Robinson's Marina Ltd., located on Somerset Road in Sandy's, is now celebrating its first anniversary boasting state-of-the-art equipment. Last year, the facility underwent major renovations, creating a modern service station outfitted with high-tech gas pumps and installation systems as well as a new sports centre featuring various water-based activities. The family owned business opened approximately 45 years ago when shipwright Maxwell Robinson, started a boat-building and repair shop. Now deceased, it is his wife Frances who is today co-owner of the property and service station. According to Mrs.

Robinson, the boat-works establishment is the result of a natural evolution.

"We only had one pump back then which supplied regular gas,'' she said, adding that the gas station opened around 1953. Mrs. Robinson explained that the marina continued to grow, eventually including a diesel pump, gas pumps and more dock space. Today, the newly-renovated service station boasts seven pumps and 13 nozzles, which provide straight, mixed and diesel gas.

Construction on the site started in April, 1995 said marketing manager of Shell Mr. Stanley Marshall, noting that the entire refurbishment cost Shell approximately $900,000. "We've been looking to upgrade Robinson's for years,'' he said, adding that Shell (Bermuda) is very pleased with the results. General manager of the service station, Malcolm Swan, said the company had been thinking about renovating for the past three years. "We have to keep abreast of the changing times. And in order to cater to our customers, we had to modernise,'' he said. The existing building, which sold hardware, boating supplies, drinks and snacks, was demolished except for two walls. And in its place, the sports centre complex was built, noted Mr. Swan. Three businesses, including Blue Water Divers Co. Ltd., Hospitality Services and the Bermuda Waterski Centre, occupy the complex which surrounds a courtyard facing the water. White with blue trim and blue shutters, the sports centre has three bathrooms including one with wheelchair access. Mr. Swan noted the ground was levelled out before building on the sports centre started. And the original dock was resurfaced. As well, an extension was placed on the southern end to provide the boating public with better service. The new service station, made mostly of glass, is located beside the sports complex. "The glass enables the cashier to see customers pulling up outside and it lets the customers see what's in the shop,'' said Mr. Swan, noting that auto and boat related products such as oil, polishes and waxes, light bulbs, spark plugs, beverages, snacks and ice can be purchased from the store. Cars and bikes can easily pull into the gas station and go around the one way drivethrough, he noted. And boats have easy access to both diesel and straight gas. "Customers are pleased with the renovations,'' he added. "We've had nothing but good comments. People like it because it's different and somewhat Americanised, yet it still has that family atmosphere. Many older patrons who grew up in the area sit on the dock and tell tales. "Robinson's is very unique and it's a focal point for fishing trips etc. We have a lot of loyal customers,'' he said. Robinson's Marina is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. PHOTO DAYS GONE BY -- The late owner and founder of Robinson's Marina, Maxwell Robinson, shakes hands with Shell's former general manager, Mr. Brett, during the grand opening of Robinson's service station in 1953. The facility, which was refurbished with state-of-the-art equipment a year ago, has changed much since then MINI SUPPLEMENT SUP