[rvgraves]

I am a marina development consultant and was involved in the design and construction of Sunrise Harbor Marina in Fort Lauderdale. I also opened and ran the marina for the first 2 years. Today everybody wants to build megayacht marinas or ad some 30 metre + slips to an exsisting marina or a new build. However, many of them are, in my opinion, places that I don't see a megayacht visiting. I would like to hear from some of you captains on what you feel makes a good destination. Also from what I hear from some captains owners are getting bored with the Eastern Carribbean --- any comments?

Also, what new destinations do you feel would be interesting in the Carribbean and the U.S. ?

Dick Graves

[Neil Rooney]

While not a Captain I have many friends who are and I am a good listener. Here in St. Maarten the most "popular" marina in Isle De Sol. Location, location, location.
Security, ease of dockage, and on site services. It is also central to nightlife for crew and in a more secure area for those late night folks. Fueling and provisioning are easy, guest boarding and proximity to the Airport help too. Parking for crew vehicles is plentiful and next to the docks.

The Eastern Caribbean is getting built up and some Islands are experiencing in season automobile traffic congestion. Even traffic on St. Barth's is out of control.

What would I expect in a five star marina?
-Easy Fueling
-Ample Shore Power
-Internet and Cable TV
-Quality Provisioning
-Crew Bar/Restaurant and recreational facilities
-Secure Facility
-Taxi Stand on Site
-Proximity to Marine Stores
-CLEAR slips, NO Boulders.
-On site Customs and Immigration offices
-Proximity to Airport

Islands needing Mega Yacht Marinas...
Provo
Anguilla
to start..

[rvgraves]

As far as taking care of the crew, I totally agree. When I managed Sunrise Harbor the crews had access to all the amenties in the residential building including the pool deck, tennis court, gym and all the rest. I also built a barbecue area for the crew (the building residents didn't have one and I wouldn't let them use ours) I also had 7 beach bikes as loaners for the crews. The first year we were open my dockmaster and I cooked a typical American Thanksgiving dinner for the crews that stayed in the marina. I also started the first end of the season crew party. If you know the megayacht segment of the pleasure boating community you know Captain's are Kings including the crews, particularly in choosing a destination home port.

I would also like to get some opinions from captains crews what the owner's look for besides a 5,000 ft runway, security, upscale shopping, etc., By the way, I wrote the opening for the 2005 Super Ports Directory which focused on how to chose a marina. A copy is on my web site. Mod Edit: Link Removed.

Thanks Again -- DG