ONBOARD Magazine winter 2019

ALL THE ISLANDS ARE KEEN TO MOVE ON FROM THE
MISERABLE MEMORIES AND MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THE
CARIBBEAN IS VERY MUCH OPEN FOR BUSINESS
and rebuilding our offices, tourist site
facilities, our boats. Then mechanics and
maintenance men repaired the vehicles and
communication equipment. We made phone
calls, sent emails, contacted the media,
engaged in person to person marketing
and attended boat shows etc. to inform
the world that we were ready and open for
business. Government collaboration and
assistance from the ministry of tourism
played a vital role in the possibility of this
venture. Most activities took a great deal
of unity, manpower and money.”
All the islands are keen to move on from
the miserable memories and make it clear
that the Caribbean is very much open for
business. And in locations the hurricanes
did not hit, such as Jamaica, Antigua and
St. Lucia, prepping for the season involves,
cleaning sprucing up, and painting. Marigot
Bay Marina on St. Lucia recently completed
a full marina upgrade which includes a brandnew
Marina board walk which adds to the
durability of the structure, and a redesigned
bridge that connects the Marina to the
Marigot Bay resort.
Top tips
The island experts recommend visiting
yachts stay in close contact with yacht
agents in the areas they choose to cruise.
Says Simon Manley at Shore Support on
St. Martin, “Weather is a huge factor in
the comfort and enjoyment of guests and
we spend a lot of time helping captains
find calmer anchorages and adapting their
itineraries on the fly.” And the other thing
to remember is the paperwork. “Some
boats make the mistake of assuming
that checking into one island, especially
in the southern Caribbean, automatically
checks them into others. It’s important for
captains to remember that most islands
are independent sovereign states and the
regulations for each port of entry must
be respected to avoid penalties or fines,”
explains Troy Blanchard at Marigot Bay, St.
ANCHOR CONCIERGE AND
SUPER YACHT SERVICES
Anchor Concierge is a one stop agency
catering to all the needs of today’s high
pressure yachting industry with offices
at both Falmouth Harbour Marina and
Antigua Yacht Club Marina. Anchor
Concierge are always available to suit the
yacht’s time-tables, and are on call 24/7, 12
months of the year. Their positive attitude
and commitment to detail, takes the stress
out of dealing with many of the government
formalities. Their list of services is endless
and their prices are competitive, as their
slogan says, “The Answer Is YES, now what
was the question?”
For more details Tel: +1 268 734 3865
or visit www.anchorcsys.com
Lucia. Almost every stop on an itinerary
involves clearing in and out of customs and
Immigration, meaning you have to check in
and leave each country at port of entry. So
Nick Line, Managing Director, at Anchor
Concierge & Super Yacht Services Ltd,
on Antigua suggests spending a few days
around each island to cut down on time
dealing with formalities.
Samuel Andrews of Sam Taxi Tours Ltd on
Dominica warns that yachts coming for the
first time must be made aware that nationals
from the following countries require a visa
to enter the country: China, Syria, Lebanon,
Iraq, Iran, Nigeria, Dominican Republic, and
72 | WINTER 2019 | ONBOARD