Our History

Started by Bob and Nancy Helbig in 1972, NVB still strives for the mix of neighborly service and top-notch professionalism that have set us apart since day one. While the facilities have grown to house even more services and the most up-to-date technology, we still operate with the same family-owned dedication. 

 

1972

Noank Village Boatyard Inc was founded

Bob and Nancy Helbig settled down in Noank in 1964 when Bob was hired by Electric Boat. They both loved boating and had a vision of owning a marina. That dream became a reality when they purchased the marina at 38 Bayside Avenue.

 
Image of one of the first boats to be launched at Noank Village Boatyard
A vintage photo of the first space at Noank Village Boatyard in 1972
 
 
Noank Village Boatyard was founded in 1972
Photo of what NVB looked like in its very early days
 
Permits were submitted in 1984 to construct an office and new dock
 
 
Aerial view of NVB
Photo of the new dock being built at NVB
 
 

1984

Permits submitted to construct an office building and new dock

Business is booming! The Helbigs decide to submit permits to add a new dock with 7 slips and a new office building with bathrooms and showers for their customers.

 

1985

Hurricane Gloria makes a mess

Hurricane Gloria hit hard, causing widespread damage and loss of power for more than a week. NVB incurred so much damage that Bob decided to take a leave of absence from Electric Boat in order to clean up and recover.

 
Hurricane Gloria caused substantial damage to Noank Village Boatyard in 1985
A staff member of NVB checking out the damage that was incurred by NVB
 
 
The team at NVB spent a lot of time rebuilding and cleaning up after Hurricane Gloria
A boat that was blown over and damaged at NVB during Hurricane Gloria in 1985
 
 
 

1986

Office building constructed

Bob Helbig gets his dream office on the second floor. Sailing Specialties, NVB's resident brokerage, expands and takes over the first floor office.

 

1988

Dock permits submitted to Army Corps and DEP

NVB yet again sees the need to expand and submits permits for 2 new floating docks with 51 slips.

 
 
 
 
In 1998, dock permits were finally approved and building could begin
A photo of the new dock going in at Noank Village Boatyard
 
 
A view from the new dock at Noank Village Boatyard
 

1998

Dock permit approved

It took 10 long years of persistance with local and state agencies until the dock permits were finally approved.

 

1999

North Dock installed

The crew at NVB worked all year long upgrading the electric and water utilities to support the new docks. They arrived in February in -10 degree weather, and were completed that Spring.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2000

South Dock installed

We spent the winter launching and building the South dock.

 

2003

Workshop and Highbay building constructed

NVB again looks to expand and constructs a state of the art workshop to support a high-end service department for our customers.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2018

Additional workbay installed

With increasing demand for service work, NVB decides to install an additional building to help complete winter work.

 

2022

Noank Village Boatyard 50th Anniversary

A lot of dedication and hard work have made NVB what it is today. We thank all of our customers and employees over the years that have made it such a special place. Most of all, we thank Bob and Nancy for having the dream and the fortitude to make NVB'S success a reality.

 
Noank Village Boatyard celebrates its 50th Anniversary
A view of NVB in its current state, 2022
 
Noank Village Boatyard remains a staple of Southeastern Connecticut.