The participation of the Caribbean island of St Kitts in the region's burgeoning superyacht market has just taken a major step forward. The step was recorded in a groundbreaking ceremony for the superyacht marina at the Christophe Harbour luxury resort project in the southeast of the island. The ceremony was performed by Dr Denzil Douglas, Prime Minister of St Kitts & Nevis.

On completion of the first phase in the spring of 2011 around a quarter of the 50 to 60 superyacht berths planned as part of the project will be available. These berths will be able to accommodate yachts between 26m (85ft) and 91m (300ft). As part of the first phase 12 superyacht berths have been pre-released and seven for yachts between 30m (100ft) and 60m (200ft) have already been reserved. The berths are reportedly being sold at a special introductory rate of $10,000 per linear foot.

The $100m resort project will include a 34-acre marina basin offering a total of 300 berths. The marina will have a depth of 6m (20ft) and will offer fuel, provision, repair and maintenance facilities. The resort will also include two luxury hotels, a private yacht club and a golf course. The St Kitts Marine Works company, a local yacht and commercial marine repair and maintenance company, is actively involved in helping with building the marina. For its own part St Kitts Marine Works expanded its own superyacht handling capacity last year by installing a 165 tonne travel lift, one of the largest in the Caribbean islands.


Superyacht Business / David Robinson, 27 January 2010