Caribbean Compass Sailing Magazine

BUSINESS BRIEFS
Trinidad: Best of Both Worlds
Stacey Honoré reports: Trinidad & Tobago’s Yachting Industry is concentrated in
the Chaguaramas Bay area, which contains many marinas and a plethora of providers
of first-class repair and maintenance services at competitive prices. These
advantages, complemented with a modern business environment, a unique cultural
diversity and the fact that T&T is geographically located below the hurricane belt,
make it an ideal location for many cruisers who sail to the Caribbean.
The yachting hub in T&T is a safe haven and an enjoyable place for visitors. In a single
mile of protected coastline, a host of yachting services has evolved over the
past few years that now make this area the most inclusive and diverse cluster in the
entire Caribbean. Five separate boatyards provide travel hoists ranging from 50 to
200 tons in capacity, with storage facilities for well over 600 boats on land and
about 200 boats on docks and on moorings.
The range of yachting services includes painting and refinishing, stainless and aluminium
fabrication, fibreglass work, woodwork, electronics and electrical work,
osmosis repairs, sail making, rigging, upholstery and canvas work, propeller repairs,
engine repairs, other mechanical work and watermaker construction — all executed
by competent professionals in the industry.
Moreover, visitors to T&T can experience activities such as world-class diving and
exciting game fishing, kiteboarding and cruising, mainly in the clean clear waters
and serenity of Tobago. While in Trinidad, cruisers can enjoy fine dining and multiethnic
cuisine, lively entertainment, adventurous eco-tours, multi-cultural festivals
and events and visits to multiple historical sites.
A public-private partnership model is used to facilitate further developments in the
industry to ensure maximum cruiser satisfaction. Two organizations, one private sector
(Yacht Services Association of Trinidad and Tobago) and the other public sector
(Yachting Steering Committee) work closely together to provide the regulatory and
institutional framework that advances Trinidad & Tobago’s position as the most idyllic
location for cruisers in the Southern Caribbean.
The twin-island state of Trinidad & Tobago offers premier yacht repair and maintenance
services, a safe haven for boats and yachts and natural beauty coupled with
the warmth of a multicultural society. You are invited to come and experience the
best of both worlds!
For more information see ad on page 47.
St. Maarten Sails Joins Ullman Sails
St. Maarten Sails is pleased to announce it will now be operating as Ullman Sails St.
Maarten. Owner Rob Gilders opted to join the Ullman Sails group earlier this year,
retaining his highly successful association with its South African manufacturer, Jan
Reuvers at Ullman Sails South Africa (formerly Jannie Reuvers Sails).
Rob’s strong ties and the longstanding relationship with his main supplier made the
NOVEMBER 2014 CARIBBEAN COMPASS PAGE 9
switch to Ullman Sails an easy decision. “We are greatly looking forward to a highly
successful association with Ullman Sails and continuing to offer the products and services
in tune with the special requirements of the Caribbean.”
Jan, who joined forces with the Ullman Sails group in 2013, has established an
excellent reputation throughout the Caribbean for producing high-end quality sails,
ideally suited to our Caribbean conditions at affordable prices.
Ullman Sails St. Maarten and St. Maarten Sails & Canvas is a full-service sail loft based
in Cole Bay Lagoon that provides a full range of new sails and canvas for sailors, including
comprehensive sail maintenance and repairs. St. Maarten Sails is one of the oldest
sailmakers in the Caribbean – Rob has been sailmaking on St. Maarten since 1979.
Contact Rob and his team to find out how Ullman Sails St. Maarten can help you
enjoy more time on the water: E-mail rob@ullmansails.com or phone (721) 544-5231.
For more information see ad on this page.
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