When Capt. Dan and first mate Vicky Schade semi-retired from the big boat business, they wanted the Harbor Commission to know how appreciative they are of the Commission, the office staff and the employees at the Harbor throughout the time the Navesink, Queen has been moored in Atlantic Highlands.

In a letter to Harbor Manager Lou Fligor and read at last week’s meeting of the Harbor Commission, the Schades wrote:

We just wanted to thank you and the office staff as well as the Harbor Commission for all of your help over the years with our charter boats and slips.

I know you had to go above and beyond to assist with several of our requests, like a new pile cluster for the Navesink Queen and to allow us to have a charter boat slip for the Mariner in head boat row. We do appreciate all your efforts and assistance.

Anytime we have a problem, your staff in the office and in the yard are always very helpful and willing to quickly resolve and correct the problem. Special thanks to your service friendly office staff Jessica and Dillon. A huge Thanks to the yard team, especially Dan and Ozzy.

As my wife Vicky and I attempt to semi retire we are selling the big boats. As you know, the Mariner has been sold and moved out of the harbor. She is now in Providence, RI. The Navesink Queen has been for sale but there are no serious buyers as of now. I suspect we will be running her for the 2026 season and are happy to have a slip for her on Frank’s Pier. If things change in that regard we will let you know.

We also currently have two six passenger charter tour boats.. Our 30’ boat named Jenny Girl, is based at the Molly Pitcher in Red Bank, Our most recent purchase is a 38’ Grand Banks named Serendipity. It’s our hope that something will become available for her on Pier 1 for the summer of 2026. We will check back with you around Dec. 31 to see if anyone has declined to renew their slip.

It’s been a pleasure having charter boars in the harbor for the past 20 or so years. Thank you.

Dan and Vicky Schade

Classic Boat Rides

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The Atlantic Highlands Fire Department (AHFD) responded to 272 calls during the past year, Councilman Jose Pujols reported at the last meeting of the Mayor and Council. This includes 34 calls for service during December, 2025.

Pujols, the council representative to the fire department, also noted that newly sworn Fire Chief for 2026 Christopher Vasto also issued a series of reminders to residents to ensure safety and caution in their homes and businesses, particularly during the winter months.

Referring to the number of calls, Pujols pointed out the fire department volunteers respond to numerous other calls in addition to fires, including water rescues, mutual aid and inalarm activation. Neighboring towns assist this borough, he said, as well as borough volunteers going to the aid of others. As an example, he cited the major role Atlantic Highlands volunteers played in one instance last year in Keyport when at least one fire victim had to be transported by helicopter to a burn center and youngsters jumped from a top floor window to safety with waiting firemen. “Our borough volunteers assisted in all aspects,” he said, adding, “I’m very proud of our small but capable fire department.  As the commissioner for this department, I’m all in! “ 

Councilman Pujols, who in his professional life is the Battalion Chief of the North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue team in Hudson County and a fire official in Matawan, urged residents and businesses to heed the warnings and suggestions of Chief Vasto nnoted at the meeting.

In addition to using caution with heating equipment and space heaters, as well as keeping heating devices clear of combustible materials, Vasto urged residents to ensure that all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly, and fireplace ashes are safely disposed of in metal contained and stored away from structures.

Both the Chief and councilman also recommended residents have fireplaces and chimneys professionally inspected and cleaned annually, noting that creosote buildup and blockages can increase the risk of chimney fires and carbon monoxide hazards.

Residents who have a fire hydrant on or near their property are asked to help by clearing snow and ice from around the hydrant when possible to enable quick access by firefighters at a time of emergency, to ensure a ready water supply. Thoughtfulness by residents in accomplishing this can make a critical difference in response time and fire suppression efforts, Pujols said.

Both the councilman and the fire chief also put in a pleas for volunteers to serve on the department, with Pujols inviting community members 18 years of age and older who are interested in serving as volunteer firefighters to consider joining the active volunteer group. He also pointed out the department has a highly successful Junior Firefighter Program for youths ages 14-17, which provides a great opportunity for young residents to learn about the fire service, teamwork, and community responsibility in a safe and structured environment.

Persons interested in volunteering in either program are urged to call or visit Borough Hall during normal business-hours for additional information.

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Apple The Atlantic Highlands Harbor Commission has issued a second request for proposals for use of the former Shore Casino after the single bid it received late last year was rejected by the Mayor and Council.

The original bid, submitted jointly by the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club and Sea Streak, was rejected by the Commission in December, citing insufficient rental proposals and several other reasons for not granting the proposal for a restaurant and catering facility.

That bid had to be formally rejected by the governing body before a second proposal could be offered.

Requested January 13, the proposal is calling for all bids to be submitted to the Harbor Commission secretary, Jessica McLane, no later than noon on February 17.

The proposal also invited prospective tenants to submit plans and information not only for a restaurant and or catering facility but other uses as well for the 20,500 square foot space on the first floor of the largest building in the Yacht Harbor.

The municipal harbor, owned by the borough, is a prominent marina in Sandy Hook Bay, recognized as the largest municipal harbor on the East Coast. The marina’s location offers scenic views of Sandy Hook Bay and the New York City skyline, with on-site restaurants, gazebos, tennis courts, basketball courts, a playground, skate-park, and a fishing pier.

The Henry Hudson Trail and nearby historic downtown with shops and restaurants are within walking distance, while Sea Streak Ferry, which offers service from here and Highlands, provides high-speed service to Manhattan.

According to the RFP, the property is designed for high-volume event hosting and includes one full commercial kitchen and three distinct rooms, each equipped with a full bar. The lease term will be a minimum of five years, with the potential for renewal options based on mutual agreement.

This proposal invites prospective tenants to submit detailed proposals outlining their qualifications, operational plans, and financial capabilities to operate a successful banquet, catering, restaurant and/or event business in this premier facility, and adds that other proposed uses will also be taken into consideration. It further states there is parking for vehicles, AV systems, restrooms, a place for garbage, and a covered entryway and the property is zoned for catering/event/Restaurant use

The proposal noted the Yacht Club occupies the second floor of the building and shares an access point to the facility. It is requesting rent proposals for annual rent amounts with consideration of concessions available for capital improvements made. Tenants would be required to underwrite all operating expenses including but not limited to maintenance, utilities, insurance, and waste removal.

While the proposal invites ideas for other uses in addition to a restaurant, it also notes any use must be in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, and subject to proper zoning and permitted use approvals.

The complete request for proposal is included on the borough website under Government/ Resolutions, request for Proposals 2026.

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