The opening of the $250 million Glossy Bay Marina on Canouan means more choices in terms of services and security for visiting yachts, but perhaps a farewell to the sleepy island that once was.

Published 8 years ago, updated 6 years ago

As reported by the St. Vincent Tourist Board

The 120-berth marina, which includes 24 super-yacht berths, was officially opened in April and according to Marina manager Bob Hathaway, the facility has made Canouan the yachting center of the Grenadines. He said the facility not only provides a place for yachtsmen, but it has also provided the opportunity to develop locals with the skills associated with the industry.

Hathaway said already, human resource development has started, as the dock hands are internationally approved operators, trained in first aid and other skills and are currently undertaking firefighting courses. He said that soon, there will be more direct training in other yacht support activities.

When fully operational, the facility can host 1,000 yachtspeople, professional crew, charter guests and owners, which Hathaway said is equivalent to a 500-guest hotel, “bigger than anything in St Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Chief executive officer (CEO) of the Marina Elena Korach said the initial feasibility studies for the construction of the marina were extensive to ensure that the marina provides a safe harbor and preserves the natural beauty of the beach. She said that if the marina is emptied, one would find 27-foot wide foundations and walls that are five feet thick and 27 feet high.

The marina has a standby power plant, a wastewater treatment plant connected to vacuum pumping facilities on the docks, a fuelling system for boats with dockside fuelling hydrants, as well as a fuel station. There is also remotely metered electricity and water and high-speed broadband Internet connections.

Korach added that the marina sets a whole new standard in terms of quayside and finishing and lighting design and that the 300 light posts are designed so as not to interfere with the neighboring airport.

The Marina also consists of the Marina Capitanerie, with guest bathrooms and laundry facilities and a beach club called Shenanigans, with a garden surrounded by pergolas and a pool with a view of the Grenadines.

The Marina has 24-hour security patrols and is in the process of installing a CCTV system and fitting out a Security Patrol Boat. Hathaway reports, “We will work with the local community to maximize employment, training and entrepreneurship opportunities associated with Glossy Bay Marina in order to generate local support for the project and exercise peer pressure on the small number who represent a security risk both to yachts in the Marina and also those at anchor.

Construction on-going

The CEO said that while the marina is now open for business, the construction effort is still ongoing, with an extensive landscaping plan for over 50 acres of land to create a lush botanic garden and the construction of the marina plaza, 70,000 square feet of shops and apartments complemented by a bar and restaurant and a yacht club with meeting facilities and a gym.

Read the full report at St Vincent & the Grenadines

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