The St. Petersburg Yacht Club has introduced its redesigned marina as part of a comprehensive 10-year redevelopment plan, featuring modern technology upgrades intended to enhance operational and system efficiencies, sustainability, and the overall yachting experience. The club's redevelopment project represents a major milestone for St. Petersburg's waterfront as it once again recognises the city's status as a prestigious yachting destination in Florida.
St. Petersburg Yacht Club’s Historical Location
The St. Petersburg Yacht Club is located between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The club has played a vital role in the city’s sailing community for more than 115 years. The location is known for its boating culture, thriving tourism and warm conditions make it an ideal destination for the yachting industry.
Innovative Berthing and Marina Infrastructure
Marine designer Applied Technology & Management (ATM), with marine contractor Speeler & Associates collaborated under tight deadlines to meet the project’s timeline by executing the project efficiently. Their timely and efficient execution resulted in a marina with modern design and features.
The upgraded marina’s cutting-edge floating dock system is made up of 33 SF Marina Type 1200 floating concrete pontoons, secured with 34 internal 50-centimetre piles with HDPE sleeves. SF Marina manufactured the floating pontoons in Gothenburg, Sweden, using multiple production lines before being shipped to a staging area in Tampa Bay and towed to the marina for installation.
With an expanded berthing capacity, the marina can now anchor larger vessels, host high-profile regattas, and facilitate improved local events with its 50 larger leaseholder slips and over 188-metres of alongside tie-up dockage.
“The transition from fixed concrete to floating concrete docks has been a dream come true,” said Corey Hall, CMO, St. Petersburg Yacht Club waterfront and club communications director. “Our members and guests are extremely impressed with the new layout and attractive appearance, and there’s a palpable excitement surrounding the marina.”
Modern and Climate-Resilient Development
According to the ATM’s specifications for redevelopment, concrete pontoons must be routed with power, fuel, potable and large-volume fire suppression water, waste and wiring for future electric vehicle (EV) charges. Ensuring sustainability and facilitating quick and trouble-free installation, and utility maintenance, SF Marina customised a ducting system for the dock portions during casting.
The redesigned marina is also built to withstand extreme weather conditions, with a state-of-the-art floating concrete solution replacing ageing fixed pier dock system to improve resilience. Additional enhancements include Wi-Fi connectivity and modern surveillance cameras, strengthening both security and convenience for marina guests.
Economic Impact and Growth for the Maritime Sector
The redevelopment of St. Petersburg Marina is expected to attract more superyachts, which are likely to have positive effects on local businesses, marine service providers, and waterfront establishments.
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