BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – YACHTING is often described in many circles as a “rich man’s sport”, and the recent launch of the St. Kitts Yacht Club (SKYC) could open doors for St. Kitts and Nevis to benefit economically from the development of that pastime.
Launched at a simple but significant ceremony over the weekend in Frigate Bay, the Yacht Club will seek to develop juniors in the sport.
Commodore of the Club, Peter Dupre explained that there are many opportunities opening in St. Kitts and Nevis and yachting is among them.
He pointed to the Government making a commitment to developing yachting tourism in the Federation, and that the launching of the club fits into that overarching goal.
Speaking of the benefits that could be derived from yachting, the head of the Club noted that it is definitely going to blossom with gains.
“Look at St. Maarten, we have always sat here in St. Kitts and go wow, ‘St. Maarten always have five cruise ships.’ What you may or may not know is that St. Maarten makes more money off yachting tourism than it does off cruise ship tourism. I am thrilled that our nation is developing in tourism and we are being really successful in the cruise ship market. But just remember that the potential for the yachting tourism market can overtake that.”
Minister of Tourism Hon. Lindsay Grant intimated that the launch was an important and significant one, especially with the SKYC finding a more suitable location within the Frigate Bay area.
“It is significant in its placement at Frigate Bay; previously they were at the Cockle Shell Bay in Spice Mill. But being at Frigate Bay gives that greater accessibility and opportunity to the people in St. Kitts and in Nevis,” Grant said.
The Minister noted that it now creates an opportunity for people who are interested in the sport to enhance their skills.
Grant also noted that his Ministry is happy to be partnering with the SKYC – which is premier development- in terms of ensuring that they have a home in the area.
Meanwhile, Minister Grant said the development of the Club in Frigate Bay is in conjunction with work that the Government is currently undertaking in that area.
“As you know, we are having a $7M development of The Strip, so it is symbiotic of the good relationship.”
He reminded that with a lot of emphasis being placed on the development of this new sector, it should be appreciated how much is being invested.
Preceding the launch, the organizers held swimming classes for children and, according to Dupre, the development of the industry starts with learning to sail and how to swim.
“Sailing is like every sport; it is not for everybody. You take 10 kids and you put them all on a football field and some would want to be footballers. Personally, I would not rest until they put swimming on the National Curriculum.”
