Can Your Yacht Enter Simpson Bay Lagoon? Bridge, Draft and Berth Checks

Use maximum beam including fixed appendages, actual arrival draft, LOA, air draft, GT and relevant manoeuvring characteristics. Record metric and imperial values to reduce conversion errors, and note any draft change expected after fuel, stores, water or ballast operations.

A generic brochure figure cannot account for squat, windage, propulsion limits, current channel information or the bridge operator’s live instructions. A yacht near any published limit needs direct written acceptance.

Port St Maarten publishes general lagoon access figures of 56 feet or 17 metres maximum beam and 17 feet or 5 metres draft. Each marina has its own berth dimensions, and these may be tighter in one measurement and looser in another. Work to the lowest applicable limit; one number cannot settle the whole passage.

Check the route through the lagoon, not only the entrance. Reaching the intended marina may involve another bridge, turning restrictions, depth limits or traffic after the yacht has cleared Simpson Bay Bridge.

Ask for current controlling depths and temporary restrictions, berth-specific dimensions, fender and bollard layout, power compatibility, line-handler or tug expectations and written acceptance in the yacht’s actual condition. Use current charts and the vessel’s professional judgement throughout.

Record the source and date beside every limiting figure in the passage plan. If the yacht is close to any limit, settle the point with the bridge or port and the receiving marina; a general website figure is not a substitute for that exchange.