While a number of emerging marinas are offering increasingly better facilities and more space, berths for yachts over a 100 meters remain scarce. For a large yacht, staying in a marina can therefore be complicated.
Yacht Harbour has come up with a list of the top 12 ports with the largest berths, created in order of descending length.
#1 Porto Montenegro 250m
Porto Montenegro, located in the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro, has recently added a 250m berth to its offering. The marina is the largest in the region, and its flagship berth surpasses the size of any yacht built to date. This forward-thinking outlook on the industry reflects Porto Montenegro's ambition to become a go-to location for large yachts.
#2 Yacht Haven Grande 200m
Yacht Haven Grande is located in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Situated along the Charlotte Amalie Harbor, it offers side-to berthing for yachts measuring up to 200 meters in length. The marina has a total of 48 slips accessible by 5.5m-wide concrete docks as well as facilities specially dedicated to the yacht’s crew, owners and guests. The facilities include catering, laundry, chandlery and even a florist. The place is complemented by a shopping mall with 80,000 square feet of retail spaces that provide a variety of eating, entertainment and recreational options.
#3 OneOcean Port Vell 190m
The marina currently offers more than 150 berths and can accommodate megayachts up to 190 metres in length. A new development will see an additional 8 berths created to host vessels between 30 metres and 80 metres. It also offers a business centre, crew lounge and VIP concierge service. More superyacht berths will be available at OneOcean Port Vell, Barcelona once it completes the final phase of its transformation in August.
#4 Port Vauban 165m
Port Vauban is renowned throughout the sailing world as a place where super yachts gather. The harbour is home to more than 100 berths over the 23-metre in length, with some of these berths accommodating 165 m yachts. This is unique on this highly sought after coast of France. Antibes itself has long since joined the premier league of yachting destinations, with its superb restaurants, café’s and festivals. Port Vauban is surrounded by boating facilities of every kind.
The port with the old town of Antibes is a very attractive marina for yacht and boat owners to have a base. It is one of largest private and public marina along the Cote d’Azur, it is easily accessible from Nice Airport by road and the Bay of Cannes is just on the other side of the Cap d’Antibes.
In addition, Port Vauban has always been a harbour. You can feel the history along these walls and that life has always revolved around it. Since as early as 500 BC, Antibes was used by Phocean merchants (Greek) as a base for their trade routes. The name of Antibes is derived from “Antipolis”, which means “the town on the other side” as this harbour mirrored the one of Nice, which could be seen on the other side of the Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels). This marina has considerable historical heritages, such as Fort Vauban or the “Square Fort” from the XVII Century.
#5 Port Tarraco 160m
Situated in the Western Mediterranean, the marina provides a sheltered haven in close proximity to the major cruising destinations of the Spanish Coast, Balearic Islands and South of France.
Exclusively designed for super and mega yachts, the marina offers 64 deep-water berths ranging from 30 to 160m. The latest technology, standards and security levels for the visiting VIP vessels in combination with the signature concierge service, will ensure that each yacht and crew receives a warm welcome and any personal assistance they might need.
Located on Spain’s Costa Dorada the “Golden Coast”, Port Tarraco offers visitors a chance to explore the rich Catalonian culture, the area’s many beaches, mountains for hiking or skiing, famous vineyards, signature golf courses as well as renowned theme and water parks. The nearby cosmopolitan cities of Barcelona and Madrid make it an amazing destination and home port for owners, captains and crew alike.
#6 Grand Harbour Marina 135m
Grand Harbour Marina in Malta is one of the most popular superyacht marinas in the Mediterranean during the winter period due to its lower fees and location. Lying virtually in the centre of the Mediterranean, Malta is only about 2 days sailing from the principle European yachting hotspots. The majority of Malta's 460,000 inhabitants speak English which makes it easy for crew to communicate with locals.
#7 Port Hercule 130m
Port Hercule is amongst the most recognizable marinas in the world. In high demand during the summer season, the port also hosts a number of large yachts during winter. Amongst its most frequent guests are the Lady Moura, Atlantis II and Wedge Too. The marina can also accommodate yachts over 120 meters but these must compete for one berthing space with cruise ships during the summer.
In 2010 the Finnish manufacturer of marinas and pontoons Marinetek was hired to deliver three new pontoons to Port Hercule. Monaco's old fixed piers were replaced by Marinetek's floating concrete pontoons. The renovation was completed in 2011.
