With one of the busiest Caribbean cruising periods fast approaching, the Yacht Club at Isle de Sol in St. Maarten can continue accommodating deep-draft yachts. This, due to a dredging project that recently wrapped up.
The marina, located on a private island, has consistently accommodated some of the biggest megayachts around. The Yacht Club at Isle de Sole has 40 berths available solely for megayachts, in fact. Both motoryachts and sailing yachts measuring more than 300 feet LOA are regular visitors. The maximum draft now is about 17½ feet.
IGY Marinas, which manages the property, undertook the dredging for its regular megayacht visitors, and others. In terms of the former, the Christmas and New Year period is prime time. With the latter, several high-profile regattas come to the Caribbean each year. These include the Heineken Regatta, which is hosted in St. Maarten. The annual St. Barths Bucket and Les Voiles (also in St. Barths) bring competitors to the Caribbean, too. In each case, some of the regatta competitors, and onlookers, stay for a bit of a break after the action. IGY Marinas is confident that the Yacht Club at Isle de Sol, just inside the Simpson Bay Bridge, will attract them. “This investment provides several benefits for both the marina and St. Maarten, as it will allow deeper draft vessels to visit St. Maarten for the first time,” comments Tom Mukamal, IGY Marinas’ CEO.
While at the marina, guests can indulge in a variety of activities. Tennis courts, a pool, and a fitness center await. Nearby, there’s shopping, dining, and nightlife. Dining is also available at the marina.
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