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Largest Ever Superyacht Marina in North America Set to Launch
Located in The Bahamas, it has been announced that Habacoa Superyacht Marina will be launched in 2027, designed to fill the gap in superyacht berth storage across the globe. It will reimagine the traditional marina experience, boasting essential functionality and ultra-luxurious hospitality, whilst surrounded by the stunning scenery of Abaco National Park.
The Financial Times recently reported on the worldwide shortage of superyacht berths, resulting in Owners having to dock their yachts in industrial zones and shipyards that fail to reflect the glamour of the vessels themselves.
Since 2000, growth in superyacht development is at almost 400 percent, with no signs of slowing down. This requires drastic attention to be placed on superyacht berths, as there is more competition than ever for Owners looking for ‘home berth’ locations.
In the USA alone, there are seven superyachts for every one superyacht slip, and limited berths big enough to accommodate the largest vessels. KORU, Jeff Bezos’ 127m yacht, was unable to dock in Fort Lauderdale a few months ago due to no berths being able to accommodate a vessel of such size.
This, however, is all about to change, with the announcement of Habacoa: a highly-anticipated, brand new superyacht marina to be constructed in the pristine waters of South Abaco in The Bahamas. It will become North America’s largest and most comprehensive marina to date, becoming the centrepiece of a new development that will be home to an array of luxurious facilities, residences and a five-star hotel.
Habacoa will be the perfect place for yachts to dock, as a safe harbour as well as a desirable location. It will feature 150 slips ranging from 18 to over 200 metres in length, complete with everything from in-slip utilities to a provisioning centre.
Moffatt & Nichol is developing this marina, building it to withstand a one in 100-year storm event. The marina will ensure year-round tranquillity, with its 110-acre basin designed on the leeward side of the island, alongside being highly accessible; Habacoa is positioned near two nearby international airports and is in very close proximity to Florida and the Eastern U.S.
Modern-day yacht Owners look for style as well as functionality when it comes to superyacht marinas, and Habacoa will reflect this. It will boast a diverse range of stylish amenities, including a 25,000 sqft members-only club, a nightclub and a casino, penned by renowned architectural firm Zaha Hadid Architects. Guests and residents will also benefit from an expansive spa, wellness and fitness centre and range of water sports opportunities, whilst crew will enjoy an upscale dedicated crew club.
Each building is set to be developed with sustainable technologies and will use environmentally responsible materials, harmoniously blurring the lines with nature. The near-transparent design will offer a seamless connection to the beauty of the island, whilst flooding the space with natural light and ventilation.
Habacoa is being designed with a great emphasis placed on social responsibility and the environment, with a commitment to the surrounding areas being central to the development. A series of initiatives have been implemented to serve this, for example working alongside marine biologists to transport any corals that could be impacted to vetted locations.
The location’s abundant sunshine will also be used to generate solar power, with renewable energy sources accounting for a third of the project’s energy consumption. Sustainable water usage will be ensured by rainwater harvesting and a waste-water recycling plant.
Habacoa will not only be a world-renowned superyacht marina, but will be the source of an array of socio-economic benefits to The Bahamas. It will provide investment in the community, historical preservation and significant improvements to infrastructure, generating over 1000 employment opportunities for locals. Following the build’s completion, 600 of these jobs will remain permanent.
This exciting development is not only a landmark moment for the region, but for the superyacht industry in its entirety. It will provide superyacht Owners, captains and charterers with an exceptional home berth, alongside presenting a wonderful opportunity to visit this beautiful area of the world. Enhancing the stunning setting of The Bahamas even further, the extensive array of luxurious offerings will make Habacoa Superyacht Marina a highly sought-after destination and berthing choice, for superyachts from across the globe.