April means many a megayacht will soon head across the Atlantic from the Caribbean for the summer season. The Marina at Christophe Harbour in St. Kitts is enticing both stopovers and longer stays by now offering in-slip, duty-free fueling.
As you may recall, the Marina at Christophe Harbour just opened in February. The facility is part of an overall community development, the brainchild of Charles Pinckney “Buddy” Darby III. Darby is more than familiar with both real estate and yachting. He’s an experienced developer and the owner of the 154-foot (47-meter) Perini Navi Andromeda la Dea.
Being the only superyacht-specific marina in all of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Marina at Christophe Harbour has attracted a number of boats thus far. Aeneas Hollins, the director of yachting, explains, “Large-yacht fueling was occurring in low numbers at both Port Zante in St. Kitts and Long Point in Nevis prior to this, but having duty-free fuel in-berth in a dedicated, purpose-built large-yacht marina holds great appeal for the fleet.” The Marina at Christophe Harbour anticipates that about 140 megayachts measuring 100 feet (30.5 meters) and larger will have called on St. Kitts and Nevis by season’s end. That figure is up from 117 visitors during the 2013-14 winter season.
Besides the in-slip fueling, the Marina at Christophe Harbour continues to offer complimentary three nights’ dockage for megayachts from 98 to 295 feet (30 to 90 meters). The benefit is available for the rest of this inaugural season. The package includes access to the waterfront bar, SALT Plage. A pier steps away from SALT Plage is ideal for boarding your tender, should you wish to poke around the island for a bit.
If you frequent the Caribbean, note, too, that berths are available for purchase, on a freehold vs. leasehold basis. Berth ownership at The Marina at Christophe Harbour grants membership in the Christophe Harbour Club and access to the in-development Tom Fazio-designed golf course. It also grants citizenship without a residency requirement. A private-jet terminal near the marina makes it even more attractive.
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