FACILITY FORTE
1/30/2007 10:59:46 AM by Sandy Lindsey
If it’s refit and service yards you’re looking for, look no further than Wave’s top facilities that will accommodate not only your vessel, but will also give you enough on-land options to entice you off even the most enviable water toy.
As yachts get larger, marinas and refit/repair service yards work hard to keep up with the increasing length and beam of these floating beauties. Add in the factor that waterfront land is at an all-time price high, and you may wonder where all the new megayachts will berth and be worked upon.
Never fear, the following is a selection of marinas and yards that cater to this unique clientele, with the service, style and luxury they are accustomed to. These are world-class, high-tech developments that work hard to stay at the forefront of yacht service with unparalleled conveniences and amenities. It doesn’t hurt that they are also in some of the most exotic locations on some of the world’s most beautiful waters.
Merrill Stevens
The name Merrill-Stevens is an industry standard and with good reason. The firm is known for staying on the cutting edge of yacht refit, repair and maintenance. With 160 craftsmen, artisans and shipwrights at two yards, Merrill-Stevens’ capabilities cover all the megayacht basics including carpentry, electrical, mechanical, fiberglass, painting and welding, as well as a comprehensive on-site machine shop.
In addition, the facilities offer dry-docking and under-cover storage, and specialize in air conditioning, refrigeration, stabilizer installation and repair, and metal fabrication. Virtually all necessary work can be obtained in-house. Knowledgeable managers oversee the projects in the yard, working closely with the yacht’s owner or owner’s representative.
The north yard recently received a $500,000 overhaul of its elevator lift and marine railway. Each can handle 500 tons, 160-feet, 12 1/2-foot drafts. The TraveLift at the south yard features a 70-ton capacity for boats up to 70 feet with a maximum 23-foot beam.
In addition to major refits on the top luxury yachts, the Miami River yard handles commercial, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and Bahamian Government vessels. Perhaps their most famous project was Jacques Cousteau’s research ship, Calypso.
The Harbor at Island Gardens
Watson Island is no longer just a great piece of land populated by decaying sailboats that one passes on the way to Miami Beach proper. Though the permits and delays have been in the works for several years, the projected The Harbor at Island Gardens appears to be reaching fruition. Plans include a 50-slip superyacht harbor that is expected to turn the once-underutilized island into a sight worthy of the St. Tropez or Monte Carlo coast.
Dock plans include an angled design that will allow unobstructed views from the Island Gardens residential development to downtown Miami and the festive cruise ships at the Port of Miami terminal. Due to its unique topography, this Flagstone Property Group project is the only location currently under development to accommodate superyachts, and will probably retain that unique status as other potential addresses do not feature deep enough water for the typical megayacht draft.
The City of Miami has focused on Watson Island as a way to address the limited berthing space available in South Florida for large yachts. The facility is expected to be a boon to the local economy as shown by a PricewaterhouseCoopers report that shows that megayacht owners spend 41 percent of their yacht’s annual operating budget while in port. The facilities are planned to meet or surpass international standards for amenities, service, security and design.
Ocanos
Islamorada is known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” and the new Ocanos Resort Marina will only enhance that shining reputation. The project — which is being built on the 12-acre site that formerly housed the infamous ‘80s party-haunt, the Holiday Isle Resort — is set to open in early 2008.
This five-star luxury property is anchored by a lavish marina designed to be a “home port” for a world-class back country and deep sea ocean fishing fleet. The marina will accommodate yachts up to 100-feet, with state-of-the-art service and amenities, in the pristine setting of fertile fishing grounds and North America’s only living coral reef.
This luxuriant property will also feature a 151-suite hotel condominium, tennis, boutiques, an 11,000-square foot spa and wellness center, indoor and al fresco dining options, as well as meeting facilities. In keeping with the lush nature of the Florida Keys, the property will feature plenty of natural materials, recycle irrigation water, and feature indigenous plants such as bougainvillea, pigeon plum, gumbo limbo, coconut palms and seagrape.
Ginn sur Mer
Yachtsmen will feel like visiting dignitaries when they receive the anticipated service at the Ginn sur Mer megayacht marina, which sends out a welcome to travelers from around the globe. The marina, which is currently under development, is highlighted by a Grand Promenade. This pedestrian walkway will house indoor and al fresco restaurants and exclusive boutiques and shops.
