September marks more than the return of school and the end of summer breaks in Saint Lucia. For those who work on the water, it is also the riskiest stretch of the year, the peak of the Atlantic Hurricane Season.
On the island’s coasts, Saint Lucia’s two main marinas, in Rodney Bay and Marigot Bay, are at the centre of some of the most intensive preparations, even if their role often goes unnoticed. Together, they safeguard not only yachts worth millions of dollars but also a bustling local marine community and anchor a key part of Saint Lucia’s tourism economy.
“We haven’t been affected severely by any major hurricane as of recent, and that’s mainly because of our protected lagoon coming into the marina,” said Alana Raymond, assistant general manager at Rodney Bay Marina.
“But preparation is always extensive. In the event of an oncoming storm, the marina would be quite filled because a lot of customers trust to leave their boat in the boatyard during the hurricane season.
“That trust matters. Unlike hotels and guesthouses, which see their bookings dip between June and November, marinas become temporary safe havens.”
Raymond noted that in recent years more yacht owners have been able to obtain insurance coverage to remain in Saint Lucian waters, adding, “That’s a great thing for our economy as well.”
The work behind the scenes is complex. Boats moored in the lagoon are tied securely with extra fenders [protective cushions], while in the boatyard others are placed on land. Staff set up sandbags around electrical rooms, check first-aid kits, and brace for an inevitable surge of debris from the river that flows into the marina. During Hurricane Beryl last year, which brushed Saint Lucia’s shores, the marina escaped major damage, though crews spent days clearing plastic bottles, coconuts, and other debris swept down by the rains.
In Marigot Bay, marina manager Mandy Louis described a similar level of vigilance.
“We have a roll-out. All our vessels are tied separately from the dock. We monitor the weather channels 24/7. If a storm is coming in, we put all the necessary plans into action to ensure that boats are secured,” she said.
The bay, ringed by mangroves and steep hillsides, has long been regarded as one of the region’s safest natural harbours. When storms threaten, yacht traffic spikes as both locals and visitors scramble for space.
“Marigot is considered a safe haven, and a lot of yachts would want to come in. If a hurricane is to come now, things move fast; there’ll eventually be limited space in Marigot Bay to accommodate everyone,” Louis explained.
Unlike Rodney Bay – where anchorage in the bay is free, drawing many long-term sailors who spend money in nearby restaurants, supermarkets, and fuel docks – Marigot Bay operates with a fee system based on each boat’s size and draught, the distance from the vessel’s waterline to the bottom of the boat.
Marinas rarely feature in conversations about hurricane preparedness, yet they occupy a vital place in Saint Lucia’s disaster readiness. Each vessel represents not just a private investment but also a potential liability if it breaks loose. Collectively, they form a niche but steady stream of revenue for coastal businesses.
“Us being in a protected lagoon, it is usually a safe haven for boats,” Raymond said.
“We provide sort of an all-inclusive service because we have the waterside where boats can berth and the shipyard where we can actually have boats on the hard [on land].”
As September 10, the statistical peak of the hurricane season, passes, both managers know that vigilance cannot slacken. In Saint Lucia, the calm surface of the bays may look idyllic, but for those who run them, each passing storm forecast sets in motion a tightly rehearsed drill of ropes, sandbags, and sleepless nights.
