News

By Steve Pike

    Renovation of the marina at the Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club in Boca Raton — part of the private club’s multimillion-dollar enhancement program — is expected to be complete in May, according to club General Manager Robin Blankhorst.
    The removal of the concrete docks, Blankhorst said, will be followed by repairs and replacement of the seawall bordering the marina, followed by installation of a new TimberTech floating dock system. When it’s complete, the marina will have flexibility to accommodate vessels up to 130 feet long.
    The marina project encountered some rough water early on as it was delayed due to concerns surrounding an endangered and protected species of fish — the smalltooth sawfish — that prompted a Fisheries review of the permit released by the Army Corps of Engineers.
    “The Fisheries’ findings were in agreement with previous opinions drawn from research of the marina area, that there was no evidence of the existence of the smalltooth sawfish in the yacht basin, marina or nearby waterways,’’ Blankhorst said.  
    “Our members who have had boats in the marina have been very understanding and patient with the delays as they have been temporarily displaced to other dockage both in and out of the area.  
The marina will be open for use prior to completion of the new yacht club, which is on schedule for a November grand opening, and we are all anxious to see our boats return.’’
    The marina and yacht club are the latest phases in the club’s enhancement program. In 2014, Royal Palm’s Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course was renovated by the Golden Bear himself.
    Blankhorst said the club enhancement project is a $30 million endeavor that includes the new 38,000-square-foot yacht club, pool, entertainment patio, renovations to the marina, additions to the maintenance facility and enhancements to the country club, which will begin after the completion of the yacht club.
    “Our goal with these projects is to adapt to the needs of our members and build in the flexibility to meet the interests of future generations,’’ Blankhorst said. “As our membership grows younger, we are committed to expanding the activities available for young families and children. In fact, long-range plans include expansion of our wellness center and youth activities programming.’’