The Town of Palm Beach Marina, the only public marina located on the 18-mile (29km) long barrier island between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, reopened to the public in November 2021 after a $40 million rebuild. Completed on time and under budget, it provides a significant upgrade to the marina facilities in Palm Beach County, Florida, and its first year of operation has been a huge success.
Development of the master plan, which began in January 2017, was approved by the Town Council on 10th April 2018. And, as South Florida is experiencing increasing demand for larger slips, the approval of the project design addressed the growing need to expand the marina to allow access for larger vessels, including superyachts.
Murray Logan Construction was chosen as the general contractor for the project and Bellingham Marine was contracted to undertake the marina portion of the extensive renovation. Working together with the Town’s consulting engineer, Baird, the scope of work included total replacement and redesign of the existing marina, and installation of a hurricane-rated Unifloat concrete floating dock system which was put through its paces with minimal ensuing damage by Hurricane Ian. Steel pipe piling with HDPE sleeves, installation of ADA compliant aluminium gangways and waterside utilities were included.
The marina now comprises 84 slips, ranging from 60 to 294ft (18 to 90m) divided between three docks: the Brazilian, Australian and Peruvian. An additional 250ft (76m) structure, the Royal Palm Dock, was included in the project to accommodate superyachts through the use of side ties. Before the renovation, the marina was only able to accommodate one 200ft (61m) yacht, but with the completion of the project it has increased this capacity tenfold.
The design of the marina includes numerous features intended specifically for large vessels and superyachts. Bellingham’s Unifloat concrete dock was constructed with 14ft (4.3m) wide main piers, 8 to 12ft (2.4 to 3.6m) extra wide finger piers, and 30in (76cm) freeboard. To better accommodate the draft of larger vessels and superyachts, the slips were designed to have greater width and depth than average slips.
The marina’s electrical system required over five miles of cable to provide new shore power with 480V, 200 amps power as well as 100A single phase and three phase power to the slips, high speed Wi-Fi system, in-slip metering and integrated lighting throughout the gangway handrails. The marina also comes equipped with an advanced in-slip high-capacity pump-out system that provides an exceptionally functional yet aesthetically pleasing final product. The marina offers complimentary cart and porter concierge services, gated docks with access control, shower and lounge facilities, and a brand-new marina office and restroom/shower facilities.
“The Town of Palm Beach Marina surpassed expectations in its first season of operation and the staff is excited to welcome both new and returning customers. Anchored in the heart of midtown, the marina location is ideal for those who are looking for the ultimate Palm Beach experience,” said Carolyn Stone, assistant town manager.
One of the major draws of the former Town Docks is its proximity to the world-famous Palm Beach area’s amenities as it is within walking distance of the well-known Worth Avenue renowned shops and restaurants. Slip holders are provided with complimentary use of the 18-hole Par 3 Golf Course and its clubhouse located on the scenic waterfront. The marina experience is further enhanced for its guests through complimentary access to the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center’s health and wellness facilities and the town’s multiple pristine tennis courts.
The Town of Palm Beach committed to providing increased access to the amenities demanded by the ever-growing market for facilities that can accommodate larger vessels and superyachts, and to transforming the Town of Palm Beach Marina into a world-class destination for captains, crews and guests alike.