#8 Porto Mirabello 130m
Porto Mirabello is a unique Italian marina developed around a man-made island, built in the La Spezia gulf without sacrificing any of the city’s beach-front space. An innovative project, using avant-garde solutions, this site offers maximum accessibility and all the comforts needed for mooring craft ranging from 12 to 130 meters in length. The main oversized docks (from 25 to 34 meters in width) allow boat owners and their guests to park their cars near the mooring point itself. Anchorage depth varies from 5 to 8 meters depending on the specific point. The entrance is on the eastern side, behind the wave wall that extends along the west-east axis of the site, protecting the southern quadrants from the wind, fetch limited by a flood barrier 2 miles away.
Enchanting places such as Porto Venere, Lerici, Tellaro and the Cinque Terre are within a few miles' radius of Port Mirabello. The marina is also the ideal starting point for the finest destinations in the northern Tyrrhenian Sea: the Tuscan Archipelago, Corsica, Portofino and the Riviera. The Gulf of La Spezia and its surroundings are unrivalled in their natural and cultural attractions and scenery: from the uncontaminated waters of the Cinque Terre marine park to the emerald-green waters off the coastal bays and the islands of Tino and Palmaria, to the fine museums of La Spezia itself, and the charm of the old fishing villages perched on the sea.
#9 Vilanova Grand Marina 120m
The marina is located in Barcelona, Spain in an ideal environment in the port of Vilanova. It offers yachts and superyachts a range of facilities and support services. Since the opening in April 2009, Vilanova Grand Marina has rapidly earned the recognition and support of the industry and is now considered an international benchmark. It has 49 spacious moorings for sale and rent ranging from 25 to 120 metres in length, with a maximum draft of 6.5m.
The marina is only a 20 minutes drive from Barcelona's International Airport, which has a specific terminal for private jets, and is accessible by AVE (High Speed Train) via Madrid and Zaragoza. In addition, there is a helipad within the premises of the Marina for even greater convenience.
#10 Limassol Marina 110m
One of the most exclusive superyacht marinas in the popular Mediterranean yacht holiday location, Limassol Marina is the only superyacht marina in Cyprus. It has recently welcomed four of the finest superyachts in the world: second time visitor, the 88,5m superyacht Nirvana, was followed by the 99m luxury yacht Madame Gu, the 119m mega yacht A and the 72,6m motor yacht Queen K.
Operated and managed by Francoudi & Stephanou Marinas, in partnership with Camper & Nicholsons Marinas, Limassol Marina represents a safe haven for 650 yachts from 8m to 110m, and is a blend of local and internationally renowned excellence in services and facilities. Moreover, there are also luxury apartments and exclusive villas with private berths or direct access to the beach, with a mix of dining and shopping establishments, spa, fitness and cultural facilities.
#11 Port Palmarina 100m
Port Palmarina ( Yalikavak Marina) is situated in Yalikavak, 18 km away from Bodrum, Turkey. Owned by Mubariz Masimov, Azerbaijani businessman, the project for housing mega yachts is the first of its kind in Turkey, with over $45 million in investments.
The glittering grand opening party was held on June 22, 2012 with the participation of famous top model, Eva Herzigova and distinguished guests such as the owner of the Renault Formula-1 team, Italian businessman, Mr Flavio Briatore. Run by Mr Briatore, the famous Billionaire Club and Italian restaurant Cipriani have opened new branches at Palmarina and Istanbul.
Designed by famous Turkish architect Emre Arolat, the port is an entertainment island with various possibilities not only for yachters but also for tourists and locals. A variety of shopping brands are lined through the streets inside the marina. Palmabeach, the infinity pool of the Loft Beach Bar, fitness centre are also within the borders of this complex. The very adventurous boating events and races, including the 4th Gant Cup, the 16th Bodrum Cup, the World of Wonders Cup, are also held in Palmarina Bodrum.
#12 Marina di Stabia 100m
Marina di Stabia is set in the heart of one of the world’s most sophisticated touristic areas, close to Sorrento, Capri, Amalfi and Ravello, Italy. It offers much to those who enjoy a truly unique yachting experience.
The marina is a new generation superyacht facility with 900 berths, the longest of which can take boats in excess of 100 metres. Blending modern style, elegance and efficiency, this is a safe and secure international marina where a reliable team of professionals deliver year round, high quality service and assistance.
The marina offers twenty-first century berths in a setting of incomparable beauty, with Mount Vesuvius and Mount Faito spanning the marina and the profile of the Sorrentine Peninsula, Capri and Ischia on the horizon.
