January the 3rd, 2012 saw the celebration of the official opening of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Virgin Gorda Club House in the North Sound, British Virgin Islands. The occasion represented the completion and launch of the new YCCS location in the stunning and ever popular luxury yacht charter destination – the Caribbean. YCCS’ headquarters are in Porto Cervo, Italy.
Back (L-R): YCCS President of the Board of Directors Princess Zahra Aga Khan, YCCS Commodore Riccardo Bonadeo. Front (L-R): His Excellency the Governor of the British Virgin Islands Mr Boyd McCleary, YCCS President His Highness the Aga Khan, Chairman of Victor International Mr David Johnson, the Honourable Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Dr Orlando Smith. Credits: Broadsword Communications/YCCS.
Following a decision by the Members of the Club and the Board, YCCS was invited by Mr David Johnson of Victor International to set up its base in the North Sound, Virgin Gorda. The sailing area, which is the nautical playground of the Virgin Islands, boasts natural beauty and calm waters that attract international sailors year round. The destination and location are well matched with the YCCS criteria of pristine surroundings, quality sailing and safe cruising waters for its members and for the prestigious top-tier international sailing events such as the Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous organised and hosted by the Club.
YCCS is twinned with the Yacht Club de Monaco and the New York Yacht Club, and has a reciprocal agreement with the Royal Yacht Squadron of Cowes. Serving an international sailing and yachting community, the Club prides itself on its superior level of quality and excellence. It delivers a unique combination of a state of the art marina as well as service and restaurant facilities in the Clubhouse that provides a base from which to explore the neighbouring Leeward and Windward Islands.
YCCS Virgin Gorda opening party. Credits- Todd VanSickle:YCCS
“We are genuinely excited with our partnership with the Government of the British Virgin Islands,” remarked His Highness the Aga Kahn, President of YCCS, during his opening speech. “We have many years of experience in quality tourism and understand that if we are to attract quality tourism, we need to offer a quality product. It is encouraging to know that the Government is an enabling one that will support our endeavours.”
Commenting on the partnership with Victor International, His Highness said: “We found an excellent partner in Mr David Johnson and an excellent team of builders and decorators to produce this truly exceptional product. This Club has been built with special attention and care and as a result we are able to come in to this new market with strength, not just in quality but also in exceptionality.”
YCCS Virgin Gorda. Credits- Todd VanSickle:YCCS.
The construction of the Club and marina relied on a combination of resources and skills that were sourced locally. The interior decor and design of the Clubhouse, led by Countess Beatrice von der Schulenburg with the collaboration of Dan Lonergan of Studio Gotham, reflect a modern elegance delivering a unique ambiance throughout.
Set in a landscape of Caribbean vegetation and granite boulders and rock, the Clubhouse amenities include an infinity edge pool with locker and shower facilities, an outdoor teak bar centrally set to enjoy the view overlooking the marina and North Sound and a fine dining restaurant for lunch and dinner.
The marina has 38 slips for yachts up to 100 meters (328 feet) and a draft of up to 9.1 meters (30 feet). The Marina design includes a central T-shaped dock measuring 267 meters (867 feet) that is accessible from both sides. It is well protected from prevailing winds, ocean swells, and is free of surge.
