Juice – just the right amount of citrus zip

    • 1 part Simple Syrup – to balance it all out with a hint of sweetness

    Served chilled over ice and ideally enjoyed with a marina breeze, the Hook & Loop is equal parts celebration and relaxation—just like life here at Brunswick Landing Marina.

    So next time you’re with us, raise a glass and toast to good boats, good people, and great drinks.

    Cheers to the Hook & Loop!

  • Team Member of the Quarter – T.J. Brooks

    Team Member of the Quarter – T.J. Brooks

    We are pleased to announce that Timothy “T.J.” Brooks has been selected as Q4 2024 Team Member of the Quarter for the Torras companies located in Glynn County. As the Lead Hull Technician in the Boat Yard at Brunswick Landing Marina, T.J. stood out for overall quality of work, productivity, teamwork, being proactive in addressing issues, attendance, and consistency. He takes ownership in his work and inspires all that work with him.

    T.J. consistently embodies our Core Values of Integrity, Commitment to Customers, Accountability, Teamwork, Quality, Innovation, and Constant Improvement. T.J. started working at the Boat Yard in 2022 and has over twenty years of experience working as a paint and coatings technician in the aviation and automotive industries.

    Upon receiving the award, T.J. commented, “This recognition means a lot to me and it wouldn’t have been possible without the team.”

  • Brunswick Landing Marina earns Gold Anchor accreditation

    Brunswick Landing Marina earns Gold Anchor accreditation

    Brunswick is now home to the only globally accredited marina on the East Coast of the United States.

    Brunswick Landing Marina was recently awarded Gold Anchor accreditation by the Marina Industries Association, MIA, making it the first on the East Coast to earn the distinction and one of more than 230 in 29 countries around the world.

    “We were thoroughly impressed with the Gold Anchor program when we learned about it, so receiving this international accreditation is very gratifying,” said Daren Pietsch, Brunswick Landing Marina President. “The fact that we were the first marina to qualify on the East Coast is another indication of how committed our team is to being the best we can be for our customers and the community we are proud to be part of.”

    The Global Gold Anchor is an international accreditation that assesses participating marinas in areas including a marina’s services, procedures and facilities. The accreditation signals to customers the commitment the marina has to quality facilities and services, said MIA CEO Suzanne Davies.

    “It’s exciting to see the program grow to the USA’s East Coast,” Davies said. “Brunswick Landing Marina is a full-service marina that offers a complete menu of marine services for customers and is a worthy recipient of the Gold Anchor accreditation.”

    Brunswick Landing boasts 101-acres of property in downtown Brunswick that offers 375 wet slips, 100 dry slips and is able to accommodate vessels up to 250 feet long.

    The MIA awarded the marina with the Gold Anchor for several reasons, including its positioning in a hurricane hole with deep water access protected on three sides by by land. The MIA also noted the addition of a mega-yacht dock in 2021 that also serves as a wave attenuator, the marina’s liveaboard friendly atmosphere with no extra fees for the privilege, and its regularly schedule activities for marina guests.

    “To have our first East Coast USA marina join the program shows the strength of the Gold Anchor brand as a credible way of communicating to potential customers the marina’s commitment to quality facilities and services. We look forward to more American marinas joining the program.”

    The MIA represents the interests of club, recreational and commercial marinas, boatyards and industry suppliers in Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

    The Gold Anchor program audits 86 criteria across all areas of the marina business and is a joint venture between the MIA and The Yacht Harbour Association, which administers the program in the U.S., United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean.

  • The best marina in America

    The best marina in America

    Torras Properties has had many accolades over the years, but perhaps none as satisfying as the Brunswick Landing Marina being named 2022’s “Best Large Marina” in the nation by Marina Life Magazine.

    by Glenn Carson

    With 17 docks, and amenities including a dog park and free laundry, the marina serves as home to hundreds of boats of all sizes. Almost 450 wet slips make it, indeed, a large marina. In addition, boat owners are offered a variety of services that make their lives easier, from bottom cleaning and painting, to towing services, fiberglass repair, and more.

    The plans for the marina were started in the 1980s by the Torras family. However, it took almost ten years to receive all the necessary permits, with the marina opening its first dock in 1990. A major hurdle to overcome was the fact that the East River was identified as a commercial navigation channel by the federal government. After a decade of steady work, and the marina finally open, they spent the first few years giving away dockage so the boating community would embrace this new space next to downtown Brunswick.

    The marina remains family owned, with Michael Torras serving as Marina Manager. “We walk the docks every single day,” Torras said. “While other marinas in the region no longer allow full-time living, we actively encourage live-aboards because we want the marina to be a community unto itself.” Torras said it is the partnership between the marina staff and the community of boaters that makes the marina so special and so full of charm.

