The Moorings, the Virgin Islands’ largest charter yacht operator, has opened its first sailing centre in the United States, the company announced last week.
The base, located on Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, Maryland, currently consists of seven vessels: one powered catamaran, five monohulls and one catamaran sailboat, according to Josie Tucci, the company’s North American marketing director.
Ms. Tucci said Monday that the location will primarily attract east coast visitors from Maryland and nearby states interested in sailing vacations lasting a few days.
TUI Marine, which owns the Moorings and Sunsail brands, serves about 35,000 yacht charterers annually, the company stated last year. The VI remains the company’s largest base globally, with as many as 380 boats based in the territory during peak season.
Ms. Tucci said she doesn’t believe the new Annapolis base will discourage US visitors from sailing in the VI.
See the May 24, 2012 edition for full coverage.