Montego Bay Yacht Club to reopen this Easter

Nagra Plunkett, Hospitality Jamaica Writer

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA PHOTO An artist's impression of the Pavillion at the Montego Bay Yacht Club, which is being given a multi-million dollar facelift.

THE MONTEGO Bay Yacht Club is on the brink of transformation into a top-notch attraction, as the first phase of its multi-million dollar expansion and refreshing project nears completion for the scheduled Easter opening.

The management of Doctor's Cave Bathing Club, which has acquired a long-term lease agreement for the facility, is aiming to capture the patronage of tourists and locals by creating a unique mix in its offerings to integrate the wider public.

"The cost of the overall project is $15 million but approximately $4million is being spent on the first phase of work that is being done," said Brian Roper, committee member of the Montego Bay Yacht Club. "The yacht club was physically very old and needed a revamp and facelift."

TO BE INCLUDED IN FACILITIES

The refurbished facilities will include a new restaurant and bar, air-conditioned games room, a new swimming pool and a scenic pavilion overlooking the marina. Future plans include the creation of recreational facilities such as a gym and squash court.

Mr. Roper also mentioned that significant investment is being made to upgrade and modernise the food and beverage operations.

"We want to make the Montego Bay Yacht Club a place for everyone and not just boat owners," he continued. 'We hope to capitalise especially on the smaller catamarans that take tourists on sightseeing tours on the harbour to indulge in the place." The venue will be a more relaxed alternative to the city's bustling 'Hip Strip' on Gloucester Avenue. The new management is hoping to have improved and more broad-based membership and attract a wide cross-section of the local community.