Meet the Dockmaster
Salena Smith is the dockmaster here at provincetown marina, and when she's not calling the shots on the docks, you may find her at the beach, watching a sci-fi movie, or tuning into a basketball game.
How long have you been at the marina?
I think it was 2017 when I started here, working in the office first. I moved from Florida to P-town when I was 16 and began working for Boston Harbor Cruises before starting at the marina.
What is your favorite part about your job?
Being outside, being on the water, the people. I would just say the whole environment. I love being on the water.
What is your favorite meal to cook? to order at a restaurant?
My favorite thing to make is chicken stew. It takes forever to make but it's really good! If I'm ordering out, then probably anything seafood. My favorite is crab, but I also love fish and chips and sushi.
What songs are on your summer playlist?
I jam to everything, really. I do like that "I'm Good" remix by David Guetta, that's on the playlist.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I'm double jointed, so I'm very overly flexible.
Do you have any pet peeves when it comes to boating?
Probably dock lines that are too short, or not having backup lines. Also when people don't tie their trash bags!
What is your favorite restaurant in Provincetown?
There's a Jamaican food place in town, it's a quick bite, not a sit-down place, but it's the best in town. For a sit-down restaurant, The Squealing Pig is the best.
Best piece of advice for a first-time boater?
Learn your directionals, and always have a radio no matter what. Even if you don't know where you are going, if you have a radio you can call for help.
What is your favorite thing to do in the off-season?
Travel! That is my time to get out of the states. My favorite place that I've traveled to has to be Budapest, but I loved Prague, too. Spain is on my list to go to. And Italy.
Do you have any good Dad jokes?
What do you call a fish with no eyes? Fsh.
What is the best compliment a boater has given you at the marina?
I had someone leave a review after their stay saying that I was the best dockmaster on the East coast. It was a super busy day at the marina and I was directing everything over the radio, and they were impressed with how I stayed on top of everything. When I read the review I was so honored. I printed it out and hung it on the fridge!
What is your first memory of being on a boat?
I was probably about 8 years old on a boat in Florida. We were on a river and I jumped off the boat into the water. It was murky, so I couldn't see it, but I ended up jumping in right next to a manatee! I didn't know what it was and I got so scared, but my family told me it was just a manatee and I didn't have to worry.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Go to the beach. I like going to Corn Hill in Truro. It's pretty secluded, and there are good waves. And it's clean!
What sports teams do you cheer on?
I love watching basketball. Because I lived in Florida for half my life I'm pretty split between the Miami Heat and the Celtics. I grew up supporting the Heat and then I moved here. Now I love them both!
If not in this industry, what would be your dream job?
Maybe something with planes. Like a pilot. Or a skydiving instructor.
Are there any hidden gems in the area people may not know about?
The best breakfast is Cafe Heaven. A lot of people just walk by and don't realize it. And the best coffee is Kohi. It's a tiny place on Commercial street that is a little tucked away and is so good.
Have you ever seen anyone famous in the area?
Oh, a bunch! I've met Lea DeLaria from Orange is the New Black, Whoopi Goldberg, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, to name a few. Also American Horror Story filmed around here once and I met like half the cast. I saw Macaulay Culkin, but didn't get to meet him. I'm a big Home Alone fan so even just seeing him was awesome.