Nanny Cay breakwater construction reaches halfway mark
Nanny Cay Resort & Marina has announced that construction of the new South Marina breakwater is now halfway complete, with more than 715 feet of the planned 1,430-foot structure in place. VINO reports 34,209 tons of rock have been used so far and provides new timeline and phase details for the $30 million redevelopment, while BVI industry sources highlight potential economic benefits for local businesses.
Nanny Cay Resort & Marina has reached a major construction milestone in its multi-million dollar redevelopment, announcing that the South Marina breakwater is now halfway complete. According to an update from Virgin Islands News Online (VINO), crews have placed 34,209 tons of rock to build the first 715 feet of the 1,430-foot (435m) breakwater that will protect a new 112-slip South Marina.
Earlier reporting by BVI News noted the project had already used more than 34,000 tonnes of rock; the VINO figure provides a more exact total to date. The $30 million redevelopment aims to accommodate a new generation of large catamarans and luxury megayachts. The South Marina will include 112 slips, with eight berths for vessels up to 125 feet and two berths capable of handling 180-foot yachts, according to Nanny Cay and VINO.
The expansion also includes an increased-capacity boatyard and a new Marine Travelift able to handle boats with a maximum beam of 44 feet, and a 150-tonne haul‑out facility on the outer peninsula to boost local service capacity. VINO reports that the project’s official groundbreaking took place in October 2025 and that construction began in February 2026.
Nanny Cay has divided the works into two main phases to minimise disruption to existing services. Phase I focuses on the seaside works — breakwater construction, reclamation and expansion of the existing boatyard, and the new haul-out facility — and is anticipated to take around 18 months to complete.
Phase II covers staged landside development and is expected to last about 28 months. Planned Phase II amenities outlined by Nanny Cay and reported by VINO include a concierge facility with showers and bathrooms, a marine hub incorporating the Royal BVI Yacht Club and the HLSCC Marine Centre, a regatta and event village, food and retail outlets, a beach and beach bar, landscaped gardens, parking, service roads, boardwalks and a flagship sea-view restaurant.
Government and industry figures have highlighted the potential economic upside for the British Virgin Islands. At the groundbreaking, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley said the project is expected to generate 91 new jobs and stimulate activity across taxi and tour services, food vendors, provisioning companies and marine technicians (VINO).
BVI News has previously reported that recent regulatory changes between the BVI and the US Virgin Islands have led some foreign-based charter operators to relocate to the BVI, a shift industry observers say could bring millions in additional revenue through registrations, marina fees, maintenance and visitor spending.
Local boatyards, chandlers, transport operators and hospitality businesses stand to benefit from increased demand for repairs, equipment, crew services and short-term accommodation, while the larger haul-out capacity will allow more vessels to be serviced locally rather than sent off-island.
Nanny Cay says the upgrades are designed to position the marina among the Caribbean’s premier resort marinas and to meet growing demand from 60-, 70- and 80-foot catamarans and larger yachts. Construction is ongoing, and both Nanny Cay and VINO say the project remains on track; residents and stakeholders will be watching closely as work continues and Phase I progresses toward completion.
Primary source: BVI News