Nanny Cay Marina, the marina and boatyard in the British Virgin Islands, has officially broken ground for a major planned expansion project. The redevelopment includes the addition of 112 new slips and the installation of a custom-designed Marine Travelift, designed for the 60ft to 80ft catamarans now arriving in the Caribbean.
The travel lift will be the largest in the region. The new slips will accommodate a mix of large catamarans, private sail and power boats and superyachts up to 165ft. Yard space will also be expanded.
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.
Miles Sutherland-Pilch, general manager of Nanny Cay, adds: “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.”
A breaking ground ceremony was held on site at Nanny Cay, with government officials, local dignitaries and members of the marine industry in attendance.
“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,” says 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 ground breaking 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,” continues McColl.
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.
Speaking at the ceremony, Premier and Minister of Finance, The Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley, says: “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.”
Photos courtesy of Alastair Abrehart/Broadsword PR, Alex Turnbull, Michael Winter Jr.
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