Cantiere delle Marche's dedication to crafting exceptional vessels reaches new heights with the sale of the Flexplorer 165 to a distinguished European yachtsman. Representing the shipyard's largest explorer yacht to date, this milestone sale underscores Cantiere delle Marche's unwavering commitment to excellence.Vasco Buonpensiere, co-founder and CEO of Cantiere delle Marche, expresses pride in the achievement: "The sale of the Flexplorer 165 marks a significant moment for our shipyard. In an industry marked by fluctuating tides, our steadfast dedication to quality and precision has yielded remarkable results." Buonpensiere emphasizes the shipyard's resilience in navigating market challenges, attributing the success to the enduring reputation of their explorer yachts.Ennio Cecchini, co-founder and President of Cantiere delle Marche, highlights the distinctive qualities of the Flexplorer 165, noting its striking design and embodiment of the shipyard's core values.The Flexplorer 165, boasting a length of nearly 49.90 meters and a beam of 9 meters, showcases the renowned exterior design by Sergio Cutolo/Hydro Tec. Collaborating with Hus studio for the interior, the yacht promises timeless elegance and unparalleled comfort.Equipped with an impressive A-frame crane capable of lifting over 4.5 tons, the Flexplorer 165 offers exceptional handling of tenders and water toys. Powered by twin Caterpillar C32 Acert engines, each generating 970kW, the yacht ensures reliability and efficiency on every voyage.The decision to offer the Flexplorer 165 on the charter market reflects the owner's confidence in its ocean-going capabilities, long-range endurance, and unmatched comfort. CdM's story begins in 2010. The facilities cover an overall surface of 16˙000 square meters, including 7˙000 sq. m of workshops and 1˙000 sq. m of docks. Since 2015, the shipyard has been the world’s leading builder of explorer yachts. Based in Ancona, Cantiere delle Marche builds yachts from 26m to 43m in length.Credits: CdM
April 19, 2024
Sacs Tecnorib makes a return to the Palma International Boat Show, marking the commencement of the boating season in the Mediterranean. The event, celebrating its 40th anniversary, serves as a platform for showcasing the latest innovations and trends in the maritime industry, drawing over 32,000 visitors, hosting nearly 300 exhibitors, and featuring more than 250 boats on the water.Pirelli 42At the M-30 Pontoon P2 stand, hosted by official distributor Swiss Yachting, SACS Tecnorib will proudly display its renowned Pirelli Speedboats range. Among the highlights are the Pirelli 30, 35, and 42 models, renowned for their exceptional performance and sleek design. These walkaround vessels offer a perfect blend of style and functionality, catering to discerning boating enthusiasts.Pirelli 35The Pirelli 30, serving as the entry-level model, sets the stage for the walkaround range with its compact yet powerful build. Meanwhile, the Pirelli 35 impresses with its rugged 11-meter frame, boasting meticulous attention to onboard accessories. Completing the lineup is the Pirelli 42, the flagship model renowned for its versatility and unmatched performance on the water.Pirelli 47Adding to the allure are the Rebel 47 and Strider 13, exhibited by dealer Helimotor. Designed by Christian Grande, the Rebel 47 embodies luxury day-cruising with its modern design and elegant exterior layout. On the other hand, the Strider 13, also envisioned by Grande, stands out for its exclusive lines, safety features, build quality, and versatility, catering to owners seeking both performance and spacious comfort.Strider 13Each vessel showcased at the Palma International Boat Show epitomizes SACS Tecnorib's commitment to excellence, combining cutting-edge design with uncompromising performance to deliver an unparalleled boating experience.Sacs Tecnorib Spa was established in 2021 from the union between TecnoRib srl and Sacs srl. Credits: Sacs Tecnorib Spa
April 19, 2024
The Italian Sea Group (TISG) commemorates the keel laying of the Admiral 70m C.615 mega yacht, the esteemed model of the Admiral fleet and the group's six hundred and fifteenth yacht.The keel laying ceremony signifies a significant milestone in TISG's developmental journey, reaffirming its stature as a prominent global player in the large yacht domain and showcasing the group's commercial expansion.Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group, shared his sentiments on this maritime tradition, remarking, "When building a yacht, the keel-laying ceremony is a moment of profound emotion for both the shipyard and the owner."The Admiral 70m mega yacht, crafted entirely by the Centro Stile of The Italian Sea Group, boasts elegant exteriors characterized by graceful lines, expansive deck spaces, and generous glass windows. Internally, the vessel offers accommodations with 7 VIP and "Guest" cabins, along with 10 cabins for the crew.This yacht exemplifies the culmination of engineering prowess, design innovation, and the hallmark quality associated with the Admiral brand. It prioritizes absolute onboard comfort while championing environmental sustainability, with minimal emissions in both water and atmosphere.The delivery of the mega yacht Admiral 70m is slated for 2026.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credits: The Italian Sea Group
