3 Marinas We Love to Visit

One of the greatest, most pleasurable pastimes in the Virgin Islands is sailing (or cruising).

Even better, is island-hopping; venturing to new territory in the region with all the novelties it has to offer.

In between the adventure, we love it when we come across a marina that has everything a sailor could need, and some extra.

Three marinas that are a welcome blessing on our voyage around the Virgin Islands are Yacht Club Costa Smeralda situated in the North Sound of Virgin Gora, Nanny Cay located in Tortola, and Yacht Haven Grande in St Thomas.

Each possesses its own unique flair that breathes a hospitable respite into any aqua excursion, and we relish their conspicuous differences.

YCCS (BVI – Virgin Gorda)

Our first stop is YCCS Marina.

Positioned in the billionaire yacht playground of the North Sound, this is a luxurious haven for those who seek affluence and tranquillity.

Founded in 2012, YCCS finds its allure in boasting the best quality food, an unrivalled level of safety for its guests, and the all-encompassing natural beauty of the North Sound.

Allowing a natural draft of 40 feet and yachts up to 300 feet, the amenities speak for themselves with Silver Service cuisine, a brand-new Crew Bar called ‘Bar Aqua,’ a deli/provisioning service, a high-end laundry facility with specialised units for silk and ‘delicates,’ a concierge service, two suites—one with a Jacuzzi, the other with an optimum view of the Sound—and for the wellness-discerning guest, group and private yoga lessons.

It is safe to say that a visit to YCCS is indulgence at its finest.

Nanny Cay (BVI – Tortola)

Cruising into Nanny Cay Resort & Marina, the welcoming, full-service establishment presents a boatyard, hotel accommodation, shops, restaurants, and a pleasant expanse of beach.

Conceived in the mid-70s, Nanny Cay is renowned for its comfortable, loyal nautical community that encompasses ‘village camaraderie.’

Famous for hosting the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival, the BVI Charter Yacht Show, the Caribbean 1500, the Biennial Caribbean Oyster Regatta, and many other well-known sailing events, the modern, naturally sheltered marina holds berths for 222 yachts.

Comprised of a high-speed fuel dock, pump out station, luxury shower facilities and restrooms, and water and ice from the marina’s own R/O plant, Nanny Cay’s full-service boatyard now has storage for 310 yachts.

Wide ranging on-site services include shipwrights, fiberglass and Awlgrip experts, yacht fitting, technical, electrical, and mechanical marine engineering services, yacht surveying, rigging, a sail loft, laundry, internet access, provisioning stores, yacht sales, and yacht management.

Nanny Cay also operates a 6,000-square foot chandlery which has over 6,000 products in stock and a special-order service. Up to 10 megayachts over 100 feet can now dock there and the new outer marina currently has 42 slips; by August 2017, 120 slips will be completed, suitable for yachts from 30′ to 75′ with T-heads and a bulkhead capable of berthing megayachts 150′ in length.

The addition of the final 78 slips this year will give Nanny Cay a total of 300 slips split between the inner and outer marina; most definitely a comfortable location for a break before setting sail again.

Yacht Haven Grande (USVI – St Thomas)

Our final stop at Yacht Haven Grande in Long Bay, St. Thomas is summarised by security, luxury, and convenience in abundance.

Being part of the IGY Marinas network, the organisation caters great rates and services when travelling between the facilities throughout the Caribbean and North America.

Built in 2006, the establishment holds 46 megayacht slips up to 656 feet with the greatest ‘visitor’ to date being the 453-foot yacht Rising Sun.

Available services include in-slip high speed fuelling, in-slip Blackwater and waste oil removal, as well as the airlift and logistical resources of St Thomas. A refurbished, free WiFi system creates more coverage and higher bandwidth – always important these days in our internet driven world, and on-site provisioning and ships’ chandlery are just steps away from the docks.

The adjacent open-air lifestyle galleria, The Shops at Yacht Haven Grande, offers premium duty-free shopping, a variety of restaurants and bars from casual to fine salon and spas, and exciting events and nightlife. YHG also hosts community events such as concerts, farmers’ markets, and family days frequently throughout the year.

‘Wellness’ being a popular pursuit is catered for via complimentary Yoga, workout classes, sports’ nights, and fitness competitions. There’s even a medical clinic and chiropractic office on property.

Crews—who spend most of their time entertaining guests—are granted access to exclusive resort style amenities, including a pool, gym, and sports courts. Activities and events are held weekly during season, including pool parties thrown every Sunday.

YCCS photography by Carlo Borlenghi and Jeff Brown

Yacht Haven Grande photography by Philip Blake

Nanny Cay photography by Alastair Abrehart, Broadsword Communications