Store Bay Marine Services, a Tobago-based marine services company is now offering bunkering, provisioning and shore support for super and mega yachts following the successful refuelling of the multimillion dollar motor yacht Red Pearl. Yacht Red Pearl was built in Brazil by MCP Yachts last year and made her maiden voyage to Venezuela bunking and provisioning in Tobago with Store Bay Marine Services. The Marshall Islands registered, 100 foot superyacht docked in Tobago’s main port of Scarborough to take on 18,154 litres of diesel.
The Europa 100 motor yacht RED PEARL is a state of the art triple deck vessel driven by two Caterpillar C32 1725BHP engines, giving her a top speed of 23 knots.
Store Bay Marine Services, who acted as agents for M/Y Red Pearl in Tobago, organised the bunkering and docking, provisioning, part sourcing and fabrication and clearance support.
“This is an exciting opportunity for us, the island and for superyacht crews and their owners. Tobago has so much to offer the superyacht customer. Said Katy Young, Director of Superyacht Support Services at SBMS. “It is a beautiful and safe island, with unspoilt, quiet anchorages, friendly people and beaches, world class scuba diving and one of the world’s oldest protected rainforests. It is the ideal Caribbean destination and importantly out of the hurricane belt.”
The captain of the Red Pearl yacht, Armando De Gregori says, “I have travelled up and down the Caribbean and Tobago is one of the nicest islands I’ve visited. It is perfect for guests and crew. The fuel here is cheap compared to other Caribbean islands and the quality is a lot better. The service we received from Store Bay Marine Services was efficient and friendly – nothing was too much trouble. It made our stay here welcoming and friendly. “
Tobago offers high quality, low sulphur, locally produced marine diesel and at the current price of under $1US per litre can compete with other Caribbean destinations. With low clearance fees and port dues of just $0.05UDS per GT, Tobago is both economically and ecologically attractive to the superyacht market.
Store Bay Marine Services (SBMS) has now launched a new dedicated website for superyacht customers, including more details on provisioning, bunkering and a sample itinerary for captains.
SBMS opened at the end of May 2010 right next to the anchorage at Store Bay. It provides services for visiting and domestic sailors – from WIFI and laundry to diesel engine repair and mail order chandlery. It is the first time all of these services are offered by one company – under one roof – in Tobago.
SBMS was founded by yachtsman John Stickland, who has 20 years sailing experience. He has spent the last five years sailing single handed around the southern Caribbean islands. Prior to that he sailed across the Atlantic to South America from England.