English Point Marina prepares to welcome sailing enthusiasts

As I walk through the English Point Marina, there is a beehive of activity from workers putting the finishing touches on what is to be the first such facility in Kenya.

Even in its final stages of completion, the marina still leave visitors awestruck due to its modern design and contemporary feel. The marina sits on a four-and-a-half acre beach front and is strategically situated to overlook the historical Fort Jesus, Mombasa’s old port as well as surrounding buildings.

Boat parking

The marina is a yacht and boat parking and will be East Africans first pontoon marina. It is fully serviced with on-berth supply of fresh water, electricity, Internet, satelliteTV, fuel, pump facilities and a slipway. It will have 88 berths from six metres to 30 metres with access to full hotel services.

I meet the general manager of the project, Mr Philip Jones and his passion for sailing and boats is evident as he explains the concept behind the development. We begin with a tour of the apartments, which he says have sold more than 50 per cent.

There are a total of 104 apartments and eight penthouses – all with three bedrooms and which are being sold as fully furnished or not depending on what the client wants.

“The idea is to create something that all those people who love sailing can relate to, no matter where you come from in the world. In Africa I think the one stop-over that most sailors go to is South Africa where there is a marina. This one will give sailors an option to make a stop-over in Kenya and also get to enjoy the dynamic culture,” he said.

African art

The apartments are fitted with a central air-conditioned unit, balconies with large glass doors and glass balustrades for maximum view, and solar heaters. Each modern kitchen has a fridge, freezer, cappuccino machine and microwave. There is an in-built music system. The master bedroom has an en suite bathroom, and there is also a guest bathroom.

The interior design and décor are accentuated with African art in the wall paintings and furniture used. Each owner will have a card that will only allow access to the floor they live in hence ensuring privacy.

Apart from designer furniture and a spectacular view of Mombasa town, the penthouse also has a Jacuzzi on the balcony with shutters that can be opened and closed at one’s convenience.

“On site facilities will also include a hotel, restaurant, spa and gym, a serviced marina, water sport centre, boardwalk with retail outlets and underground parking. These facilities will be available to the public,” Jones said.

“We want to bring to Kenya a modern international development that offers the very best in lifestyle and luxury, as well as being the region’s first serviced marina to cater for the luxury boating world.”

Boats for hire

Those who want to acquire boating skills can get lessons before renting boats that will be available for hire. Incoming sailors will have to radio in to the marina, who will approve clearance after which a pilot boat will be sent to escort the sailors to the marina.

“Kenya is a great location for investment and any businessman will agree with me on this. Mombasa is getting diversified every day and we invite everyone to come and have a taste of this spectacular place,” said Jones.