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Port St. Charles and Speightstown |
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Islands |
Speightstown, back in its heyday, was a major port and the commercial center of Barbados. Today, although it is the second largest town in Barbados, it is much smaller than Bridgetown. It was named after William Speight who owned the land in the early days of colonization and was a member of Barbados’s first assembly. It is a pretty town, with a fishing fleet, fish market, and many colonial buildings. Port St. Charles is in Six Mans Bay, about a mile north of Speightstown, and adjoins lovely beaches. It is an impressive new development built around a lagoon that includes some man made islands. The surrounding condominiums, many of which are for rent or sale, are super-luxurious and some have their own docks for yachts up to 8-foot draft. These inside berths at Port St. Charles are all for residents. However, a rock breakwater and small peninsula protects the port and contains a fuel dock, port of entry, and six visitor berths, particularly suitable for mega yachts. Transient yachts are welcome to stop by and take on fuel or clear in with customs. Keep in mind this is a very pristine place – more like driving your yacht into a swimming pool than into a marina, so treat it accordingly. The entry channel to outer Port St. Charles is in about 14 ft of water and somewhat narrow. It is marked on the shore side by red flashing lights that mark the Tom Snooch Reef on the east side of the channel and a green beacon at the end of the breakwater. The channel has 14 feet of water at low tide. Before entering, call the dock master, Derek Ince, on VHF: 16 or 77 for instructions. You will probably be directed to the fuel dock to tie up. For transient yachts, the main service Port St. Charles provides is the 60-ft fuel dock by the heliport, supplying both diesel and unleaded gasoline. For those who want to stay longer, six visitor berths are available for yachts up to 200 feet (and most suitable for larger yachts). Water is piped to the docks, as are telephone lines and cable TV. Electricity is all 50-cycle and is available at 120, 208, 240 or 415 volts, single phase, or 208 and 415 volts, three phase. Holding tanks are mandatory on board and discharge of sewage, oil, or any other waste is strictly forbidden.
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