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Boatyball increase #291762
11/28/2022 09:14 PM
11/28/2022 09:14 PM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 528
Ohio
jagmansr Offline OP
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jagmansr  Offline OP
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Ohio
Just got an email from boatyball. They are increasing mooring fees to $55 as of 12/1/2022. That’s about a 40% increase. More to the reason I don’t use it.

BVI Sponsors
Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #291763
11/28/2022 09:17 PM
11/28/2022 09:17 PM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,993
GA/NC
GeorgeC1 Offline
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GeorgeC1  Offline
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GA/NC
Is anyone surprised?

Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #291764
11/28/2022 09:27 PM
11/28/2022 09:27 PM
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,126
M
MIDiver Offline
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FCFS balls are increasing in many fields - Anegada just increased to $40. I expect to see it across the BVI.

Re: Boatyball increase [Re: GeorgeC1] #291765
11/28/2022 09:28 PM
11/28/2022 09:28 PM
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,901
Maine
Breeze Offline
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Maine

George, my only surprise is that they are still in business.

Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #291772
11/29/2022 05:38 AM
11/29/2022 05:38 AM
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 793
Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin Offline
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Redmond, WA
I just wish they wouldn't add the insult of citing increasing maintenance costs.


M4000 "Lio Kai"
Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #291779
11/29/2022 08:56 AM
11/29/2022 08:56 AM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,993
GA/NC
GeorgeC1 Offline
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I find it interesting they claimed no raise in fees for 15 years. They raised the cost of every ball they converted over to boaty ball from the day they started, both reserved and FCFS. This is the second price increase since boatyball. With 150 days of use per year each ball would generate 6000.00 per year. It would be interesting to know the cost per year they pay for maintenance. In addition they seem to be implying their balls get better maintenance yet they are using Moor Secure the same company that always maintained the balls boatyball took over.

Last edited by GeorgeC1; 11/29/2022 09:02 AM.
Re: Boatyball increase [Re: GeorgeC1] #291786
11/29/2022 10:44 AM
11/29/2022 10:44 AM
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 583
Oak Park, IL
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TomGarvey Offline
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Oak Park, IL
Yes, their saying that this is the first increase in 15 years is just plain false. In general, I have mixed feelings about the concept. I understand the attraction of being able to reserve a ball, especially for Cooper, and being able to arrive at a mooring field late in the day, knowing you'll have a ball, but the stress of the 7:00 am scramble and of having to deal with a squatter, which I've had to do, has me landing on wishing they didn't exist.

As for the company itself, they've repeatedly made at best misleading statements to justify their actions. For example, Moor Seacure has been maintaining most balls for many years, and there's no evidence that BB balls get a higher level of attention. And, BB seems to have a talent for alienating their target audience.


Tom Garvey
Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #291793
11/29/2022 12:45 PM
11/29/2022 12:45 PM
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 190
jost van dyke
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capttom Offline
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jost van dyke
Well, just so everyone knows, here at Blunder Bay in the North Sound we are still at 30 bucks for our FCFS balls a little to the west of Leverick bay, and we currently have a marina promotion going where you can get a slip in the marina for 30 bucks if you dine at the North Sound Bistro, water and electricity available, In ecological terms mooring balls play an incredibly important function. It really makes a difference for the environment when people anchor as little as possible.

Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #291802
11/29/2022 04:57 PM
11/29/2022 04:57 PM
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 793
Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin Offline
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Redmond, WA
Thanks Tom!

Certainly a good point about the impact of anchoring, then it also behooves the people who decide such things to strike a balance between protecting the seabed and milking the cash cow. I assume the assignment of leases gives them some leverage on the fees charged. They could also think about the now $15 premium charged by BB and how many skippers will choose to anchor due to that. Few things are infinitely price elastic.


M4000 "Lio Kai"
Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #291805
11/29/2022 05:13 PM
11/29/2022 05:13 PM
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,647
Memphis, BVI, CT
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RatmansWife Offline
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Memphis, BVI, CT
Apart from what MoorSeacure charges to maintain the moorings, there are also seabed license fees and maybe insurance. I don't know how much of the revenue stays with Boaty Ball and how much gets passed on to the mooring owners, who quite possibly want more revenue. I do know that costs in the BVI only go in one direction!

Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #291807
11/29/2022 07:11 PM
11/29/2022 07:11 PM
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 391
Hobie Sound
PA_Ron Offline
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Hobie Sound
Nantucket pricing.... All reservations are offered on a nightly basis, with a 2 night minimum. Daily moorings may be available on a first come/first served basis.

Moorings are priced from $65 - $150 per night based on boat length.
Please note there is a 2 Night Minimum Charge and a 3 Night Minimum Charge for any reservation from July 1st - July 4th..

Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #291822
11/30/2022 12:34 AM
11/30/2022 12:34 AM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
warren460 Offline
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warren460  Offline
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Ontario, Canada
Are Nantucket prices relevant? Please explain.


Warren S/V Scuba Doo
Lagoon 50 (winner of best crewed yacht under 55 feet at the St. Thomas crewed yacht boat show).

https://www.cyabrochure.com/ebn/2307/pdyrX/6642/4///
Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #291825
11/30/2022 07:53 AM
11/30/2022 07:53 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,296
Colorado and Sailing the World
Maria_and_Steve Offline
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Colorado and Sailing the World
The increase to $55 is totally INSANE, by Boatyball!

$40 was bad enough, but now this??? Come on, get real.

Again, just another reason cruising sailors avoid the BVI's, sailing season after sailing season after sailing season.

Re: Boatyball increase [Re: warren460] #291837
11/30/2022 10:25 AM
11/30/2022 10:25 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 962
Middleburg, VA
cwoody Offline
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Middleburg, VA
Originally Posted by warren460
Are Nantucket prices relevant? Please explain.


This is a discussion about mooring ball prices.
Might be worth comparing prices being paid outside of the BVI.

Mooring balls in Annapolis MD Spa Creek still at $35 a night.

Rate at National Park moorings in St John still $26 with senior discount $13 .... a great deal.


Chuck W.

Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #291845
11/30/2022 01:30 PM
11/30/2022 01:30 PM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,347
USVI
LocalSailor Offline
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LocalSailor  Offline
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USVI
**********This is a discussion about mooring ball prices.
Might be worth comparing prices being paid outside of the BVI.*******

Sailing To Mustique Tips… $200 EC --- $ 77 US
2021


the harbormaster explained the rates.
He said, ‘The cost of the mooring buoy is $200EC for one night however you can stay for three.’ In other words, he wanted $200EC regardless of us staying for one night or three.

Last edited by LocalSailor; 11/30/2022 01:30 PM. Reason: date
Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #291849
11/30/2022 03:23 PM
11/30/2022 03:23 PM
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,490
Grenada
Zanshin Offline
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Zanshin  Offline
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Grenada
Ok, I'll Bite - prices in Antigua and in Nevis for properly maintained mooring balls: 0$XCD which is about US$0

Last edited by Zanshin; 11/30/2022 03:24 PM.

[Linked Image]
Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #291856
11/30/2022 06:02 PM
11/30/2022 06:02 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Manpot Offline
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Manpot  Offline
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Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
BLOATY Ball..$$$$$

Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #291902
12/01/2022 06:04 PM
12/01/2022 06:04 PM
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,343
Washington DC
B
bailau Offline
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Washington DC
I think I woud feel differantly if the BB owners werent so brazenly disceptive...and my son a marine biologist never wants me to use the hook

Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #292427
12/13/2022 10:24 PM
12/13/2022 10:24 PM
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 22
New Orleans
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BSer Offline
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Posts: 22
New Orleans
Can anyone enlighten me on what percentage of the available mooring balls in the BVI are BoatyBall's? And are the rest run by Moor Secure or FCFS? (What does FCFS stand for?)

Last question: Is Boaty Ball the only one that offers reservations by phone?

Thanks for any info

Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #292434
12/13/2022 11:16 PM
12/13/2022 11:16 PM
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,647
Memphis, BVI, CT
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RatmansWife Offline
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Memphis, BVI, CT
I will take a stab at this, but am happy to be corrected. FCFS= first come, first served. Most moorings in the BVI were this way until recently. Someone would come out to collect the fee, or you would pay at the establishment. Some moorings are private, some of which could be reserved. Moorings are often color coded or may be labeled with the owner's name. You should not just grab any ball that strikes your fancy.

MoorSeacure maintains moorings for their owners, who pay for this service. Owners may be families, individuals or businesses who create them. They are supposed to get permission to do so and pay an annual seabed license fee to the government.

Boatyball moorings are reserved through an app. They collect the money, which is passed on to the owners, minus their charges.

