The Tribune

Palm Cay’s marina has “enjoyed amazing success”, its dockmaster attributing this to a southern New Providence ocation that makes it a ‘jumping off point’ for boaters heading to the Exumas.

Brooks Russell said: “At times we have been full to our capacity, but the most interesting thing about the increase in traffic is not the numbers but what people are telling us - that they feel like they are in Exuma before they actually get to Exuma. It’s like adding days to their Exuma experience.”

The 194-slip full-service marina is the first facility to cater to transient boaters in the southeastern New Providence area. For power or sailboaters heading to Exuma, it cuts some seven or eight miles off the route from the middle of Nassau, where most marinas are located.

About half of Palm Cay’s business is those moving through New Providence on their way elsewhere, who can fuel up there and enjoy amenities such as the newly-opened Billfish Grill.

Opened less than a year ago, but recently completed with gas and diesel, wi-fi, electricity and washdown services, plus access to amenities including a pool, 1,200-foot white sand beach, restaurant and extensive grounds, the marina that can handle boats with up to an eight-foot draft got a boost from its prime display space at the Miami Boat Show in February.

“That presence, along with incentives we have been offering to introduce Palm Cay to the boating public, has really made a difference, giving us an initial boost,” said Mr Russell.

“Once people have gotten here and experienced what we have to offer, the news has spread by word of mouth and ActiveCaptain reviews (www.activecaptain.com), the equivalent of TripAdvisor for boaters.

“I think it’s fair to say that Palm Cay has become the favourite stop-off point for Exuma-bound or returning vessels.”

Active Captain reviews from yachts hailing from as far afield as Oregon and Connecticut have reported that Palm Cay Marina was a find “off the beaten path”, and a facility that had “class without the cost”. One vessel spent an extra 26 days in Nassau because owners enjoyed Palm Cay.

The marina also serves as the first outpost for BASRA on the southeast New Providence coast. Future plans call for a second restaurant, a more casual eatery to be called Chives Dockside, to open adjacent to the dockmaster’s office.