The Harbormaster’s Story
Rob Halcrow

When you were a small child did you ever sit on the end of a dock and look out across the water at the boats filled with people passing you by? Did you ever think, someday that’ll be me? Well I did, and that very day I knew that I would grow up around water. What I didn’t know is how many different directions it would take me in my life to get where I am now.

My story begins in Chicago, Illinois. You see, that dock I was talking about was on Lake Michigan. Those frigid waters became the summer “fun spots” that my sister used to take me to. It’s where I watched the boats, learned to swim, to dive safely and more importantly where my dream began.

Somewhere around 1979 my family started talking about moving to the tropical state of Florida. I lived in a small city right near Orlando where there were plenty of lakes to feed my ferocious appetite for water. By the time I was in High School I had my first of several boats, a 1961 Crestliner with a paper-thin fiberglass hull and a 40hp Evinrude. It was fast enough to get my buddies and me anywhere we wanted to go. It also taught me a lot about engine repairs as we broke down a lot along the way. Over the years, I have spent quite some time at boat shows and working around marinas. This gave me a real sense of what marina life was all about.

In 1988 I began working part time at Walt Disney World. I eventually spent over 15 years working on various projects. My most memorable of course are the ones that…you guessed it, involved water. In 1989 it was the worlds largest man made wave at Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. In 1990 I helped open the Yacht & Beach Club Resort, became a search and recovery scuba diver, and spent some time in the Florida Keys. By 1994 I moved into management and continued to work in resort and marina operations. By 1998 I joined the Task Force for Disney Cruise Line. This was an incredible project where I got to work with the really big boats!

By 1999 I was married and 2 years later my first daughter was born. In 2003 my second daughter was born. Since family is the most important thing in my life it became clear we needed to move to the wonderful state of Tennessee. I am fortunate to be able to raise my girls in an atmosphere so amazing and beautiful and where the local communities are so welcoming and naturally friendly. It's no wonder why so many people visit here each year. I myself have visited many times over the years. From Pigeon Forge & DollyWood to Hiking and White Water rafting, East Tennessee has a lot to offer. Those who know me best know my passion for boating and Tennessee. I now have the best of both worlds working at the greatest marina on Watts Bar Lake.– Rob.

Caney Creek Marina…better than the rest.

PS: Click HERE to check out what else has been keeping me busy this year.