JDP Select, curation of luxury yachts, Simpson Bay Bridge in St. Martin. They say it is the world's most dangerous super yacht marina.
>> Not all yachts make it through unscathed. Simpson Bay has witnessed several costly crashes as super yachts misjudge the narrow opening. Motor yacht Lon has arrived on the island of St.
Martin in Simpson Bay on the south side of the island. >> Lon once had a strong social media presence. Unfortunately, some things changed that.
We loved following the journey. [music] Did you know that St. Martin is the smallest island in the world, shared by two nations, France and the Netherlands.
>> Until 1933, Simpson Bay was only accessible by sea after a devastating hurricane in 1819 severed the land connection. The first wooden bridge permanently reconnected the village to the island. Yes.
And today, this swing bridge is worldrenowned in the sailing and yaching community as a tight 16 m bottleneck, the gateway for mega yachts entering Simpson Bay Lagoon from the Caribbean Sea. >> So Lon has to pass through smoothly. The captain's briefing with the chief officer is crucial, >> followed by a critical deck briefing to the crew.
>> Everyone must perform to a tea as Lon has only 2 m of clearance on each side. They will deploy fenders to protect the hull while navigating through the bridge. >> Once Lon clears the bridge, she will proceed to her birth at Alpha 2, meaning they'll enter the lagoon and back the yacht into her final slip.
>> Final slip. That might be the right time to relax and have a drink. How exciting.
Lon approaches the bridge at 3 to four knots and while maneuvering into the channel, she gives way to a small sailing cat. >> But now it's time for the captain to take his position on the wing station, giving him a clear overview as Lon enters and passes the bridge. Huh, it's getting bright and tight.
Better to have full visibility and all communication tools close at hand. starting the approach. While the bridge isn't completely straight, the captain now needs to manage the angle.
Entering the channel, careful not to get too close to the rocks to avoid the stabilizer fins clipping them. >> And now entering the bridge with 1 m of clearance on starboard side. >> Keep it straight.
slowing down now at just half a knot and straightening up. [music] Lon starts to enter. Just 1 m of clearance on port side.
[music] >> Good to go. >> Bridge cleared. An awesome job by the captain and the crew.
>> Caribbean destination St. Martin reached and safely through the Simpson Bay bottleneck. >> Well done, Lon.
>> Want to see more of this exciting yacht content? Give us a like and leave a comment. Maybe there's time now to take a look at the St.
Martin Love lock bridge where people symbolically lock their passion with a love lock on the Simpson Bay Causeway. A promise meant to last forever. >> Our forever love the yaching world.
And yes, that one's locked too with JDP World Select. >> Now it's time to finish the job and place Lon right on the dot. Neatly positioned between Explorer Yacht Suri on Starboard and Super Yacht Come Together on Port.