The design takes advantage of the stunning view of the fleet of yachts heading to (and returning from) ocean adventures. The yachting lifestyle will be truly celebrated at this resort community which is being designed to be “at one with the sea.” Fuel and all the expected amenities will be available as well as a high level of individual service.
At the West End of Grand Bahama, the marina, iconic buildings, signature golf courses, sun drenched beaches and impossibly clear waters are a mere 55 miles from Palm Beach.
Bimini Bay
The megayacht marina at the Bimini Bay Resort and Casino is just 48 nautical miles east of Fort Lauderdale. Life doesn’t get much more convenient than that. The first-rate megayacht docks feature utilities such as electric power, potable water, washdown water and lighting. Amenities include television, telephone connections and more.
Coming soon for Fisherman’s Village, residents and guests will be able to access a wide variety of select stores and services as well as dry dock service. Currently on site are a harbormaster, Customs and Immigration office, boating supply store, mini-mart and dive shop. In addition, convenient fishing charters, sunset cruises, sailing trips, diving and snorkeling trips, equipment rental and customized special events are available.
Those in search of happening nightlife will find their needs fulfilled at the casino. This hot nightspot will offer high-tech gaming in a lavish setting that includes slots, roulette, black jack, baccarat keno and sportbooks for betting on international events.
Grand Bahama Yacht Club
Many developments may call themselves “yacht clubs,” but the Grand Bahama Yacht Club is truly worthy of the name. Its location is just about perfect with some of the most easily navigated waters in the Bahamas, and it’s a short half-day cruise away from the South Florida coastline.
Megayachts up to 175 feet can be accommodated on the high-tech, all-concrete docks. High-speed fuel pumps take into account the mammoth tanks on today’s vessels to rapidly deliver triple-filtered fuel. At the same time, the turn-of-the-last-century brick and coral walkways, large shade trees, quaint piers and old-fashioned lanterns all add a traditional ambience to this unique setting.
To add to the efficiency of entering a foreign country, the Grand Bahama Yacht Club is an official Port of Entry with 24-hour Customs and Immigration services. A convenient pool bar and grill serve lunch and dinner. There are plenty of excuses to stop by this multi-purpose facility for a long-term berth, short holiday weekend, overnighter or just to refuel and dine.
Port Lucaya Marina
The ever-popular Port Lucaya Marina is a modern design offering all the high-tech amenities, such as free wireless internet connections, metered electric, CATV, telephone service, high-speed, triple-filtered, water-free fuel and pump-out facilities and accommodations for yachts up to 190 feet. However, that’s just the beginning of this exceptional harbor.
Behind the 106 state-of-the-art berths, two charming marina wings house everything from the vivacious marketplace wing with bars, shops, restaurants, live music and dancing to the more serene Sea Garden Wing which boasts tropical gardens and the Olympic-quality swimming pool of the Port Lucaya Resort and Yacht Club.
Other deluxe amenities include concierge service, messaging, fax, email, business services and meeting space. Maid service, catering and yacht cleaning are also available. The marina is also an official Bahamian Port of Entry.
Atlantis
Atlantis on Paradise Island, Nassau rivals the mythical underwater city in terms of glamour. The Marina at Atlantis hosts megayachts from around the world. Located near the Royal Towers the marina is easily accessed from Nassau Channel and Nassau Harbor.
The multi-million dollar, first-class marina allows yachtsmen all the resort privileges, services and amenities that are offered to resort guests — and they are plenty of them to choose from. Direct marina services include golf cart dock assistance for transfer of luggage and provisions, transportation between the marina and the resort, pump-out at each slip, single and three-phase power, 24-hour staffed security, complimentary newspapers and cable television, telephone service at each slip and 24-hour room service aboard. Private catering services are also available. Crew is accommodated in a crew lounge with television and vending machines.
The upscale Marina Village features a shopping center that has been compared to Rodeo Drive. Boutiques, restaurants and a delicious ice cream shop make the Village an enjoyable way to spend a day. The feel is British Colonial meets the clapboard buildings of the Out Islands, while other buildings recreate the traditional feel of the wooden waterfront warehouses once found on Nassau Harbor. Souvenirs range from artisan handmade local gifts to fashionable resort wear.