New Rochelle New Business Spotlight: Port Sailing Center

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Our New Business Spotlight shines a light on local businesses you may not be aware of yet.

• Business: Port Sailing Center
• Owners: Chris Nihill
• Website: echobayyachtclub.org
• Address: 22 Pelham Rd, New Rochelle 914-355-5400

1. When did your business open? May 2016

2. How did you come up with the name? The name simply shows what we do; we offer different types of sailing experiences to sailors of all ages.

3. Why start a business in this town? With the beauty of the Long Island Sound right here in Echo Bay and the interest shown in enjoying boating on the Sound, we knew New Rochelle was the right location to offer our variety of programs to clientele in New Rochelle and surrounding areas. And now we have a shared program with the Echo Bay Yacht Club, which allows our sailors to enjoy the unique qualities of this 100-year-old club located on Echo Island.

4. What business are you in? We offer ASA (American Sailing Association) sailing programs, from boat rentals to advanced sailing courses to junior sailing summer camps — we have something for anyone who loves or wants to learn to love the art of sailing.

5. What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced starting a new business? Like any new business, we need to introduce our offerings to the public via advertising, social media and word of mouth. Once people hear about and/or read about our programs they can see for themselves how the Port Sailing Center works.

6. What’s one highlight you've had since opening? Our summer Junior Sailing Program allows young people to learn about the ancient art of sailing in a fun and safe way. Nothing is better than to see the spark in a child’s eyes as they single-handed sail for the first time.

7. How does your business give back to the community? We love sailing and we love to promote sailing, and it is gratifying to see the constituents of New Rochelle enjoy the beauty of their neighborhood by sailing in Echo Bay.

If you are a new business owner and would like to see your business in the spotlight, go to this link, answer the questions and send it to Patch. And if you know of a new business you like, tell them about this.

Photo credit: Submitted.