Cape Charles Yacht Center in Cape Charles, Virginia, is now under new development. Starting this month, boatyard operations are controlled by long-time industry professionals JB Turner, president and co-owner of Front Street Shipyard in Belfast, Maine, and Nicole Jacques, owner of Rhumbline Communications in Belfast, Maine. The new principals of Cape Charles Yacht Center intend to expand the Chesapeake Bay shipyard into a premier superyacht refit and service facility.
Cape Charles Yacht Center was established in 2013 by South Port Investors with the expectation of developing it into a superyacht facility. The shipyard is located off the mouth of Chesapeake Bay where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. An 18-foot-deep channel leads into a modern marina with 1,000 feet of face dockage, a 75-ton boat hoist, and 30-amp single-phase and 100-amp three-phase power. The property is located in a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ), eliminating many duty costs for visiting vessels. The shipyard is a short walk to downtown Cape Charles where owners and crews find stores, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. Cape Charles Yacht Center customers have access to a golf course and resort nearby.
“We identified Cape Charles Yacht Center as an ideal location for superyacht services because it’s central for vessels traveling along the East Coast between New England and Florida,” said JB Turner. “For years we’ve encouraged our customers at Front Street Shipyard to stop into Cape Charles when traveling south, and their feedback has been very positive about the location, quality of service, and amenities.”
Turner and Jacques are developing a multi-year expansion plan with the support of investors, which includes a 30,000-square foot facility, 600-ton mobile hoist, and additional floating docks. Currently a new service facility is under construction.
“We intend to maintain Cape Charles Yacht Center’s great reputation for service among their existing customers throughout the Chesapeake,” said Jacques. “Our first initiative is to grow the yard’s talented workforce and equip them with more modern equipment so we can attract additional international vessels seeking service and major refits.”
Turner and Jacques have first-hand experience growing shipyards and attracting vessels. Turner is the president and general manager of mid-coast Maine’s Front Street Shipyard, a yacht construction and repair yard with a superyacht marina. Along with his partners, JB founded Front Street Shipyard in 2011, beginning with nothing but flat land, deep water, and a vision for a world-class shipyard. He quickly grew FSS into one of New England’s most-capable superyacht facilities. Jacques is the owner and marketing strategist of Rhumbline Communications, a marine-focused marketing agency specialized in launching new marine businesses into the international marketplace, as well as boosting market share for established companies. Her clients include shipyards, trade shows, manufacturers, suppliers, and trade associations. Jacques has managed the marketing efforts for Front Street Shipyard since the yard’s inception. Both Turner and Jacques will maintain their existing roles in their respective businesses as they also partner to operate Cape Charles Yacht Center.
Cape Charles Yacht Center remains in full operation as the expansion plans continue to develop and construction of the service facility begins. Turner and Jacques encourage yacht owners, captains, crews, and prospective employees to contact them for more information or to offer feedback on the expansion via email at [email protected].
About Cape Charles Yacht Center
Cape Charles Yacht Center in Cape Charles, Virginia, is a well-appointed destination for regional and international vessels visiting the Chesapeake. The yard is under development as a full-service shipyard for vessels of all sizes including superyachts, recreational boats, and commercial vessels. The yard’s channel is just inside the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, and has an 18-foot draft. The harbor easily accommodates yachts up to 200 feet, and the Mid-Atlantic location and year-round temperate climate are ideal for all types of ship service and boat manufacturing. Cape Charles Yacht Center offers a modern marina with 30-amp single-phase and 100-amp three-phase power, as well as crew amenities like showers, laundry, and lounge areas. On-site storage is available.
JB Turner
Nicole Jacques