b'Freedom Boat Club Offers Flexibility, Concierge ServiceThe shared ownership concept in the recreational boating industry was founded by Freedom Boat Club in Sarasota, Florida, in 1989. After three decades of steady growth, today it is a franchise-based network of 400 clubs in the United States (in-cluding Puerto Rico), Canada, Europe and Australia, with 94,000 members world-wide. Members pay an entry fee, plus a monthly fee, for unlimited local boating.Houston entrepreneur, Steven Gordon, brought Freedom Boat Club to the Coast-al Bend in 2021, operating out of Cove Harbor Marina in Rockport, and Marker 37 Marina on North Padre Islandlocations that are both central to the best fishing waters on the Texas Gulf Coast, and within proximity to the areas most popular, saltwater resort destinations.With a mission to establish Freedom Boat Club of the Coastal Bend as a model in the industry, Gordon and histeamearnedthecompanys Franchise of the Year title in 2022, its first full-year in operation.Flexibilityandserviceareatthe core of Freedom Boat Clubs success worldwide, and in the Texas Coast-al Bend. Members have access to a wide ranging fleet of boats, from bay and offshore fishing boats, to pontoons and wake boats for families and groups. Membership includes one-on-one training from certified captains, insurance, maintenance and cleaningeverything that makes boat ownership an endlessly expensive experience.In the Coastal Bend, we have the best fishing and birding, and miles of safe wa-terways, said franchise owner, Steve Gordon. Energy industry professionals and vacation home owners are among our happiest members, because we offer flexi-ble boat usage at a reasonable costwith no entanglements.Membersshowupattheirreservedtime,returntheboattothedockaf-ter their excursion, and pay for fuel. Thats it. You are free to go about your days activities. No mess, no fuss, no work! The Freedom Boat Club Team han-dlesallthecleaning,fueling,andmaintenanceoftheboatandengine,al-lowing you to spend 100% of your time on the water with family and friends. Learn more by calling (361) 271-4555, or visit FreedomBoatClub.com62THE COASTAL BEND GUIDE TheCoastalBend.com'