Tagged: boating, caribbean, christophe harbour, marina, st. kitts, superyachts
The few of you who have followed this blog for any length of time (OK, it’s probably more than just a few – most likely at least a dozen … maybe) will know that I’m a big fan of St. Kitts. At last count, the number of articles featuring the island was pushing three dozen. It’s one of the few islands we’ve visited more than once in the Caribbean and it’s always on our short list of destinations each year. You’ll also know that I’ve been excited for what the Christophe Harbour development will do for the island and the people that call it home. Throw in the fact that they have one of the coolest new beach bars in the Caribbean in SALT Plage and it’s no wonder that St. Kitts is appearing on everyone’s radar.
Now it will be appearing on the radars of superyachts as the new superyacht marina officially opened today at Christophe Harbour. I won’t be pulling my superyacht into it anytime soon for the simple fact that I don’t have one but I am still holding out hope for a press trip invite from Christophe Harbour and/or the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. Still waiting …. Did I mention that I’ve written close to 36 articles on your two island nation? For those of you who do have superyachts or those of you that just want the latest details on the Caribbean’s newest jewel, you can read the following press release, prepared by someone who writes much more eloquently than myself and is a lot less wordy.
February 13, 2015 – The Marina at Christophe Harbour, the Eastern Caribbean’s highly anticipated superyacht marina on the island of St. Kitts, is now open. Led by superyacht owner and real estate developer Buddy Darby, this new homeport is a $100 million infrastructure investment that immediately establishes St. Kitts as part of the popular yacht cruising circuit that includes Antigua, St. Maarten, and St. Barths.
This first phase of the marina includes 24 alongside 150 to 220-foot berths that offer rare freehold berth ownership opportunities and are open for 85 to 300-foot transient vessels. At full build-out, a shore-side village with restaurants, boutiques, and hotels will compliment the marina.
“The arrival of The Marina at Christophe Harbour comes at a time when the yachting industry is stronger than it has been in years,” said Darby. “New yacht builds are up, charter business is booming, and there is a real appetite for new destinations like St. Kitts and Nevis that provide unique experiences. The Federation clearly understands the impact of the yachting industry and has positioned itself to maximize that potential.”
The marina features a professionally engineered entry and turning basin, and is a designated point of entry with onsite-expedited clearance. Homeporting yachts will benefit from a port with ample marina facilities and safe harbour. As a superyacht owner, Darby and his team designed the marina knowing the needs and desires of yacht owners and crews. That includes offering significantly reduced bunkering costs due to no duties on the import or sale of fuel, 24/7 security, provisioning services, state-of-the-art pedestals, and a dock engineered to set the standard for future marinas.
“Proximity to so many Eastern Caribbean islands, a skilled team on the ground, and SALT Plage seaside bar within walking distance to the marina really makes Christophe Harbour an ideal place to homeport,” said former superyacht captain Aeneas Hollins who is now Christophe Harbour’s Director of Yachting. “A modern airport that can accommodate large aircraft and a private jet terminal both just 15 minutes away means ease of access for beginning and ending a charter.”
During this inaugural season, three nights of complimentary dockage will be available for vessels measuring 85’-300’.
The Marina at Christophe Harbour is part of the larger resort community that features luxury single-family real estate properties and a members-only club. The Caribbean’s first Park Hyatt hotel and future Tom Fazio golf course are under construction. For more information, visit ChristopheHarbour.com.
