For the last two years, Bermuda Yacht Services Ltd. (BYS) has worked to help Bermuda's boaters, and now they're trying to put Bermuda on the map for superyachts.

Superyachts, or mega-yachts, are yachts over 80 feet long, many of which are staffed by a professional crew.

While superyachts have visited the island in past years travelling between the Caribbean and Europe or the East coast of the US, there was no specific company that offered shore-side service. In fact, until 2007, Bermuda wasn't even mentioned in the superyacht services guidebook, which BYS owner Mark Soares calls "the superyacht bible."

"I approached the publisher at the convention, and he said, 'If you can help us with the section, I'll put it in.'

"Now we have a full chapter," said Mr. Soares.

Now, yacht owners call him on his cellular phone from the middle of the atlantic asking for transportation on the ground, places to stay on the Island, even wanting to know where to get specific foods. Mr. Soares guesses that he works with as many as 40 percent of the visiting superyachts - and the number of superyachts coming to the Island is growing.

"There are around 10,000 superyachts in the world. There are practically more yachts then crew," he said.

BYS came to the concept of servicing the superyachts after it was announced that fewer cruise ships would be visiting the Island this year. BYS holds the contract to tie up the ships, and with fewer ships come lower profits.

So far, the superyacht services have greatly exceeded the companies expectations.

While many businesses are concerned about the falling US economy, especially those who deal in items like yachts which are often seen as a luxury item, Mr. Soares is not concerned.

"What I've seen is that small, family cruisers aren't being too affected. Same with the superyachts. What's more affected are the guys in the middle," he said.

Another segment of his business is emergency service for stranded boaters and maintenance for boats who's owners are overseas or unavailable. Last week, another service was announced to begin operation on the Island, but Mr. Soares says that he isn't worried about competition.

"What they're doing is great. We do occasional boat stuff, helping out the pilot service and Bermuda radio, but generally what we do is offshore assist," he said. "The main problem is dead engines, quite often it's dirty fuel. Last week we had to just lead a boat in because they were scared. People's lives are at stake quite often."

In the next two weeks, BYS hopes to offer another new service, docking at their St. George's location for eight boats, complete with fresh water and electricity using power pedestals.

By offering more services to yachts, Mr. Soares hopes to encourage more boats to the Island.

"It's great for the economy, " he said.