ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — John Fitzgerald, President and CEO of Saunders Yachtworks announced the successful negotiation of a long term lease with Orange Beach Marina.

“We are really pleased to reach this agreement with Orange Beach Marina and to be able assure our customers that we will be here for a long time in the future,” Fitzgerald said. “This has been a real partnership effort over the years. It’s a great facility and boating community.”

The Orange Beach facility for Saunders consists of a 1.5 acre yard and a 10,000 square foot works building complex; a 60 ton wide-beam Travelift; a parts office and several crafts shops.

Saunders also leases several slips from the marina for its customer’s boats during service. The company has been at the marina since 1995 and the new lease includes options to continue through 2025.

Serving as the Yachtworks’ headquarters until early this year when the company opened its new Gulf Shores facility, the operation won the coveted Boatyard of the Year Award from the American Boat Builders and Repairers Association in 2008.

Bennett Long, President of Orange Beach Marina said, “Since 1995, Orange Beach Marina has been proud to have Saunders Yachtworks as a vital part of the marina’s strategic alliance of service providers to not only our customers but area boaters in general. 

“We are pleased that Saunders Yachtworks has committed to a long-term presence at the marina facility and are confident that the long-standing alliance between our two companies will continue to provide area boaters with first class services in a very convenient location.”

With a 50-year tradition of integrity and performance in marine repair, Saunders Yachtworks has facilities in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.