APRIL, 2009
AND ALL THAT JAZZ, TOO… Errol Flynn Marina is pleased to have been selected to host a segment of the 19th Annual Ocho Rios Jazz Festival on Wednesday, June 17 on the Ken
Wright Pier. While the main festival centers around Ocho Rios, there are a number of
regional presentations throughout Jamaica during the event which runs from June 13-
23. The complete programme for the marina will be announced in mid-April. The
festival features both Jamaican and international jazz artists. The full slate of
entertainers to appear will be announced in our May Docklines edition.
CUBAN TRAVEL BAN LIFT AHEAD? Momentum seems to be gaining in Washington to
finally lift the senseless travel ban on U.S. Citizens going to this gorgeous “Pearl of the
Caribbean.” If this will include the 50 year long embargo on our neighbors remains to be
seen as there are still some holdouts that think Fidel Castro has been denied Pepsodent
Toothpaste all these years and thus the embargo has been effective. A relaxing of the
Cuba travel ban for U.S. Citizens would of course have a major impact on those
Caribbean Islands who depend largely on the US market, but it is expected that it will be
a major enticement for yachts to cruise Cuba’s southern shores in tandem with
Jamaica’s fabulous north coast. A lot of yachts (Yes, USA yachts too!) have already
discovered such places as Cuba’s Cayo Largo del Sur, Cienfuegos, Isla de le Juventud as
well as the fabulous Garden of the Queen (Jardin de la Reina) and its unmatched shell
fishing. Jamaica’s breathtaking north coast has Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Oracabessa,
Port Maria and others (Port Antonio of course!) to offer cruising yachts.
CARIBBEAN’S BEST KEPT SECRET? YOU BET! – That’s what a lot of our clients are saying
about Errol Flynn Marina and its surroundings. Sure, you’ve come to expect every
marina operator to brag and even embellish the description of their facilities, but believe
us, we don’t! American Poetess Ella Wheeler Wilcox described us as the “Most exquisite
port on earth,” which kind of says it all. Throw in the jewel blue sea and the verdant
hillsides that still ensnare every visitor. Port Antonio’s charm lies in the fact that its
tourism potential remains largely undeveloped and more importantly, undamaged. Our
marina namesake, Errol Flynn in his book, “My Wicked, WickedWays”, wrote “Never
have I seen a land so beautiful. Now I know where the writers of the Bible had got
their description of Paradise.”
VIVE LA FRANCE! – In spite of the headaches our French Caribbean friends have
experienced with the riots, closures, no fuel, etc., in Guadeloupe and Martinique an
estimated 25 yachts from the two French Departments are still intent on making the
Transcaraibes Rally a success . The yachts will be hosted by Errol Flynn Marina from
Wednesday, April 22 through Saturday, April 25. The rally, now in it’s tenth year is
including Jamaica for the first time and also stops in St. Martin, FWI, Dominican
Republic, Haiti and Cuba. After the final leg to Cuba, it is expected a significant number
of the yachts will stop again in Port Antonio on their return to the Eastern Caribbean.
Marina management, in concert with the Tourist Product Development Company, Port
Authority of Jamaica and the Jamaica Tourist Board are working hand in hand with
local sponsors to provide a genuine Jamaican welcome!
FIRST “NIPPON” YACHT ARRIVES – The first cruising yacht to visit Errol Flynn Marina from
Nippon arrived in early March marking another milestone in the facility’s history. In
case you don’t recognize that country’s name, Nippon is what the Japanese call their
country.
CHECK OUR LOW ANCHORAGE RATES– For just twelve bucks a day, you can use our
massive anchorage, plus get free wi-fi, showers, swimming pool, beach, 24 hour security
and park your vessel in the most beautiful harbour in the Caribbean (some say in the
world).
LOVE THAT NEW ROAD! – For those of you who have suffered through the trip to Port
Antonio from Kingston in the past; you’re in for a big surprise the next time you make
that drive. The new North Coast Highway now extends all the way in to Port Antonio
and cuts a half hour or more off the driving time.
MARINA OPPORTUNITIES: Errol Flynn Marina is seeking tenants for three of its lease
facilities including the Pool Bar, Combination Deli/Gourmet Shoppe and it’s formal
restauirant. For complete details and photos contact Marina General Manager Dale
Westin: [email protected]
Errol Flynn Marina and Shipyard
Box 188-Ken Wright Drive- Port Antonio, Portland, Jamaica, W. I.
Tel: 876-715-6044 or 876-993-3209 Fax: 876-715-6033
www.errolflynnmarina.com – email: [email protected]
VHF Channel 16/9—18°11.65’N, 76°26.875W – Use DMA Chart 26129 or Admiralty 458 (Recommended)