    Adding to the community life are three socials held for permanent and temporary residents each week. A playground and free gas grills make it an ideal spot for boaters with family aboard. Yoga classes, arts and crafts, and oyster roasts are regular activities that keep everyone involved and help to make lasting connections.

  • There’s No Place Like Home (aka Brunswick Landing Marina)

    There’s No Place Like Home (aka Brunswick Landing Marina)

    Ingrid and I are new members of the Golden Isles Power Squadron; however, I am not new to the U.S. Power Squadron. I no longer have my physical certificate; it was lost when Hurricane Ian took our Beneteau Oceanis 464, but I’ve been a member since about 1974. I joined the Waukegan (Illinois) Sail & Power Squadron, held various and multiple positions, before becoming their Commander in 1986. I was thinking back on when I took my first Boating Course, and then Seamanship, Piloting, Advanced Piloting, Junior Navigation and all those wonderful electives. I look back very fondly on all my instructors and cruising companions all those many years ago.

    People say the most wonderful place on earth is Disneyland. As live aboard boaters, Ingrid and I say the most wonderful place on earth is Brunswick Landing Marina (BLM) and its social club. There are so many activities that the marina owner, Michael Torras, makes available here, including social gatherings three times a week with free wine and beer; 30 to 50 people usually attend. Great conversations with real world boating experiences are always on tap. Themes for some of the socials have included Deviled Egg Night and Margarita Night. We’ve been here since New Year’s Eve when we purchased our Pilgrim 40 Trawler Sam McGee.

    We’ve been boaters for over 50 years and have never experienced any place that has been even close to the wonderful atmosphere provided here.

    The marina provides free washers and dryers (all new), four iPads and specialized desks in the clubhouse, yoga classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. We do cardio work outs on Tuesdays and Thursdays (done at your own risk of heart attack). For those looking for more leisurely activities, there are card games every Tuesday. BLM recently added a pickle ball court.

    Brunswick is an excellent ‘Hurricane Hole’. I was a resident of Southwest Florida with both a home (on the land) and later as a live aboard (sailboat). We’d weathered numerous hurricanes, but after losing our sailboat Annelise to 150+ MPH winds and 20+ foot flood surge, having a secure and safe floating dock is of the utmost importance.

    We will spend four months exploring the Chesapeake this summer but have made reservations to return to BLM for November through January. We plan a return to Florida and the Bahamas in 2024, but BLM is our new base.

    Come on down and visit us on Dock 11. M/V Sam MaGee (Hull #1) is a beautiful home on the water. I call it forty feet with a view. .

    Stephen Luta, JN and Ingrid Whiting

    Published by America’s Boating Club Golden Isles

  • The world gathers at downtown Brunswick marina

    The world gathers at downtown Brunswick marina

    BRUNSWICK, GEORGIA – A world map hangs in the common room of the Yacht Club at Brunswick Landing Marina, riddled with pens covering Europe, the U.S., Australia, South America and more.

    Each pin represents where boats that have docked there originated. The variety is astonishing to the uneducated.

    To the educated, however, which includes the group of boaters, or cruisers, gathered at the Yacht Club on a recent Wednesday, it is no surprise the downtown Brunswick marina has been attracting people to the Golden Isles for decades.

    The Wednesday happy hour gatherings — they happen a few times each week in fact — are a tradition at Brunswick Landing Marina and over the years have built an international community that convenes regularly in downtown Brunswick.

    Normand and Sylvie Beaupre of Montreal sat recently with new friends made since their stay began in November and enjoyed appetizers, wine and plenty of laughs as they overlooked the East River as the sun set over the western horizon.

    “We go downtown. We eat at some of the restaurants,” said Sylvie Beaupre with her noticeable French Canadian accent. “We go to the farmer’s market. Bike to Winn-Dixie. There are so many benefits here.”

    It is the Beaupres’ first stay at Brunswick Landing but won’t likely be their last. They had originally planned to make it all the way to the Florida Keys in their 36-foot sailboat, La Vagabonde, but Hurricane Ian derailed those plans.

    Having no prior knowledge of the safe haven that is Brunswick Landing Marina — it’s a hurricane hole where boaters keep their vessels to protect them from storms — the Beaupres got a slip and decided this would be their home until April.

    “There are people who don’t stop here because they go to Fernandina Beach,” Sylvie said. “Now I sent messages to people waiting to get in somewhere down there and said, ‘Stop here.’”

    She and Normand said they sent the same messages to people they know who will be heading back north from the Bahamas soon.

    “There are so many benefits here,” Normand Beaupre said.

    They had their vessel’s zinc redone to be properly prepared for the saltwater. They found a seamstress downtown who repaired some zippers on some of their equipment. They discovered restaurants and shops like St. Vincent De Paul thrift shop where Normand bought a brand new pair of New Balance shoes at a steep discount.

