Victoria International Marina opens for yachts this summer

Jul 10, 2017 by Guest Writer

After more than 30 years in the making, the $17.8 million (24 million Canadian dollars) Victoria International Marina is on track to welcome guests in August. Situated in the protected middle harbor area of British Columbia’s capital city, this 28-slip luxury yacht facility is a dream come true for its owner, Community Marine Concepts, and for vessels wanting to explore the Pacific Northwest coast.

Victoria International Marina will accommodate yachts up to 175 feet when it opens in August. GRAPHIC PROVIDED

“It is a great opportunity for larger recreational vessels,” said Capt. Patrick Batchelder of the 164-foot (50m) M/Y Invader, which has made its home base between Victoria and Seattle for the past two years. “There are not many options in the whole of B.C. that service larger yachts, particularly those requiring 480v power,” he said. “Yacht owners and captains have had to think as far out as five or six months to secure a slip. But with the introduction of more berthing options, vessels may well decide on making Victoria the first stop on their way up north.”

The marina accommodates yachts between 65 and 175 feet with a full range of onsite amenities, including state-of-the-art security and technology. Wifi is available, and there are dedicated crew facilities, activities and a crew club. Slips may be reserved for daily moorage (three-day minimum) and on a monthly lease (three-month minimum). Options for an annual lease or a lease for up to 40 years are available.

The marina also offers 24/7 concierge services to assist visitors in exploring metro Victoria and beyond with guided tours, fishing trips and outdoor adventure excursions. The area offers more than 15,534 miles of coastline to explore, from the southern tip of Vancouver Island to the British Columbia mainland and the hundreds of islands in between, as well as open ocean waters all the way to Haida Gwaii and north to Alaska.

“Everyone knows how beautiful and varied B.C. is, that’s why they come year after year,” said Capt. Jaimie Wakeham, co-owner of Northwest Yacht Support of Vancouver. The company works with recreational vessels from 62 to 240 feet to provide services and personnel for large yachts in the Pacific Northwest, including Washington and Alaska.  “The only downside to cruising in the area is finding adequate moorage and shoreside facilities, particularly for vessels over 100 feet. This marina is really checking all the boxes with a world-class facility.”

Capt. Jaimie Wakeham PHOTO/CREW OF M/Y REWARD

The marina is steps from downtown Victoria, a walkable city with a picturesque inner harbor surrounded by museums, hotels, restaurants and shopping. It is 30 minutes to the Victoria International Airport, and there is a catamaran ferry service from downtown Victoria to downtown Seattle, as well as regularly scheduled floatplane and helicopter services from the harbor. A walk-on catamaran luxury ferry service between downtown Victoria and downtown Vancouver was launched in May.

“Large yacht services will now spring up around the increased traffic, improving the local economy as well as making the whole Pacific Northwest even more appealing for vessels and crew,” Capt. Batchelder said.

Alison Gardner is a freelance writer in Victoria, British Columbia. Comments on this story are welcome at [email protected].

For more information visit www.vimarina.ca

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