About 40 professional and amateur racing yachts descended on Victoria, British Columbia a few weeks ago. Victoria International Marina welcomed them, serving as the shore base for the Melges 24 World Championship Regatta. It was the marina’s first official event. Fittingly, a toast of champagne and a ribbon cutting marked the moment, too.
The timing bears repeating. “We welcomed the world within the week of our opening,” says Craig Norris, the marina CEO. Hosting a major event is a challenge, particularly for a new facility. However, Victoria International Marina’s management had occasions like this in mind when planning the facility. A dedicated 2,300-square-foot (about 214-square-meter) event space sits on site, for example. Since the marina is in Victoria’s Inner Harbor, it’s also near a customs-clearance office.
Of course, the management team had megayacht owners, guests, and crew in mind as well. Victoria International Marina accommodates 28 yachts from 65 to 175 feet (19.8 to 53.3 meters). Security and around-the-clock concierge services are available. So, too, is a crew lounge, featuring a gym, a bar, and a living-room-like space with a theater screen. There’s additionally a reception lounge for yacht guests. Both lounges show off locally sourced wood, to immerse visitors in the British Columbian ambiance.
Speaking of which, Victoria International Marina’s staff can recommend things to do. Commonly, guests will head to or arrive from Alaska’s Inside Passage. However, Victoria itself is much more than a stopping point. The downtown area, with museums, restaurants, art galleries, and more, is a short walk from the marina. The marina team can arrange guided tours of the region, plus fishing trips and adventure-oriented trips. In addition, the team can arrange for charter planes and/or helicopters. Your chef can get provisioning assistance plus learn the best places to obtain local wines.
With more than 15,500 miles of coastline from Victoria to Alaska, there shouldn’t be a shortage of opportunity. The marina offers daily and monthly mooring, as well as long-term leases to 40 years.
Leave a Reply