I REFER to the October 5 DAILY NATION article A Marina In Carlisle Bay Mere Folly.
Rubbish! Carlisle Bay may be a historic roadstead, but it is open and exposed through more than 100 compass points to the west.
As such it is only a part-time harbour.
Check out how few owners leave their vessels moored in this historic but exposed roadstead when a storm warning is issued.
This historic roadstead is also a notoriously rolling and uncomfortable anchorage even under the best of sea conditions.
Those who doubt this should spend a night on a yacht anchored in Carlisle Bay. It is for this reason that the majority of yachts crossing the Atlantic bypass Barbados to go on to better anchorages in the Windward and Leeward Islands, even though they may be two days farther.
The historic Carlisle Bay roadstead was there long before Port St Charles, yet a berth in the latter is now a premium prize as the marina is filled to capacity with yachts and other vessels.
Furthermore, the investors in the Port Ferdinand marina now under construction are banking heavily on the same thing happening there.
A marina in Carlisle Bay would provide secure and protected berths that are fully serviced in the worst sea conditions.
Such a facility would provide additional employment for our skilled craftsmen and marine suppliers. We should not expect or wait for this need to be filled by those whose interests lie elsewhere.
PETER WEBSTER