The manager of New Providence’s newest full-service marina yesterday said he is expecting a “solid season” that could see a 50 per cent improvement in boat slip rentals, and an even greater increase in fuel and other services sales.
Demaro Demeritte, the Palm Cay Marina’s dockmaster, made the positive projection after a third hurricane-free year.
“In one week, the official hurricane season will close, and at this point there is nothing on the horizon that gives us cause to worry,” said Mr Demeritte.
“Yachtsmen look at weather even more than the rest of us do, so when you have one season, then two, without a hurricane, it builds confidence. That is part of the reason I think we are already seeing a good jump in reservations of visiting boats.”
But factors besides being storm-free are also influencing boaters, said Mr Demeritte.
“Two years ago, Palm Cay Marina was just getting started,” he added. “It was new and relatively unknown. But thanks to the original management, and to the developers of Palm Cay, who really believed in the marina’s potential, it has become one of the boating hot spots for the Bahamas.
“BASRA (Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association) has named us an outpost – the only one in this area. It’s the closest marina to Exuma, so we are seeing both locals and visitors who know they are cutting six to seven miles off a 35-mile trip between mid-Nassau and Highborne Cay; even more if they were at a dock or marina west of town.
“And Palm Cay Marina is the site of a lot of family boating activity, particularly with local boaters who can zip out to the south side for a day of fishing and return long before dark.”
The multi-million dollar marina is one of the main features drawing buyers to Palm Cay, according to its sales and marketing director. Zack Bonczek said: “We’re a waterfront community with a natural inlet. There had been a boat repair facility here for decades when investors bought the property.
“At that time, there was talk that the development could have been built around the existing marina, but when they examined it further, they made the decision to remove all the old docks, rebuild the seawall to make sure it would last for years to come, and re-do all the docks, put in three-phase electricity, provide for wi-fi, install a sea gate for security, everything that makes a marina a good, safe, secure and comfortable place to keep your boat.
“Yes, it cost a lot of money, but these people were not building for the short-term. They were looking at a community that would be especially appealing to boaters and to those who love the water for generations to come.”
The 194-slip Palm Cay Marina can handle vessels up to 110 feet in length, with a draft of up to eight feet.
Merrs Bonczek and Demeritte both said the opening of the Billfish Grill restaurant and members’ club last year also added to the appeal.
The 70-acre community on New Providence’s southeastern shorline has sold 80 per cent of its single family lots, and more than 90 per cent of the first two phases of its condominium offerings.
The third condominium phase was unveiled ahead of schedule because of demand, while construction is on target and townhouse rentals and sales are improving.
There is a waiting list for two more phases – the next stage of the five-phase condos called The Anchorage, and a section of cottages to be named Mariner’s Cove, featuring architecture reminiscent of Hope Town, Abaco or Harbour Island.
Palm Cay is scheduled to be completed and turned over to homeowners in 2017.
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