Copyright virginislandsdailynews
Nanny Cay Marina announced it broke ground on Friday with a major expansion project that will impact the British Virgin Islands' marine industry. The expansion will include the installation of a custom-designed Marine Travelift dedicated to the latest wave of 60, 70, and 80-foot catamarans now arriving in the Caribbean. It willTbe one of the largest in the region, adding 112 new slips dedicated to a mix of large catamarans, private sail and power boats, and mega yachts up to 165 feet, significantly increasing yard space. The development marks a major milestone in Nanny Cay’s continued growth as the island's leading marine hub, according to a released statement. “This expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to improving facilities for the BVI’s marine community and strengthening Nanny Cay’s position as the heart of Caribbean yachting,” Nanny Cay chairman, Cameron McColl, said. “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 saidl. He added that the new travelift and additional berthing will significantly increase our capacity "and allow us to better serve both local and visiting vessels, particularly the growing number of large catamarans and superyachts operating in the region." "Today’s groundbreaking 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. It’s a tangible step forward in ensuring that we remain competitive, resilient, and ready to meet the demands of the future," McColl said at Friday's groundbreaking. Nanny Cay Marina unveiled the expansion project in 2024, and Friday's symbolic event signified the shift from planning to construction. According to the statement the development, estimated at over $30 million, aims to transform Nanny Cay into the Caribbean’s premier resort marina. In addition to the 112-slip addition, key features of the expansion include: Enhanced boatyard facilities - Upgraded boatyard and lifts capable of handling larger vesselsVisitor amenities - A new beach, high-end restaurants with panoramic views, a luxury swimming pool, a beach bar, and a retail villageCommunity engagement - New classroom facility for the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College maritime training programs, numerous jobs and business opportunities for residents, and dedicated spaces for the Royal BVI Yacht Club’s dinghy program Nanny Cay’s General Manager Miles Sutherland-Pilch said the expansion was necessary, noting "we were seeing increasing demand from larger multihulls and monohulls, and this project was designed to meet that need. "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. It is an exciting next step for Nanny Cay and the wider BVI marine industry," he said. Friday's groundbreaking took place on-site at Nanny Cay with government officials, local dignitaries, and members of the marine industry in attendance to include Gov. Daniel Pruce, Premier Natalio D. Wheatley and Julian Fraser, the deputy premier who also serves as Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change minister. Wheatley according to the statement noted in his remarks that they were gathered “not only to break ground on the expansion here at Nanny Cay, but to mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the story of the Virgin Islands." "This marina expansion represents the first of three phases in a broader reimagining of the Nanny Cay Resort and Marina — a transformative project to be completed over approximately three years with an overall investment between $30 and $40 million in new works and amenities," he said. "That’s investment that our economy needs. 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.” The premier added “The project will create 91 new jobs, and in partnership with H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Nanny Cay will also launch a marine training hub for local youth. This investment reaffirms confidence in the BVI’s economy, people, and legacy as the sailing capital of the world.” Nanny Cay officials said the project underscores their dedication to innovation, sustainability, and service excellence in the territory’s maritime sector. In addition to serving as a full-service marina and boatyard, Nanny Cay hosts the annual BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival — 2026 will mark its 53rd year — one of the Caribbean’s top sailing events, attracting yachts, crews, and visitors from around the world. Once completed, the new facilities will further enhance the marina’s ability to accommodate the growing demand for high-quality marine infrastructure in the territory.