Re: Boatyball increase [Re: RatmansWife] #292437
12/13/2022 11:41 PM
12/13/2022 11:41 PM
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,901
Maine
Breeze Offline
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Breeze  Offline
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Maine
You did well, Mrs RM. There are some sticky wickets not addressed by you, but those sticking points happen especially when playing with other people's money.

Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #292446
12/14/2022 08:46 AM
12/14/2022 08:46 AM
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 22
New Orleans
B
BSer Offline
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New Orleans
Thanks for the info. Does anyone have a guess as to what percent are FCFS vs. Boatyball?

Re: Boatyball increase [Re: BSer] #292454
12/14/2022 10:27 AM
12/14/2022 10:27 AM
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 46
Naples
N
nevar37 Offline
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Posts: 46
Naples
Go to their site, they have a map that shows everything. You will have to register. https://boatyball.com/

Re: Boatyball increase [Re: BSer] #292457
12/14/2022 11:03 AM
12/14/2022 11:03 AM
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 520
Bay Area
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Husker Offline
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Bay Area
Originally Posted by BSer
Thanks for the info. Does anyone have a guess as to what percent are FCFS vs. Boatyball?

I have never done a count, but it seems to vary depending on the popularity of each anchorage. At Cooper it seems like 70% or more are BB. Anegada about 50%.

Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #292520
12/15/2022 03:52 PM
12/15/2022 03:52 PM
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 139
Houston, TX
Matt W Offline
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Matt W  Offline
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Posts: 139
Houston, TX
I've been tracking the boaty count - update it occasionally at the link below. Check out that 2022 growth!

https://yachtwarriors.com/what-is-boatyball/#where

Attached Files boaty-2.jpg
Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #294969
02/01/2023 12:48 PM
02/01/2023 12:48 PM
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 1
Buzzards Bay MA
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Bob S Offline
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Buzzards Bay MA
I am new to the forum and this is my first post. Interesting conversation and great forum. My sailing experience has been exclusively in New England and $55.00 is about the going rate for moorings here. I am just beginning my research to charter the BVI hopefully in May. I've been playing around in here for the last few days. If I'm lucky enough to put this together how difficult is it to grab a mooring in May? I hate the idea of getting up early to make it to the next destination in order to find an open FCFS mooring. It takes away from the peacefulness being on the ocean provides. Is it worth joining boatyball? Sounds a lot like Dockwa up here in the states. I'm not a fan but it seems like the world is going in that direction.

Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #294971
02/01/2023 12:53 PM
02/01/2023 12:53 PM
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 793
Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin Offline
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Posts: 793
Redmond, WA
You don't really need to "join" Boatyball, though they offer an expensive priority service where you can book a day ahead for about extra $500 per week. in May you may not need to make early reservations at all, so I doubt that would be worthwhile. Also, just fyi there is no actual BB app, just a web page.

Last edited by MrEZgoin; 02/01/2023 12:54 PM.

M4000 "Lio Kai"
Re: Boatyball increase [Re: Bob S] #294977
02/01/2023 01:49 PM
02/01/2023 01:49 PM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 663
Vail, CO/St. Thomas, USVI
caribbeangirl13 Offline
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caribbeangirl13  Offline
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Vail, CO/St. Thomas, USVI
Originally Posted by Bob S
I am new to the forum and this is my first post. Interesting conversation and great forum. My sailing experience has been exclusively in New England and $55.00 is about the going rate for moorings here. I am just beginning my research to charter the BVI hopefully in May. I've been playing around in here for the last few days. If I'm lucky enough to put this together how difficult is it to grab a mooring in May? I hate the idea of getting up early to make it to the next destination in order to find an open FCFS mooring. It takes away from the peacefulness being on the ocean provides. Is it worth joining boatyball? Sounds a lot like Dockwa up here in the states. I'm not a fan but it seems like the world is going in that direction.


As MrEZgoin said above, you don't have to "join" Boatyball although it is good to create your profile ahead of time and make sure that you are logged in before 7am in order to reserve your ball. Last May we only needed to use BB in the popular anchorages like Cooper and Great Harbor.


Sue
s/v Ripple
Leopard 40

[Linked Image]
Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #294980
02/01/2023 02:09 PM
02/01/2023 02:09 PM
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 138
S
Shifty Offline
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Shifty  Offline
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One conspicuous place I notice the absence of BB is at the Bight. I assume this is because FCFS balls are so abundantly available that it doesn't make economic sense? Alternatively, I understand (correctly or not) that Norman Island is privately owned, in which case perhaps they don't permit BB?

