WESTERN BUREAU:

The $750-million Errol Flynn Marina in Port Antonio, Portland, is currently one of the hottest spots in the region and, up to yesterday, had run out of space for the robust influx of yachts calling there.

A consequence of the success saw the marina only able to anchor 13 boats, with 27 others docked off in the bay, and the property general manager, Dale Westin, admitting that "the port is buzzing".

Come Wednesday and Thursday, the activities in the old-fashioned town, known as 'Little Hollywood', should reach fever pitch with the arrival of 24 French yachts from the eastern Caribbean. This is the first time that Jamaica has made the exclusive 'Transcaribe' list in the 10 years these travellers have been making the rounds in the region.

Repositioning and refocus

In addition, a sail-training ship with 31 people aboard is expected to dock at the port later this week.

A repositioning and refocus of the marketing thrust is being credited for the new zest.

"We have directed our marketing more to the cruise yachts than mega yachts, and are more destination and brand specific," Westin explained.

He said he felt this speciality was paying off through personal recommendations to the marina throughout the Caribbean.

"The friendly attitude of the people of Port Antonio, who understand the superb demon-stration of traditional Caribbean hospitality and charm, is paying off handsomely," the port manager said with pride.

Although he could not give figures on the economic impact the renaissance of the marina was having on the town, Westin said the prestige with which the area was becoming known was a major benefit being derived.

Westin's optimism comes amid the continuing global recession and confirmation yesterday by the Port Authority of Jamaica's (PAJ) vice-president of public relations, Pat Bellinfanti, that the PAJ was about to hand out major concessions to one bidder in an attempt to place the operation of the marina's boatyard in private hands.

His optimism also comes after the Financial Gleaner reported that Portland-born billionaire Michael Lee Chin, opting to wait out the global economic downturn, has suspended work on the $20-billion redevelopment of the upscale Trident property just outside Port Antonio.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com