A stone’s throw from the Old Town itself, near the business area and the pleasure boating area, is the largest boat yard in Martinique: Carenantilles. The boatyard opened in January 1993 at the same time as the Port de Plaisance in Marin. The company was started by Jean-Louis de Lucy, following numerous requests from local boat owners. Since the first year, 50 boats were taken under the care of the yard.
Situated on the edge of the beautiful bay in Cul de Sac, spread over two hectares, Carenantilles nowadays receives up to 100 boats a month and employs 13 workers. Boat owners can choose to do the work themselves or use the services of 17 skilled craftsmen on site. Most areas are covered, starting from mechanics, and passing through soldering, sanding, electrical work, resin work, carpentry right up to sail repair and anti-fouling. A chandlery, paint shop, restaurant, service station and laundry complete the picture.
At the welcome desk, two women are at the helm: Jocelyne is the secretary who knows it all, for the last 13 years! Anne Friant is the manager for the big multihulls and the organizer for all work, from a simple haul out to a total refit. In order to measure up to the increasing demand for catamarans, a new ‘Parkley’ lift has been put in place for multihulls up to 60 feet and 20 tons. Environmental concerns have not been forgotten with an oil mop and battery collection. www.carenantilles.com, Tel: 0596 74 77 70.
