Come next summer, sportfishermen will have some company along the coast of Belize. Plans are underway to create the largest full-service marina in the country, including a dedicated area for megayachts.
The Placencia Marina will open in stages, with the first phase completed next summer. The photo at left shows the breakwater under construction. One-hundred seventeen slips should be available, for boats and superyachts from 40 to 220 feet. By spring of 2013, a total of 263 slips will cater to yachts to more than 260 feet. Specifically, the site plan (below) shows a reserved area called the Mega Yacht Harbor, with nearly 40 slips for yachts 80 feet and larger.
“We are following clean marina standards,” says Maggie McCafferty, marketing manager for Canyon Acquisitions, the developer. She cites six months of environmental impact studies, including setting up a weather station to monitor sediment flow, tides, wind, and current. Canyon Acquisitions also has an ongoing water-quality study. McCafferty says both of these are firsts for Belize. She adds that The Placencia Marina will be a no-discharge marina, with no automatic pumps permitted and bilges checked for contaminants. In-berth pump-out will be available.
Other amenities will include a high-speed fuel dock, a customs and immigration office, and a crew-only recreation center. Furthermore, restaurants, shops and groceries, a casino, a spa, and a hotel will all be within the Marina Village.
The Placencia Marina and Marina Village are part of The Placencia, a 6,500-acre, gated community presently under construction. The Placencia encompasses more than 3,000 acres of coastline and five miles of lagoon frontage. A private 18-hole golf course and an international airport are being created on site. Custom lots, custom homes, and fractional residences are being offered as well. Home owners will have access to a 15-acre private cay called Rendezvous Island. It’s 12 miles offshore, reachable via private helicopter, seaplane, boat, or water taxi. Amenities include a beach club, a hotel, a spa, a pool, and a restaurant.
Personnel from Canyon Acquisitions and its partner, The Placencia Group, will be at the Palm Beach International Boat Show next week.
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