Sale of Christophe Harbour Marina Assets and Operations to Safe Harbor Marinas Announced

Christophe Harbour Enters New Era with Marina Sale to Safe Harbor Marinas

The Southeast Peninsula of St. Kitts is home to the prestigious Christophe Harbour community, a meticulously planned development envisioned as a haven of luxury and sustainability. On May 24, 2025, Christophe Harbour Development Company, Ltd., along with its shareholders, the Darby Family and the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, announced a pivotal moment in the community’s evolution: the sale of The Marina at Christophe Harbour to Safe Harbor Marinas, LLC, the world’s largest marina owner and operator. This strategic decision marks a significant step forward, placing the marina operations in the hands of a highly specialized entity while allowing Christophe Harbour Development Company to maintain its focus on the broader community’s growth and enhancement.

The transaction specifically encompasses the marina assets and operations, leaving the remaining aspects of Christophe Harbour under the continued stewardship of Christophe Harbour Development Company. This includes the residential neighborhoods, existing amenities, and the ongoing development projects that are shaping the community’s future. The sale represents a carefully considered allocation of resources, concentrating specialized expertise within the marina’s management while ensuring the overall vision for Christophe Harbour remains intact. This allows the developers to focus on the multifaceted aspects of the community’s growth, from residential offerings to the creation of an exceptional lifestyle experience.

Charles ‘Buddy’ Darby III, Founder and CEO of Christophe Harbour Development Company, underscored the vision behind Christophe Harbour, emphasizing quality, sustainability, and exceptional living. He expressed continued commitment to the community’s long-term success, highlighting the shared vision between Christophe Harbour and Safe Harbor Marinas. This partnership entrusts the marina to a team with not only the resources but also the specialized expertise needed to further elevate the marina’s offerings and enhance its position as a premier destination for the global yachting community.

Safe Harbor Marinas, with its extensive experience and global reach, is poised to capitalize on the potential of The Marina at Christophe Harbour. The company plans to initiate a substantial expansion project immediately, focusing on accommodating superyachts up to an impressive 350 feet in length. This expansion reflects a commitment to attracting the most discerning clientele and solidifying the marina’s status as a world-class yachting hub. Furthermore, Safe Harbor Marinas intends to cultivate and expand yachting and related services within St. Kitts and Nevis, contributing to the islands’ economic growth and enhancing their appeal as a sought-after destination for luxury travel and maritime activities.

Baxter Underwood, CEO of Safe Harbor Marinas, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, highlighting the opportunity to serve the global yachting community in this strategically important region. The addition of The Marina at Christophe Harbour to Safe Harbor Marinas’ portfolio expands their presence in the Caribbean and further strengthens their position as a leader in the marina industry. This acquisition not only provides a valuable asset but also aligns with Safe Harbor Marinas’ strategic objectives of expanding their global footprint and offering premier services to the yachting community.

The transaction was facilitated with the significant support and assistance of the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Honorable Dr. Terrance M. Drew. Both Christophe Harbour Development Company and Safe Harbor Marinas acknowledged the Prime Minister’s invaluable leadership in ensuring a smooth and successful process for all involved. Her Excellency Hadiya Claxton, Special Envoy, Federation of St Kitts and Nevis, was also recognized for her expertise and tireless efforts throughout the transaction, playing a crucial role in bringing the deal to fruition. This collaborative effort underscores the shared commitment to the economic development of St. Kitts and Nevis and highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving shared goals.

Prime Minister Drew described the sale as the dawn of a new chapter for St. Kitts and Nevis, further solidifying the islands’ position as a world-class destination for investment, luxury real estate, and maritime excellence. He welcomed Safe Harbor Marinas and expressed anticipation for the numerous opportunities the partnership with Christophe Harbour will create. This includes job creation, tourism growth, and increased global visibility for the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to sustainable development initiatives that uplift the local population and strengthen the economy for future generations. This signifies the long-term vision and strategic approach to economic development embraced by the government, focusing on attracting high-quality investments and fostering sustainable growth within the tourism and maritime sectors.