If the fourth largest city in Florida gets its way, then the Gulf Coast may rival the East Coast of the state in attracting megayachts.
The city of St. Petersburg is soliciting proposals to develop, lease, and operate a marina dedicated to these yachts, and possibly also research vessels. To be located in the Port of St. Petersburg, the marina would make the region “a strong waterfront magnet” and “fulfill its potential as a communitywide economic resource,” according to the master plan.
City officials want the marina because of a few factors. Several yachts have used the Port during the annual St. Petersburg Grand Prix, for example. But most of all, the city has seen increased revenue come directly from the superyacht sector, starting in fiscal year 2007 and continuing through fiscal year 2009. While it doesn’t indicate specific dollar amounts resulting from these visits, the request for proposals does single out two significant visitors: Tatoosh and Ecstasea, both pictured above. Ecstasea spent a month in the Port in early 2008. Tatoosh has spent significantly more time there. In fact, the request for proposals includes a letter from the yacht’s captain, which states that Tatoosh has been using St. Pete as its main U.S. base since 2006. The letter additionally states that it has been easy to shuttle guests to and from the yacht while at the Port, and that maintenance work was further arranged during some of the visits. “If a utility is not available, the staff at the port of St. Petersburg is only too helpful in arranging external services from local providers,” the captain further writes.
There’s good space available in the Port for a dedicated megayacht marina. It touts a 1,380-foot wharf, an average water depth of 21 feet, and nearly four acres of land that can be developed as a boardwalk or other uses. There are already fueling, pump-out, water, customs, and other related services available.
All proposals are due by early November, with a requirement of focusing on yachts larger than130 feet LOA. However, preference is being given to those targeting yachts exceeding 150 feet LOA and including potential use by research vessels. (The Port currently has one long-term tenant, SRI St. Petersburg, a marine research and development firm.) All other possible development, such as for the land and adding services, are open to suggestion. Regardless, the maximum term for any agreed-upon development is 10 years, in accordance with city rules. If a developer wishes a longer term, it would need voter approval via a citywide referendum.
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