The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) manages what is possibly the oldest and most prestigious international marina rating system in the world; therefore, by attaining their highest possible accreditation, IGY’s Yacht Haven Grande (YHG) Marina establishes itself as one of the best marinas in the world.
The arduous process to attain a platinum-level rating required Yacht Haven Grande Marina to pass a comprehensive external audit encompassing design, operations, polices, procedures, communications, destination integration and an independently administered review of the marina’s customer service enquiry standards.
The fact that YHG Marina caters to the largest superyachts in the world (up to 600ft. / 182m) on a remote Caribbean Island, makes this achievement even more outstanding given the level of services required for this unique market segment.
“For nearly a decade, five of our marinas have consistently earned five Gold Anchor status, and now — with Yacht Haven Grande advancing to platinum level in 2019 — a new era of brand standard operational philosophy has been ushered into the IGY culture that will positively impact our entire 17 marina global network. With IGY’s strategy to develop its global reach into the Mediterranean, and having a brand-new marina just open in Sete – South of France that can take the largest privately-owned yachts in the world, this world class platinum achievement by YHG Marina has given IGY even more confidence in our ability to drive forward,” said Kenny Jones MBE, EVP Operations.
Also building on the recent award, Phil Blake CMM, Yacht Haven Grande Marina general manager, said, “This notable achievement is a testament to the hard work of our employees – supported by the corporate team – and our unwavering commitment to the economic growth of St. Thomas, USVI and driving the island as a world leading customer service oriented yachting destination.”
Capping off this achievement is the resounding recovery of YHG Marina and the island of St. Thomas after the 2017 hurricanes. Only four marinas have ever been awarded the platinum level designation by TYHA with none, except Yacht Haven Grande Marina, attaining this status after overcoming two single year Category 5 hurricanes. With marina currently operating at its highest potential, the team is looking forward to a busy 2019/2020 winter charter season and is at the ready to showcase one of the Caribbean’s most alluring destinations to the world.
Tom Mukamal, CEO, said, “This hard-earned acknowledgment of our world class teams will serve as a catalyst to grow our unique and exciting brand enhancements to the yacht owners, charter guests, captains, crew and the local communities we proudly serve everyday – the best is yet to come”