Nanny Cay Marina breaks ground in preparation of major expansion project
by Nanny Cay 1 Nov 2025 09:15 PDT
Nanny Cay Marina © Alastair Abrehart/Broadsword PR, Alex Turnbull, Michael Winter Jr.
Nanny Cay Marina, the British Virgin Islands premier marina and boatyard, officially broke ground today, Friday, October 31, 2025, heralding a major expansion project.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the ambitious development marks a major milestone in Nanny Cay's continued growth as the BVI's leading marine hub. The expansion will feature the installation of a custom-designed Marine Travelift dedicated to the latest wave of 60, 70 and 80 foot catamarans now arriving in the Caribbean - one of the largest in the region, adding 112 new slips dedicated to a mix of large catamarans, private sail and power boats and mega yachts up to 165 feet, and significantly increasing yard space.
The symbolic event signifying the shift from planning stage to the beginning of construction, took place on-site at Nanny Cay, with government officials, local dignitaries, and members of the marine industry in attendance to mark the significant occasion. Notable attendees included: Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. The Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley, His Excellency, The Governor Mr. Daniel Pruce, and Deputy Premier and Minister of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Honourable Julian Fraser.
"This expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to improving facilities for the BVI's marine community and strengthening Nanny Cay's position as the heart of Caribbean yachting," said Cameron McColl, Chairman of Nanny Cay.
"The new travelift and additional berthing will significantly increase our capacity and allow us to better serve both local and visiting vessels, particularly the growing number of large catamarans and superyachts operating in the region. Today's groundbreaking marks a major milestone, not only in the development of Nanny Cay, but in the wider evolution of the BVI as a premier maritime destination. It's a tangible step forward in ensuring that we remain competitive, resilient, and ready to meet the demands of the future.
"The ongoing success of Nanny Cay became evident as the existing two marinas outgrew their capacity, and the need for a third marina has become essential to meet the market demand for world-class facilities in the BVI," continued McColl.
Miles Sutherland-Pilch, General Manager of Nanny Cay, added: "We were seeing increasing demand from larger multihulls and monohulls, and this project was designed to meet that need. The new lift and berths will allow us to handle more vessels efficiently and safely, while continuing to deliver the high level of service our customers expect. It is an exciting next step for Nanny Cay and the wider BVI marine industry."
Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. The Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley commented: "We gather not only to break ground on the expansion here at Nanny Cay, but to mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the story of the Virgin Islands. This marina expansion represents the first of three phases in a broader reimagining of the Nanny Cay Resort and Marina - a transformative project to be completed over approximately three years with an overall investment of between $30 and $40 million in new works and amenities. That's investment that our economy needs. It's more than a construction project, it's a declaration of confidence in our economy, our people and in the Virgin Islands as a premier destination for tourism, maritime excellence and sustainable growth."
"The project will create 91 new jobs, and in partnership with H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Nanny Cay will also launch a marine training hub for local youth. This investment reaffirms confidence in the BVI's economy, people, and legacy as the sailing capital of the world." (Listen to the full speech HERE)
In addition to serving as a full-service marina and boatyard, Nanny Cay continues to host the annual BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival, (2026 will mark its 53rd year) - one of the Caribbean's top sailing events, attracting international yachts, crews, and visitors from around the world. The expansion reinforces Nanny Cay's role as a cornerstone of the BVI's yachting and tourism industries.
The groundbreaking and expansion project underscores Nanny Cay's dedication to innovation, sustainability, and service excellence in the BVI's maritime sector. Once completed, the new facilities will further enhance the marina's ability to accommodate the growing demand for high-quality marine infrastructure in the territory.
Nanny Cay Marina had initially unveiled this major expansion project in 2024. The development, estimated at over $30 million aims to transform Nanny Cay into the Caribbean's premier resort marina. Key features of the expansion include:
- New 112-Slip Marina - Constructed to the south of the Nanny Cay peninsula, designed to accommodate the latest generation of catamarans and mega yachts, along with supporting infrastructure to maintain Nanny Cay's position as a world-class destination
- Enhanced Boatyard Facilities - Upgraded boatyard and lifts capable of handling larger vessels
- Visitor Amenities - A new beach, high-end restaurants with panoramic views, a luxury swimming pool, a beach bar, and a retail village
- Community Engagement - New classroom facility for the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College maritime training programs, numerous job and business opportunities for local residents, dedicated spaces for the Royal BVI Yacht Club's dinghy program
This expansion reflects Nanny Cay's commitment to meeting the growing demand for high-quality marine infrastructure in the region. The project, with government approval, is expected to be completed within three years.