YCCS reopens following $3M improvement

YCCS said it has opened its new and expanded facility in North Sound on Virgin Gorda, adding that more people have been employed following a comprehensive $3 million improvement programme.

The property, which opened on Wednesday (March 1), was closed nearly a year ago to facilitate rehabilitation.

Government had stated that 25 people were laid off when the property closed. In reopening, however, the staff is almost doubled.

“I am particularly pleased to welcome back our former employees and all the new members of staff who have joined our stellar team to assist us in coping with the increased business,” said Jan Pachner, secretary general at YCCS (Yacht Club Costa Smeralda).

The property was improved by Tortola-based company Metro Construction Ltd, which YCCS said employed a team of 50 local craftsmen to do the job.

The work covered the superyacht marina and clubhouse at YCCS.

“These improvements are designed to meet the growing needs of the global superyacht community and continue our commitment to invest in making the BVI a key destination for megayacht,” said the management of the property.

Pachner said management is excited about making YCCS a ‘must-visit’ destination.

“We are very excited by this next stage in the club’s development in Virgin Gorda, and are determined to ensure that both the Azzurra restaurant at the YCCS Clubhouse, and Bar Aqua at the YCCS marina become must-visit destinations in the Caribbean.”

“With a world-class deep water marina with improved facilities, and our beautiful clubhouse reopening, we are happy to welcome all local business and visiting yachtsmen to enjoy our club at its stunning location overlooking North Sound,” added Pachner.

Both restaurants on the property will feature international cuisine, with accents from the Caribbean as well as YCCS’ distinctly Italian heritage.

“All the menus at YCCS Virgin Gorda will favour fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with organic and sustainable produce taking pride of place,” said YCCS.

It added, “Local businesses and visiting yachtsmen will now have a choice of two restaurants and bars. The Clubhouse’s elegant Azzurra restaurant will continue to offer a fine dining experience unparalleled in the region. The new informal waterside restaurant Bar Aqua will specialise in light and tasty craft food, as well as drinks ranging from vitamin-packed smoothies to other thirst-quenching cocktails.”

The management of YCCS further said its two new guest suites are now available, and it is also now offering a host of wellness services, personal training in a fully equipped gym, as well as yoga and pilates classes.

“An on-site concierge service can organize diving, trekking and watersports, as well as excursions to nearby beauty spots aboard the Club’s two 45ft luxury motor catamarans which are available for day charter,” YCCS further said.

It noted that the theme of sustainability and environmental protection will run through its activities when it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.