2022 November December Marina World

SUPERYACHT FACILITIES
The Town of Palm
Beach Marina,
now with enhanced
superyacht berthing,
opened last year after a
major rebuild. Image:
Jacober Creative –
courtesy of Town Palm
Beach Marina
Superyachts welcome at
Palm Beach marina
The Town of Palm Beach Marina, the only public marina located on the 18-mile
(29km) long barrier island between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic
Ocean, reopened to the public in November 2021 after a $40 million rebuild.
Completed on time and under budget, it provides a significant upgrade to the
marina facilities in Palm Beach County, Florida, and its first year of operation
has been a huge success.
Development of the master plan,
which began in January 2017, was
approved by the Town Council on 10 th
April 2018. And, as South Florida is
experiencing increasing demand for
larger slips, the approval of the project
design addressed the growing need to
expand the marina to allow access for
larger vessels, including superyachts.
Murray Logan Construction was
chosen as the general contractor for
the project and Bellingham Marine was
contracted to undertake the marina
portion of the extensive renovation.
Working together with the Town’s
consulting engineer, Baird, the scope
of work included total replacement and
redesign of the existing marina, and
installation of a hurricane-rated Unifloat
concrete floating dock system which
was put through its paces with minimal
ensuing damage by Hurricane Ian.
Steel pipe piling with HDPE sleeves,
installation of ADA compliant aluminium
gangways and waterside utilities were
included.
The marina now comprises 84 slips,
ranging from 60 to 294ft (18 to 90m)
divided between three docks: the
Brazilian, Australian and Peruvian. An
additional 250ft (76m) structure, the
Royal Palm Dock, was included in the
project to accommodate superyachts
through the use of side ties. Before the
renovation, the marina was only able to
accommodate one 200ft (61m) yacht,
but with the completion of the project it
has increased this capacity tenfold.
The design of the marina includes
numerous features intended specifically
for large vessels and superyachts.
Bellingham’s Unifloat concrete dock
was constructed with 14ft (4.3m) wide
main piers, 8 to 12ft (2.4 to 3.6m) extra
wide finger piers, and 30in (76cm)
freeboard. To better accommodate the
draft of larger vessels and superyachts,
the slips were designed to have greater
width and depth than average slips.
The marina’s electrical system
required over five miles of cable to
provide new shore power with 480V,
200 amps power as well as 100A
single phase and three phase power
to the slips, high speed Wi-Fi system,
in-slip metering and integrated lighting
throughout the
gangway handrails.
The marina also
comes equipped
with an advanced
in-slip high-capacity
pump-out system
that provides an
exceptionally
functional yet aesthetically pleasing
final product. The marina offers
complimentary cart and porter
concierge services, gated docks with
access control, shower and lounge
facilities, and a brand-new marina office
and restroom/shower facilities.
“The Town of Palm Beach Marina
surpassed expectations in its first
season of operation and the staff is
excited to welcome both new and
returning customers. Anchored in the
heart of midtown, the marina location is
ideal for those who are looking for the
ultimate Palm Beach experience,” said
Carolyn Stone, assistant town manager.
One of the major draws of the former
Town Docks is its proximity to the worldfamous
Palm Beach area’s amenities
as it is within walking distance of the
well-known Worth Avenue renowned
shops and restaurants. Slip holders
are provided with complimentary use
of the 18-hole Par 3 Golf Course and
its clubhouse located on the scenic
waterfront. The marina experience is
further enhanced for its guests through
complimentary access to the Morton
and Barbara Mandel Recreation
Center’s health and wellness facilities
and the town’s multiple pristine tennis
courts.
The Town of Palm Beach committed
to providing increased access to the
amenities demanded by the evergrowing
market for facilities that can
accommodate larger vessels and
superyachts, and to transforming the
Town of Palm Beach Marina into a
world-class destination for captains,
crews and guests alike.
www.marinaworld.com – November/December 2022 31