    At the docks, they said features like free internet, grills available for cookouts, the Yacht Club and the community atmosphere make staying in Brunswick an experience unlike any other.

    “At a lot of places, they just want your boat and your money. They don’t want you to stay there,” Normand Beaupre said. “Here, they want you.”

    And the people they have met have been great too, they said.

    On this Wednesday other people from Canada, a couple from England and folks from all over the United States, including Maine and Arkansas, were gathered for some fun and fellowship. At any given time, you can meet people from Italy, Australia or South America. You name it, there’s a good chance someone from there has visited Brunswick via Brunswick Landing Marina.

    Stephen Luta, who lived the last 35 years in Florida, said he’s found a new favorite place. His boat was lost in a hurricane last year. When he and his wife bought a new one at the beginning of 2023, they came here to pick it up. They haven’t left.

    “We were supposed to cruise to the Chesapeake Bay,” Luta said. “I said, “Let’s just stay here.’”

    Luta has helped the Beaupres, who only have electric bikes for transportation, with rides in his car to get larger items they need. Others have taken them to Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island for visits.

    “In 50 years of boating, there’s nothing like this,” Stephen Luta said.

    Sally Keller and her husband Robert agree. They currently reside in North Carolina but have lived all over after growing up in Wisconsin.

    “This town is amazing,” Sally Keller said. “It’s the perfect size. It’s got a little bit of everything.”

    On First Fridays, Luta said people staying on their boats walk to downtown Brunswick and enjoy the festivities. He said marina owner Michael Torras practically makes it mandatory.

    He and the Beaupres sang Torras’ praises for taking good care of everyone who stays there.

    “He actually calls you back and talks to you directly,” Normand Beaupre said. “He has made this a great time.”

    Listening to the praises sung by the guests at Brunswick Landing Marina, it’s no wonder it continues to expand and continues to bring in accolades. It was recently named the Best Large Marina by Marina Life Magazine, which just adds to a long list of awards it has garnered over the years.

    Future plans include expansions to many facilities, improvements to docks and a mooring ball field to allow more boaters to experience Brunswick and the Golden Isles.

    As for the Beaupres, they are already making plans to return.

  • Harvey Gamage Returns to Brunswick Landing Marina

    Harvey Gamage Returns to Brunswick Landing Marina

    BRUNSWICK, GEORGIA – The iconic Maine tall ship Schooner Harvey Gamage returned to Brunswick, Georgia today with complimentary dockage offered by Brunswick Landing Marina.

    The Gamage (pronounced Gah Mudj) is the most successful high school sail training vessel in US history with 49 years of service as an educational vessel. She is 131 feet long overall and has 33 overnight bunks. She carries a crew of 9 plus 24 students

    While in Brunswick this week, the ship will be open for public tours on Saturday, Dec. 3 from Noon to 5, and for visits by invitation at other times.

    The iconic nautical science training ship will host high school teachers, principals, and guidance counselors on Friday afternoon to learn about plans for Brunswick-area high school students to sail next year.

    Customers from Brunswick Landing Marina are invited to tour the ship Thursday afternoon from 3 to 5:30.

    Captain Kevin Jumbeck, Chief Mate Kelly Percy and their crew will welcome visitors interested in youth education at sea and marine workforce development as well as families.

    “We are delighted that we are able to help programs like the Harvey Gamage that are dedicated to improving the education and lives of children in our area,” said Michael Torras, Marina Manager at Brunswick Landing Marina.

    In December of 2023 –one year from now–Gamage plans to take 24 Glynn County students out to sea for a week where they will receive academically-accredited nautical science training. The week following this at sea sail program, students interested in Marine Trades careers will live on board dockside and receive an intensive introduction to marine trades career opportunities meeting marine employers and learning basic trade skills including electrical, engine and marine systems.

    Educators interested in introducing their students should plan to visit the Gamage this week or contact the Gamage office at [email protected] or call 207-450-5363.

    For media inquiries, call Alex Agnew at Sailing Ships Maine at 207-450-5363 or Michael Torras at (912) 324-7415.

  • Brunswick Landing Marina awarded as 2022 Best Large Marina

    Brunswick Landing Marina awarded as 2022 Best Large Marina

    BRUNSWICK, GEORGIA – Brunswick Landing Marina has been named the Best Large Marina by Marina Life Magazine in the publication’s annual contest.

    The downtown-Brunswick-based marina was chosen by readers of Marina Life for the prestigious award out of thousands of competitors in its annual Best Marina Contest. Marina Life is a leading boating publication created to allow the boating community to fully embrace life on the water.

