Ground has been broken on a $30-$40 million development aimed at cementing Nanny Cay Resort and Marina’s place as the “heart of Caribbean yachting,” officials said.
The expansion will see a new 112-slip marina designed to accommodate the latest generation of catamarans and megayachts, enhanced boatyard facilities, and upgraded visitor amenities including a swimming pool, restaurant, beach bar and retail park.
Speaking at the Friday ground-breaking ceremony, Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley hailed the scope of the initiative.
“This marina expansion represents the first of three phases in a broader reimagining of the Nanny Cay Marina and Resort — a transformative project completed over approximately three years with an overall investment of between $30 million and $40 million in new works and amenities,” he said.
The premier also said the project will create more than 90 jobs and launch a marine training hub for youths in partnership with H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.
“It’s more than a construction project: It’s a declaration of confidence in our economy, our people and in the Virgin Islands as a premier destination for tourism, maritime excellence and sustainable growth,” Mr. Wheatley said.
Chairman
Nanny Cay Chairman Cameron McColl said the expansion will benefit both local and visiting vessels, including superyachts up to 165 feet in length.
It will also feature the installation of a custom boat lift designed to handle catamarans up to 80 feet, which he said are now arriving frequently in the Caribbean.
“Today’s ground-breaking marks a major milestone not only in the development of Nanny Cay, but in the wider evolution of the BVI as a premier maritime destination,” Mr. McColl said.
“It’s a tangible step forward in ensuring that we remain competitive, resilient and ready to meet the demands of the future.”
The project, he added, was powered by popularity. “The ongoing success of Nanny Cay became evident as the existing two marinas outgrew their capacity and the need for a third marina has become essential to meet the market demand for world-class facilities in the BVI,” he said.
Nanny Cay General Manager Miles Sutherland-Pilch also spoke at the ceremony.
“The new lift and berths will allow us to handle more vessels efficiently and safely, while continuing to deliver the high level of service our customers expect,” he said.
“It is an exciting next step for Nanny Cay and the wider BVI marine industry.”
Governor Daniel Pruce also attended the ceremony.