Westport Yachts, the Port Angeles, Washington shipyard, builds cold-moulded composite motor yachts in the 34 to 50-metre range that combine lightweight construction with semi-displacement performance well suited to Bahamas charter. The 50-nautical-mile crossing from Florida to Bimini is a comfortable morning run for a Westport at 14 to 18 knots, and the semi-displacement efficiency of the hull keeps fuel consumption moderate even on passage-heavy itineraries. Charter-available Westport yachts carry six to ten guests with crews of five to eight. Bimini suits the Westport charter model well: the island’s compact geography means the yacht functions primarily as an anchored base, and the activities that define the destination, including sportfishing at Gun Cay, fly-fishing the South Bimini flats and snorkelling the harbour, are all accessible by tender or short vessel transit. Westport’s American design sensibility, informal in atmosphere and practical in layout, resonates at an island where the fishing culture is central to its character. Weekly charter rates run from approximately 65,000 to 160,000 euros before the advance provisioning allowance of 30 per cent, covering fuel at Bimini Bay Marina, provisioning, drinks and harbour dues. Season runs from October through April.
