SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) – Director of Operations with Marine Management Consulting, the operational company for Yacht Club Port De Plaisance, Jesse Peterson alongside the Director of Marketing Sharrita Mills attended the Monaco Yacht Show 2019 last week.
As one of the most anticipated and important events on the nautical calendar, the Monaco Yacht Show has always represented the pinnacle of luxury lifestyle in the yachting industry.
Over the years Yacht Club Port De Plaisance has made it a point of attending, and this year tried a different approach by setting the platform to listen to the needs and concerns of yacht captains, crew, and other stakeholders in the Yachting Industry.
Their overall goal was to gather enough information to enhance their facility and to provide updates on the development of Sint Maarten as a premier destination and access its readiness for the upcoming season 2019/2020. To achieve this goal the Minister of Tourism the Honorable Stuart Johnson was also invited to attend the round table discussion hosted by Yacht Club Port De Plaisance in La Rascasse ACREW/IMM lounge.
The round table was led by Mr. Peterson and attended by several captains, industry stakeholders, and various reporters. Peterson opened the conversation by introducing all attendees to the group and directing the first question to the attending captains by asking about their concerns when choosing a marina as their home port.
Safety is at the top, agreed several captains. Capt. Philip Hopson recounted past times working in areas considered unsafe and said it is vital that crews are safe in marinas and surrounding areas.
Peterson confirmed that the marina`s main focus is to keep their security team up to date with all ISPS and security training. He added that not only is his security team up to date with training but his entire staff is well trained when it comes to safety. He went on to saying earlier this year his team completed their EFR (Emergency First Responders) certification and completed various training and security exercises for the marina’s ISPS compliances.
“This type of setting creates a sense of ownership,” Capt. Hopson said. “Crew stay around longer if they think they’re being looked after.”
Peterson agreed in the value of keeping crew happy and meeting their needs. He added that many people outside of the industry don’t understand their workload and stress levels. In an effort to remedy that, several employees on the marina staff have yachting backgrounds, he said.
Capt. Trevor Weaver of M/Y Sirona III started small on his wish list when asked what he and his crew look for during visits to St. Maarten.
“Consistency,” Capt. Weaver said. When crew are off duty and head for a burger or a workout at the gym, they often find a business closed, he said.
“These are small, but crew need activities close by,” Capt. Weaver said. “If the crew are happy, things are so much easier.”
Peterson replied and said one of our most recent updates is the newly opened “Lobster House” located poolside at the Country Club on premises alongside the gym, spa, several tennis courts and salon. This new restaurant offers everything from burgers to the best priced lobster on the island.
He also went on to list the other on property amenities, such as the pizzeria, Italian and sushi restaurant as well the casino and resort.
As the discussion progressed the conversation segued to the operation of the Simpson Bay Bridge, the progress and readiness of the Princess Juliana International Airport and immigration.
Peterson and Minister Stuart Johnson, both weighed in with answers. The bridge was widened in 1999 and additional work on the bridge, the main access into and out of Simpson Bay Lagoon, is still on the island’s plans, they said.
Johnson also mentioned that vehicular traffic improvements are under discussion and progress is underway for the airport to have U.S. customs clearance. Flights are expected to expand to Texas by summer.
BWA Yachting’s operations manager, Melissa Jouan, addressed several specific questions on travel between the two sides of the island, as well as crew that enter on a yacht, yet fly out. Basically, she said, there have been no changes to immigration rules.
Peterson welcomed every comment and new discussion that took place as the feedback brought clarity to a variety of topics, not only about the marina but Sint Maarten and the community at large. As the discussion turned towards the community, one specific charity came to mind.
“All About a Smile” is a charity program to help foster children and others in need, Peterson said. Started by the “All About a Smile foundation” and introduced to Yacht Club Port De Plaisance by Stephen Burzon a very active sailor and yacht owner staying at the Yacht Club. This charity has made great strides in its mission to help hungry children in Sint Maarten. Although slow to get going, the group recently acquired refrigerators and freezers to accept food donations from yacht crew visiting the marina who are eager to help and donate food that would otherwise go to waste.
Source: Souliga Newsday https://www.soualiganewsday.com/index.php?option=com-k2&view=item&id=27672:yacht-club-port-de-plaisance-attends-monaco-yacht-show-2019,-what-a-success&Itemid=450
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