Different from the traditional members-only yacht clubs, the marina of BoL is designed as a small seaside town with over 70% of deck area accessible to the public.  No longer would the “marina” necessarily be synonymous with the “back garden of the rich” but rather a public destination for enjoyment of all like many of the popular seaside resorts of the Mediterranean.  In a sense it is not unlike Stanley which is a desirable residential district but it is accessible to all.  The beach is a public beach and everybody can stroll down the shopping streets patronising restaurants or fast food outlets or bring their own food and drinks. The only difference is that here one can go hiking, take eco-tours through the conservation corridor or participate in diverse programmes organised on land and at sea.

 Many Marinas in Europe are Public Accessible

The public plaza of BoL will include a Lamma history museum, fishermen’s culture museum, a sailing academy, a yacht crew training centre, markets, restaurants, shops, clinics and etc., in addition to the double breakwater that will provide unique opportunities to water sports and exploration above and under water.  There will be sufficient open area set aside for different functions such as festival celebrations, cultural performance/activities, boat shows and international regatta event attracting local as well as international tourists that will bring enormous economic benefit to Hong Kong.  Public accessibility is ensured with provision of public pier facilities for ferries, kaido and private boats.  The yacht club will be the only facility that’s “members-only”.  

Providing 500 berths for long-term and short-term stay, with a draft of 5-20 metres, BoL’s marina will be capable of docking super yachts of more than 100 metres long, which no other marinas in Hong Kong are able to offer at the moment.  With world class management and support facilities, the marina will attract visiting yachts from around the world and become a home port for superyachts and a base for yacht chartering.  This will add a new dimension to Hong Kong as an international tourist hub.

In addition to the innovative marina design, the plan of BoL also preserves the land with high ecological value (secondary woodland) with zero displacement of local villagers, in addition to the full utilisation of green technologies.

Members and guests of APSA presented at the event were in general highly impressed by the innovative plan, and BoL welcomes suggestions and comments from the yachting industry as well as others stakeholders.

Mr. Colin Dawson, Chairman of APSA, was impressed by the plan and concluded, “BoL is a great project and we hope the feedback from the participants will help it move forward.” 

Mr. Colin Dawson (left), Chairman of APSA, was impressed by the plan