BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE yachting industry in St. Kitts has seen steady and notable increases over the past couple of years. This is according to Christophe Harbour’s Yachting Director Aneas Hollins.
Hollins recently gave the media this progress report during a media tour of the multi-million dollar development project.
“The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has seen a 20 percent year-on-year growth of the yachting industry for three years now. Yesterday (Mar. 24), we passed last year’s numbers and we are well on target to see that 20 percent growth again. So we’ve seen over 130 yachts of 100 feet or more in our waters this year, which is great, great news for the country and for the business.”
Hollis said the recently-opened 24-slip avenues of business opportunities for locals.
He advised entrepreneurs to take advantage of those opportunities.
“And now that the boats are arriving on the dock, they are doing more and more work, they’re demanding more and more things of the Federation. Previously, when they were at anchor, they only had to do tours and flights and a few things. Now they’re on the dock, they demand all kinds of services…laundry, garbage, sewage, florists etc.
“…We are seeing a lot of calls from local entrepreneurs calling in and finding out what the opportunities are and what the growth is and what the anticipated growth should be. So we are advising all of those people. The Chamber of Commerce is very interested in what we are doing; businesses are starting to take note.”
Hollis said he is excited about the prospects for property sales as a direct result of the thriving yachting industry.
“We’ve seen significant interest in property here at Christophe Harbour from the boats. So, yes, it is certainly driving sails and we are seeing a lot of people start to ask the right questions like ‘Can I come and rent a villa in St. Kitts and leave my boat in the harbor? Can I start my trip with a week-long holiday in the Federation and then go on a week-long sailing trip?’ These are the kind of growth dynamics that we are going to start to see. Very exciting!”
He informed that the 24-slip Christophe Harbour Marina is in its first phase and it is likely that construction of phase two would begin in a year’s time.
The yachting season begins in November and ends in May.
