ESSEX - The Essex Island Marina, a staple for boaters in the area, was sold on

Aug. 5 through a voluntary auction due to retirement. The winning bid was $3.15 million and came from local marina magnate Jack Brewer of Brewer Yacht Yards.

The sale of the popular marina complex comes as previous owner, Wallie Schieferdecker, who operated the marina with his two daughters, Dawn and Kyle (who work as managers), was looking to retire from the business.

Asked why he decided to sell, Schieferdecker said, "I have been here for 57 years and I have just about worn myself out."

The sale included the two ferry boats used to bring visitors to and from the mainland, as well as the equipment and the leases that are currently in place. The auction was conducted by the J.J. Manning Company.

The 13.2 private acres that make up Essex Island located at 11 Ferry Street are home to 125 boat slips, a gas dock, a repair shop, a laundry area, swimming pool, inside and outside boat storage, and Marley's Restaurant, a seasonal business.

In 2001 Essex Island Marina was voted the number one favorite marina for a weekend outing by Offshore Magazine. It is an iconic spot that many area and visiting boaters frequent often, taking full advantage of its Connecticut River location.

Wallie Schieferdecker's grandfather Walter Schieferdecker and father, Louis, started the business together 59 year ago and it has been part of the family ever since. That has been a positive aspect of the work for Schieferdecker all these years. He said that at this point, although the auction is over and there is a new owner, nothing about the day-to-day functions of the marina will change in any way until the end of the season.

"What next, we really haven't decided," he said.

Jack Brewer could not be reached for comment at press time.