Re: Boatyball increase [Re: Shifty] #294982
02/01/2023 02:34 PM
02/01/2023 02:34 PM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 663
Vail, CO/St. Thomas, USVI
caribbeangirl13 Offline
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Vail, CO/St. Thomas, USVI
Originally Posted by Shifty
One conspicuous place I notice the absence of BB is at the Bight. I assume this is because FCFS balls are so abundantly available that it doesn't make economic sense? Alternatively, I understand (correctly or not) that Norman Island is privately owned, in which case perhaps they don't permit BB?


It is up to the owner of the mooring balls whether they want to use BB or not. An increase in BB is due to local mooring ball owners deciding to use the BB system instead of the old system of coming out by boat to collect. Norman was using Dockwa but when we were there in late December the system was either down or they had decided to go in a different direction and you could not reserve or pay through Dockwa, instead the boat came by to collect.


Sue
s/v Ripple
Leopard 40

[Linked Image]
Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #294983
02/01/2023 02:41 PM
02/01/2023 02:41 PM
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 138
S
Shifty Offline
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Shifty  Offline
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Posts: 138
Very informative. Thanks, caribbeangirl13.

Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #294997
02/01/2023 05:51 PM
02/01/2023 05:51 PM
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,126
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MIDiver Offline
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We are at BEYC now. If you want a slip or reserved mooring ball you email them. They send you the link to a mooring/docking agreement. They are not using Dockwa. There are also new mooring balls (maintained) in Biras Creek - FYI.

Last edited by MIDiver; 02/01/2023 05:52 PM.
Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #295031
02/02/2023 07:31 AM
02/02/2023 07:31 AM
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,343
Washington DC
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bailau Offline
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Washington DC
MIDiver-

Anything going on at Biras Creek? I look forward to getitng back to the new SABA and BEYC

Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #295198
02/04/2023 10:28 AM
02/04/2023 10:28 AM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
warren460 Offline
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warren460  Offline
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Ontario, Canada
I keep reading over and over hat you have to use the bb web site as there is no app. I have the app on my android device. Perhaps there is no apple app.


Warren S/V Scuba Doo
Lagoon 50 (winner of best crewed yacht under 55 feet at the St. Thomas crewed yacht boat show).

https://www.cyabrochure.com/ebn/2307/pdyrX/6642/4///
Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #295199
02/04/2023 10:32 AM
02/04/2023 10:32 AM
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 793
Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin Offline
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Redmond, WA
That's really odd. Did you sideload it somehow? I see no Boatyball app on the Google app store.
Screen shot?


M4000 "Lio Kai"
Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #295200
02/04/2023 11:07 AM
02/04/2023 11:07 AM
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 735
Panama City Beach, Florida
xrayman67 Offline
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Panama City Beach, Florida
There is a BVI Ball app, not to be confused with Boatyball. BVI Ball has mooring at GH, Peter Island and St. Thomas Bay, VG.

Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #295204
02/04/2023 03:10 PM
02/04/2023 03:10 PM
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,126
M
MIDiver Offline
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Hey Bailau - new mooring balls in Biras but not much else going on there other than keep out signs. BEYC is humming - lots happening and food service vastly improved (aside from a surly waitstaff or two). Nova was a disappointment. OK lunch but less than impressed with the setup although others seem to enjoy it. Anchored off Sid’s last night in Anegada - perfect in every way. Heard a mooring broke last night in Guana - we only anchor there…. In fact anchored 75% of our time here the last 18 days.

Re: Boatyball increase [Re: MIDiver] #295210
02/04/2023 03:52 PM
02/04/2023 03:52 PM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 631
BaardJ Offline
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BaardJ  Offline
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There is a massive concrete building going up on the former site of Fat Virgins Restaurant in Biras Creek. Any idea what is planned there?

Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #295211
02/04/2023 04:00 PM
02/04/2023 04:00 PM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,993
GA/NC
GeorgeC1 Offline
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GeorgeC1  Offline
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GA/NC
That was the Yacht Club for the mega yachts. Could be they are rebuilding it.

Re: Boatyball increase [Re: jagmansr] #295213
02/04/2023 04:05 PM
02/04/2023 04:05 PM
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,126
M
MIDiver Offline
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George is correct. Mega yacht dock 😳

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