An artist impression of the proposed expansion at Nanny Cay Resort and Marina. Photo: Nanny Cay Resort & Marina

The proposed expansion includes a marina with 120 slips designed to accommodate the latest generation of catamarans and mega yachts; boatyard and lifts to haul and accommodate these vessels; and high-end restaurants with panoramic views of the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Photo: Nanny Cay Resort & Marina

The developer, Cameron McColl, chairman of Nanny Cay Resort & Marina and the Government’s Planning Department, hosted a final meeting last evening, Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre in Sea Cows Bay to further explain the project. Photo: Team of Reporters

An artist's impression of the proposed Nanny Cay Marina and Resort. Photo: Nanny Cay Resort and Marina

To this end, subject to final government approvals, Nanny Cay Resort & Marina has plans to expand with a new mega yacht marina, boatyard, and improved visitor facilities transforming it into the Caribbean’s top resort marina. The proposed expansion includes a marina with 120 slips designed to accommodate the latest generation of catamarans and mega yachts; boatyard and lifts to haul and accommodate these vessels; and high-end restaurants with panoramic views of the Sir Francis Drake Channel.

Big money project

The developer, Cameron McColl, Chairman of Nanny Cay Resort & Marina and the Government’s Planning Department, hosted a final meeting last evening, Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the Valerie O.  Thomas Community Centre in Sea Cows Bay to further explain the project.

The project to cost over forty million US dollars, will also include an event area with a stage circled by a restaurant village with private seating and dining areas, gardens and a children’s play area; a small retail village; a new luxury infinity swimming pool with lap pool and pool bar; an island with beach and bar; storage and launch facilities for the Royal BVI Yacht Club dinghy programme; H. Lavity Stoutt Community College/Nanny Cay Marine Hub; custom-built training facility for sailing, marine skills training, swimming certification and environmental awareness education.

Mr McColl, speaking exclusively to our newsroom, noted that “this thirty-to-forty-million-dollar investment will take Nanny Cay and its facilities to a world-class level that can truly host and service the next generation of catamarans and growing mega yacht market”.

For the Virgin Islands to retain its position as the ‘sailing capital of the world’, it needs to be able to continue to attract these increasingly large vessels. “This expansion, and the facilities we plan to create, is an important part of that ability to do so,” the millionaire investor explained.

Jobs, Jobs Jobs

Mr McColl noted that the development at Nanny Cay will provide over 100 jobs.

While some residents raised the issues of the environment, there were assurances from government officials at the meeting that they were satisfied with the Environment Impact Study and the measures taken to flush the areas that may be affected by the construction of the new docks.

Meanwhile in an unrelated point, another resident spoke about the Sea Cows Bay Habour and its future. Chief Planner Mr Gregory W. Adams stated that the Sea Cows Bay Habour was unrelated to the new Nanny Cay Development.

Resident of District Three Mr Julian Willock, who was at the meeting, noted that all voices must be heard on the project; however, he has full confidence in the Government’s technical team of officers who have looked at the project and reported to be satisfied that all measures will be taken to protect the environment and adjacent landowners.

Coming out of the meeting, many residents and businesses in the area expressed support for the project. The Developer also plans to assist residents with scholarships and after-school programmes in the marine sector, working with the H. L. Community College, along with making other financial contributions for students' interest in all areas of the sector.