The Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda is one of its most-visited sites. Located on the western end of the island, in Sandys Parish, it once served as England’s largest naval facility outside of the United Kingdom. It played a key role in the War of 1812, serving as the departure point for British naval ships that reached and burned Washington, D.C.
While the fort and other historic buildings sat empty for decades in recent history, the Bermudian government has been redeveloping the Dockyard. Today, it’s the site of the Bermuda Maritime Museum, a glassworks, a clayworks, homes, restaurants, a cruise ship terminal, even a dolphin experience. And within the next few years, its 250 acres will also become home to Bermuda’s first dedicated megayacht marina.
To be called Cross Island Marina, it will feature 200 slips for yachts from 100 to 250 feet. Since the design is still in the early stages, there’s the possibility for accommodating yachts upwards of 300 feet. A select number of the total slips are being set aside as “Founders” docking, with the purchase entitling owners to a Founders Membership in the yacht club that will also be built on site.
The marina is being created under a private-public partnership between the West End Development Company (also known as Wedco), owned by the Bermudian government, and South Basin Development, a developer. Westrec Marinas, well known in megayacht circles, is working with the latter on the design, project management, and eventually the operation of the marina itself.
Bermudian officials were on hand at last week’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show to meet with the media and interested owners and captains regarding the marina. Among them was Derrick Burgess, the minister of works and engineering. In a statement, he said, “This development will further Bermuda’s place on the map as a unique and important international recreation and business location.”
photo: copyright kkuhlct
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