SARASOTA, FLORIDA'S BRANDY MARINE INTERNATIONAL set out to create the "finest marina on the Pacific Coast of Central America" when it designed the new Marina Papagayo on Peninsula Papagayo in the Northwest Costa Rican province of Guanacaste. Phase 1 of the approximately 340-slip marina is expected to debut in December of this year and will accommodate vessels up to 180 feet.
    
      A floating, double-berth ShoreMaster concrete docking system will provide the marina with 99,500 total square feet of docking surface. Construction of an oceanfront marina village with five-star restaurants, shops and entertainment is set to begin in 2009.
    
     Costa Rica's Pacific coast is a big game-fishing hot spot noted for its plentiful marlin, sailfish, tuna and dorado. Its year-round pleasant climate and location below the hurricane belt make it a prime spot for seasonal boaters.

     The 2,300-acre residential resort community on Peninsula Papagayo includes 15 miles of coastline, 14 miles of bluffs and 31 separate beaches. Its first phase of development contains the Four Seasons Costa Rica, an 18 hole-Arnold Palmer golf course and Exclusive Resorts? private residential beach club and spa. Contact Brandy Marine International at 941-360-1015. www.papagayomarina.com