This year marks the start of a huge redevelopment project covering St Helier port, the largest harbour on the Channel Island of Jersey.

"This year we will be consulting with all interested parties including boat owners and yachtsman to gauge what they require," Myra Shacklady, commercial director for Jersey Harbours, tells SB. "We have seven different concepts which will be discussed and consulted on leading to a final plan."

The provision of an increased number of large yacht berths is a firm element of these plans. While St Helier is able to handle a number of superyacht sized vessels either in its existing marina facilities or elsewhere in the port, SB understands that the Jersey government is keen to attract more large yachts to the island to add to the yacht registration and wealth management elements in which it already has an established track record.

This will be a multi-million pound redevelopment project and affect all parts of the port that already includes three separate yacht-berthing areas. In 2011 it is envisaged that plans will be ready to put before the government for a decision of going forward. Marina Projects, the UK marina consultancy company, has been sharing in the planning work so far undertaken to develop the concepts.

The neighbouring island of Guernsey was also considering over a year ago the redevelopment of part of St Peter's Port for superyachts up to 80m (262ft). However, in the consideration of the project there were doubts over the feasibility of attracting enough large yachts to make the investment worthwhile, so it was decided not to proceed.


Superyacht Business / David Robinson, 17 February 2010