The CEO of Vic West’s $24 million Victoria International Marina says the public’s concerns in relation to the mega yacht quay’s popularity will be assuaged come summer despite its empty berths and drought of boating activity.

 

As a registered forum contributor to Citified’s sister website VibrantVictoria, Craig Norris responded to questions and observations from the forum's members over the marina’s apparent lack of ships following its inaugural year of operations in 2018.

 

“This is the first dedicated superyacht complex on the west coast, and one of only a handful in the world,” Norris said, speaking to the unique business model and services offered at Victoria International Marina. “We had 80 boats come and go from the marina last summer. We had no aggressive marketing campaign as we wanted to get our feet wet the first season. [And] we were wise to do so... many things were worked out.”

 

Norris says the upcoming sailing season has already spurred interest among boaters, and confirms that while “bookings for the summer months are coming in every day, it will probably be years before the marina is ‘full’ in the wintertime.” Norris further added that yachting activity tends to navigate south during the winter months and charters focus on warmer climates, hence the lack of large vessels stationed in Victoria.

 

Boating aside, the CEO reminded readers that come May the marina’s full-service 200-seat restaurant and café, dubbed Boom + Batten, is expected to open at its oceanside perch along the West Song Walkway overlooking the Inner Harbour. That amenity alone, he says, will be an exciting addition to Victoria’s culinary scene.

 

“I can't wait. We love Spinnakers, Lure and some of the other [Vic West] food spots, but it will be nice to have that choice and stop taking the twenty inquiries a day asking when it's going to open. No question about the demand there.”

 

Marina owner Community Marine Concepts remains committed to the project, Norris said, and the group maintains a “very” patient, long-term outlook for its investment.

 

However, Norris had strong words for Victoria's tourism industry which he believes could work harder at broadening its marketing scope to promote the marina and its services to a broader audience.

 

"It would be so great to have support in promoting this amazing piece of infrastructure. We have had hundreds of visitors from the yachting and marina business [from] around the world visit that [are] amazed at the quality of the facility and can't believe that the destination leaders in the City are not flocking to support it," Norris said.

 

Construction of Victoria International Marina and its two ancillary buildings began in 2016, some eight years following its initial unveiling before municipal planners, and opened for business in 2018.

 

Its 28 slips can accommodate vessels between 65 and 180 feet in length, with approximately one-third of berths available on 40-year lease terms.

 

The marina is situated along the northern shore of the Inner Harbour at the base of Cooperage Place in Vic West's Songhees neighbourhood. C

 

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