The long-standing ambition for the small Caribbean island of Anguilla to have a megayacht marina moved a step nearer last week. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between the government and developers, which should permit the creation of a facility.
The new marina is planned for the south coast of Anguilla. It’s one of the few Caribbean islands without any megayacht infrastructure, despite plans being put in place several years ago. In 2007, the Altamer Resort, which opened in 2000, and IGY Marinas signed an agreement to develop a 100-berth marina adjacent to the resort, able to accommodate yachts up to 328 feet (100 meters). The marina, to be named Yacht Haven Grande Anguilla, was to have one-third of its berths allocated to megayachts. Shops, dining, on-yacht spa services, and more were to be featured as well. Unfortunately, the financial downturn caused the project to be suspended. However, in late January, the Anguillan government signed a 32-page MOU, laying down all the details of the project in terms of funding, timescales, and responsibilities. Anguilla’s chief minister, Hubert Hughes, signed it, along with Ellis Ellington of Ellington Capital Management Anguilla, the American-based developer. It further involves the Romney family, who are local residents.
At this early stage of the project, no more details are available. Regardless, Rebecca Eggleton, the owner of the Altamer Resort, describes it as still being “a live project,” with IGY Marinas continuing to be linked to it. While a representative for IGY Marinas was traveling at press time and unable to provide any additional details, the company maintains a website for Yacht Haven Grande Anguilla.
Currently the resort and the land set aside for the marina are for sale, so buyers could reconfigure the marina if they decide to go ahead with it.
Leave a Reply