    “Considering how many great marinas there are in desirable locations, I couldn’t be prouder that we received this recognition,” said Daren Pietsch, president of Brunswick Landing Marina. “All credit goes to our highly committed team along with the supportive community of boaters and Brunswick businesses that share in our constant efforts to improve.”

    Brunswick Landing Marina boasts more than 445 dry and wet slips and offers marine services performed by highly skilled technicians. The property is ideal for all seasons and was once used by the U.S. Navy as a hurricane hole because the marina is protected on three sides by land, offering a haven for boaters from storms.

    The marina also offers year-round service at its boatyard, features a dog park for guests, hosts daily social events at its Yacht Club, provides a complimentary propane grill on every dock, and offers free bike rentals, laundry machines and other amenities to make life easier for boaters. Customers of Brunswick Landing agree.

    “Brunswick Landing Marina is a great hurricane hole, with super amenities and a very social atmosphere,” said Gary Kreiger, who has docked at the marina.

    There are several new additions recently added or on the horizon for Brunswick Landing Marina, said Michael Torras, marina manager. Recent renovations and professional personnel changes have improved operations at the Boat Yard. There are plans for an additional 540 linear feet of leasable dock space including slips to accommodate larger vessels. The Dock Office and Ship Store is set for expansion which will create space for an expanded store as well as a new, secure mailroom for the marina’s guests. The northernmost bathhouse will be expanded to offer more showers and restroom facilities with work scheduled to begin December 1, 2022. Additionally, a mooring ball field is in the works to create even more space for vessels to take advantage of the offerings at Brunswick Landing Marina.

    “We are always thinking of new ways to make life better for our guests while at Brunswick Landing Marina,” Torras said. “Whether that is through upgrading our services, facilities or our programs, we have a great time serving our boaters.”

    The current and future amenities at Brunswick Landing Marina attract customers from around the world, many of whom come back for multiple visits.

    “The staff are amazingly attentive to the needs of boaters and the facility has nice floating docks, free laundry, happy hours, very clean grounds, and a live aboard community that rocks,” said Ray Hendricks after a recent stay. “We’ll definitely be back.”

  • Marinas of the Golden Isles

    Marinas of the Golden Isles

    BRUNSWICK, GEORGIA – Historically, the Golden Isles has always attracted seasonal boaters who benefit from the geography which makes it a boater’s hurricane hole. This allows many to benefit from the reduced boat insurance premiums by crossing over the Georgia/Florida line. Over the last 20 years, local marinas have increased their offerings to these “cruisers,” who often bring their boats up for 6 months of the year, and other transient travelers who are looking to enjoy the Southern hospitality of the Golden Isles. Many of these boaters inevitably stay longer than they initially planned and start to call the Golden Isles home.

    When Bob Torras, Sr. first shared his vision to have a marina in downtown Brunswick, he was met with across-the-board skepticism. People asked why someone would keep their boat in Brunswick when there were perfectly fine marinas available on the islands. Despite the headwinds, Mr. Torras was determined to see his dream come true. That was 30 years ago. Today Brunswick Landing Marina is the largest saltwater marina in the state of Georgia with nearly 400 boats in the water alone. Thousands of people come through the marina each year, venturing out into the downtown and surrounding areas and contributing a great deal to the local economy. “While the marina has fully built out its nearly one-mile of waterfront,” says Marina Manager Michael Torras, “there are still 25 acres between the marina and downtown Brunswick that we also own and intend to develop. This is where our next big expansion project will begin.”

    Across the causeway, in June 2020, Morningstar Marina/Golden Isles, completed a $6 million rebuild resulted in the facility being named “Marina of the Year for Building and Growth” by Marina Dock Age magazine The project included a state-of-the-art coastal aluminum dock system with a Brazilian hardwood decking known as Ipe, new transient dock with 36 concrete piles that are 70’ long and weigh 20,000 lbs. each, new electrical system and power centers, dockside pump-out at every slip, new fuel system, dock office etc. Morningstar Marinas continues to enhance the property having recently rebuilt the main boardwalk and outdoor pavilion. Additional improvements are planned for late 2022 into 2023.

    This investment in boating infrastructure has been coupled with an increase in opportunities for boating over the last 20 years for locals, tourists, and visitors. A prime example is the Spirit of St Simons, the only certified sailing vessel in the State of Georgia authorized to carry up to 24 passengers. The boat was designed for the day charter trade, and was homebuilt and first splashed by owner Charles Elkins in 2014. It’s perfect for a relaxing sunset sail with a group of friends. Local fishing charters have also seen an increase in business and are heavily invested in the future of fishing and the island’s surrounding waterways.

    Whether you choose to enjoy the waters by pontoon, sailboat, fishing charter, speedboat, or luxury yacht, boating in the Golden Isles offers many opportunities for memorable experiences. Come aboard and cast off for your own adventure.