News & Events

Creating Waterways Memories

June 2024

KEMPTVILLE - In 1994, Wendy Ramsey’s parents, the Blundons purchased Pirate Cove Marina. “I grew up here, driving in reverse before I learned how to drive forward,” Wendy said, referring to her task of collecting trash with a truck.

 The family run business, marking its 30th year, is idyllically located on the southern banks of the Rideau River, at the northernmost boundary of North Grenville. “It’s a fantastic location, on the waterfront,” says Wendy adding, “this allows us to reach clients in Leeds Grenville while easily serving the population of our National Capital region.” They are directly accessible from Highway 416 and the Rideau Canal Waterway.

 Pirate Cove Marina showcases multiple reasons for curious and passionate boaters to visit. They stock brands such as Yamaha, Mercury, Lund, Phoenix and Sylvan as well as preloved vessels. A comprehensive service department is onsite too.

 “We create memories on the water for families,” Wendy says with a bright smile. She remains mindful of her legacy and the future. “We’ve been a large presence at the Ottawa Boat Show for over 25 years and have launched the distribution centre for Legend Pontoon Boats. Pontoon boats have become more popular than cruisers.” Brett noted "The marina has expanded to host 98 seasonal boat slips" on the expansive waterfront, with family-friendly amenities and opportunities for storage. Last year, the business was sold to Leisure Days with an agreement that the Ramseys would stay on.

 The Ramseys are committed to the sustainability of boating, community and family. “It’s a busy life. Brett is the hands-on one, and I am the operations support,” Wendy says. They work in tandem. “I’m passionate about sustaining this industry,” she says, alongside Boating Industry Canada Wendy, advocates for high schools to offer general marine industry training, focusing on training technicians to address skilled labour challenges.

 The couple are true entrepreneurs, in 2018 they began to distribute Vantage Protection Products under the RBK Distribution Inc. banner where they offer long term boat protective coating kits.  The company has seen steady growth and plans to offer the same line of products for cars and RVs.

 For Wendy, an Ottawa Forty Under 40 award recipient, networking is key to developing lifelong opportunities. “I was not a networking person early on; I learned that by being genuine, you build relationships that carry through a lifetime.