Yachting and marinas outlook bright
2018, November 1: St. Maarten is a haven for yachts of all sizes and classifications. And, the St. Maarten Marine Trades Association says the outlook for the coming yachting season looks bright. Number of yachts in its marinas is expected to return to levels St. Maarten catered to prior to hurricane Irma.
Great Bay, Simpson Bay and the Simpson Bay Lagoon are the main docking and anchorage areas for mega yachts.
The Simpson Bay Lagoon has the main facilities for yachts of all sizes. It is shared by both Dutch St. Maarten and French St. Martin with the Dutch side of the lagoon having the most marinas and a wide range of boat companies and suppliers. The marinas and boat yards include provisioning stores, sail makers, boat builders, haul-out services and chandleries.
Great Bay is where Port St. Maarten is located. Giga yachts and vessels too large to enter the lagoon use the facilities in Great Bay and the windjammer berth next to the cruise facility at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facility. Giga yachts can also berth alongside the cruise ship pier depending on the cruise schedule.
Fueling services are available to giga yachts at a station located at the windjammer berth. There are fuel storage tanks on the property and larger volumes can be delivered by road tanker. []
