Noah Gerstmyer On The Closure Of The Tidal Creeks Ship Store

A few of my thoughts on the current situation revolving around the closure of the Tidal Creeks Ship Store and loss of opportunity.

Regarding my last three summers on the waterfront representing Tidal Creeks. It has been my pleasure to help meet the needs of the people that take advantage of this great resource; Nantucket Harbor and surrounding waters. For me, it has always been about the people and trying to provide a level of service that is unmatched all while creating a unique and memorable experience. The Island has been extremely welcoming to my family and the only way I can judge if the effort put forth is making a positive impact is through feedback. The support and buy-in we have received from both the local community and summer residents has been overwhelming so thank you to all; that is the bitter-sweet part…!

Regarding the underlying differences between Tidal Creeks and Brant Point Marine. There are three parties involved that understand the commitment that was made three years ago when the torch was handed from Brant Point Marine to Tidal Creeks. Our focus and goal from the beginning was to build off the foundation that Brant Point Marine had laid out and take it to the next level.

Think about the opportunity that was presented to create a unique experience that could only be found on Nantucket via a boat house sitting on Nantucket harbor? Working the waterfront in the summer months to supply marine-related supplies to those taking advantage of this resource… not a bad opportunity at all.

While we thought that the foundation that we were building upon was solid it is terribly troubling that this agreement has not been upheld. Besides the commitment of time, money, and effort …at the end of the day what else do we have; our word? I am a believer that if you tell someone you are going to do something you better follow through regardless of extenuating circumstances.

Certainly, change happens as that is part of life but I call into question what has happened here. Tidal Creeks is only three years into a longer commitment and to have to live through dismantling what we have worked so hard to create and to now turn around and hear that there will be some sort of store here next summer does not sit well at all.

If this is in fact the case, for the community it is what is certainly needed and best but do understand very troubling on our end.

While the proverbial “ship has already sailed” on our end and our current focus has to be on winding down the business, I am looking forward to October 1^st and supporting the needs of the recreational scallopers as for me this is the most magical time of year on Nantucket. So, I hope to see everyone before the end of October and on behalf of Tidal Creeks thank you to all for the continued support.

Noah Gerstmyer