Ground breaking bask for boat park

ROYAL Phuket Marina's phase 2 development was officially launched at a round breaking ceremony, late last month, attended by island's governor, Narin Kalayanmit, and the marina's owner and developer, Gulu Lalvani. Located on the sheltered east coast of the island, the marina's phase two features an Aquamininum condo with private internal yacht berths incorporated into the design and a collection of 8 Royal Villas, which will open on to views of the marina.

The entire US$ 150 million Royal Phuket Marina project is due for completion in 2010. Phase 2 involves an extension to the marina itself with a new 'inner-marina' exclusively for the use of private marina residents, operated by a lock system allowing easy access.

The outer marina is already open for commercial use, comprising 85 wet berths and 40 dry berths.

Phase one has 66 condominiums and penthouses. Gulu Lalvani made his fortune in the telecoms business providing digital cordless phones from a base in the UK. He became a resident of Phuket 10 years ago and has spent his time developing the island first international standard marina.

The marina is double the size of any other yachting haven in Phuket, with 350 berths for yachts up to 30 metres long. It claims to be the only facility with a non tidal boat lock, deep water basin and private moorings on the doorstep of residences.

More information at Royalphuketmarina.com