April 19, 2024
Antonini Navi introduces the Sport Utility Yacht – SUY 135, a groundbreaking vessel conceived by Aldo Manna, Partner and Sales Director, along with designer Fulvio De Simoni. Moravia Yachts has been appointed as Central Agency. Hull number #1 is already in construction with delivery slated for 2026.As part of Antonini Navi's broader vision, the SUY 135 is a precursor to the SUY 190 and SUY 108, forming a comprehensive lineup of versatile superyachts designed to navigate deep waters while embracing luxury and environmental harmony.Currently under construction at the shipyard in Italy, the SUY 135 spans 44 meters in length and boasts approximately 480GT. This steel displacement motor yacht marks the debut of Antonini Navi's Sports Utility Yachts – SUY series.Designed by Fulvio de Simoni with naval architecture by Studio Arrabito, the SUY 135 seamlessly blends superyacht elegance with unparalleled world-cruising capabilities."The SUY offers limitless experiences, akin to an SUV in the automotive realm," remarks Aldo Manna. "It's designed to enable owners and guests to fully immerse themselves in yachting, equipped with toys, amenities, and tenders for a myriad of recreational activities."Alessandro Diomedi of Moravia Yachting expresses pride in representing Antonini Navi's SUY series, highlighting its innovation and voluminous capacity for water toys while prioritizing owner privacy and lifestyle.The SUY 135's flexible design allows for extensive internal and external customization, featuring a main and upper deck linked by a raised deck with five guest cabins. The owner's suite, spanning 56 square meters, resides on the main deck, offering luxurious seclusion.External spaces include a 40-square-meter veranda for al fresco dining and a 35-square-meter beach club with a transom hot tub. The sun deck boasts panoramic views, a second hot tub, and ample relaxation areas.Equipped with a transversal tender garage and achieving a range of 4,000 nautical miles at 10 knots cruising speed, the SUY 135 sets new standards in environmental consciousness.The Pertusola shipyard in the Gulf of La Spezia was bought by Walter Antonini in 1977. Since then, Antonini Navi has been a family-held leader in superyacht custom build and refitting.Credits: Antonini Navi
April 18, 2024
In a remarkable display of innovation and engineering prowess, eD-TEC's groundbreaking eD 32 c-Ultra high-performance all-electric RIB has successfully completed its first sea trials after just nine months of intensive development. These trials, conducted in the Adriatic Sea near Punat, Croatia, mark a significant milestone in the advancement of electric boating technology.At the heart of the eD 32 c-Ultra lies eD-TEC's revolutionary Technology Stack, seamlessly integrated with twin plug-and-play eD-QDrive 200kW propulsion units, driving surface-piercing propellers. With a net battery capacity of 105kWh, this blank-sheet design sets new standards in the industry, delivering exceptional performance, stability, and manoeuvrability.During the trials, dubbed as an engineering feat, the eD 32 c-Ultra demonstrated remarkable capabilities, boasting a 25-knot cruise and an impressive range of over 40 nautical miles. These results underscore the vessel's potential to revolutionize the marine industry, offering an environmentally friendly alternative without compromising on performance.Michael Jost, founder of eD-TEC, expressed optimism about the vessel's future, stating, "We are thrilled with the initial performance of the eD 32 c-Ultra during its maiden sea trials. Preliminary estimates indicate a range of 20 to 40 nautical miles and a current cruising speed of 25 knots, with anticipated improvements to reach approximately 30 knots."Furthermore, the trials provided valuable insights into optimizing the vessel's efficiency and performance. Adaptive steering, inspired by automotive systems, and innovative hydrodynamic design elements were highlighted as areas for refinement to enhance stability and reduce power consumption.Looking ahead, eD-TEC remains committed to pushing the boundaries of electric boating technology. Plans for a two-week Booster Sprint, focused on software optimization and charging efficiency, aim to further enhance the vessel's capabilities.Philipp Lehr and Marc Jost, project leads for the eD 32 c-Ultra, expressed satisfaction with the trials, emphasizing the vessel's reliability and performance. "After approximately 500 kWh, we have encountered no system disruptions thus far, and all temperatures have remained within optimal ranges," they reported.As the eD 32 c-Ultra continues its journey towards commercialization, eD-TEC remains dedicated to pioneering sustainable solutions for the marine industry. With ambitious plans for future developments, including solar-centric off-grid solutions, the company is poised to revolutionize the concept of luxury shoreside living and on-water escapes.Indeed, the eD 32 c-Ultra represents not just a vessel but the beginning of a new era in electric boating, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable marine transportation.Credits: eD-TEC
April 18, 2024