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November December 2018 Marina World

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MARKET UPDATE: MALDIVES

MARKET UPDATE: MALDIVES Luxury at Crossroads, at the water’s edge. for Crossroads I saw great vision at work and an opportunity to play a lead role in its story from the beginning, something I missed with DMYC,” he adds. The design is now finalised and production of the pontoons has commenced. “The marina went through a few renditions, specifically in the number of berths,” says Anthony LaCapara, senior vice president of the Crossroads project. “A great deal of research went into determining the current 30-berth figure, taking into account the typical boat traffic, international and local yacht traffic and sizes, and identifying an average hull depth to ensure the final marina depth was adequate.” There are options for future expansion, as pontoons and berths can be easily increased. Berths will include four 40m (131ft) berths and a private jetty available for a 60m (197ft) vessel. The marina will also offer anchoring with associated services in the lagoon near the resort. “We intend to lay infrastructure for a dedicated superyacht pontoon exterior to the main marina, but schedules are not yet confirmed,” says Paul. Poralu Marine will provide the floating pontoons and Maricer Marine will provide mechanical, electrical and plumbing services, including the provision of dockside black and grey water pump-out. Pedestals will have remotely managed metering of electricity and water, and Internet will be provided at a number of outlets along the ‘broad walk’ covering the majority of berths. Environmentally, the developers have chosen a ‘rock boulder’ structure to lend a more natural look compared to sheet piling or concrete, which causes minimal impact to the surrounding waters. Security options are being considered. “We do expect a high level of footfall in the broad walk, including a proportion of day visitors on the ferry service,” Paul explains. “Hotels and some retail outlets will have CCTV but, for the marina, we want to strike the right balance. CCTV is too invasive for an open space and detracts from the ambience we are looking to create.” The resort will offer the staples of spas, treatments, water sports including jet ski rental, banana boats, windsurfing, diving and snorkelling. There are around 25 food and beverage outlets operating on the same island, as well as two hotels – Hard Rock and Hilton Curio. There will be a marine conservation centre, a dive centre and a large convention/event centre. While the marina will not have a yacht club, there will be a chandlery and a 100m² (1,076ft²) marina office and guest amenities space, including a boardroom available to marina members. The marina will soft-open in mid- December this year and become fully operational in January 2019 with the first two of what will eventually be a nine island resort chain, including residences, convention space and marina(s), set to complete in 2029. Paul says: “The year 2029 might be a long way off, but we know already that Crossroads will redefine how the Maldives is perceived and experienced as a tourist destination.” And growth is expected. ”Initially, we expect primary growth will be in shortterm visitors – transiting yachts, locally run charter boats and international superyachts,” says Paul. “Over the midterm, we hope to develop the facilities and services to cater for large vessels. Currently, superyachts over 60m (197ft) can anchor off the resort and use the tender and victualing services. This is a key growth market for the marina.” As visitors, room leases and boat traffic increases, he expects to see interest from charter operators to operate out of the marina year-round. Elsewhere in the Maldives Plans for the construction of a 300- berth marina, on the western side of Hulhumalé Island, are shaping up, according to Asia Pacific Superyachts Maldives director, Mohamed Hameed. With plans first floated in 2016 to develop a marina on the man-made island, phases one and two have seen a total land area of 432ha (1,067 acres) reclaimed. The island is connected to an international airport and will soon be complete with a number of new facilities, including a water theme park, a yacht marina, a football stadium and an international cruise terminal. Hulhumalé Yacht Marina’s amenities will include retail shops, food and beverage outlets, a yacht club with exhibition space, dry berth facilities and a boat dock. It is expected to open in 2020. Artist’s impression of Hulhumalé Yacht Marina, expected to open in 2020. 44 www.marinaworld.com - November/December 2018

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