After a successful introduction over the winter season, the Antibes port will be growing its offerings for crews based in Port Vauban.
Port Vauban, Europe’s largest port by volume, has announced that it will be continuing its Crew Program of events and activities into the summer. The decision to extend the program year-round is based on the success of its first season running the initiative over the winter and spring.
The dedicated Crew Program team has crafted a varied roster of events that cover wellness, sports and social activities, as well as professional development, giving crew of yachts docked in Port Vauban an opportunity to make the most of their time in Antibes.
“The port is very large and caters to many different yachting segments, from smaller, locally owned pleasure craft to the largest superyachts in the world. The thinking behind the Crew Program is to build a strong sense of community and help provide an opportunity to connect all the crews that use Port Vauban, as well as offer some fun activities. We are here to create a positive environment for the crew and, although we have only been running the initiative for a few months, so far the feedback has been very positive,” said Marianne Fourticq, Director of Port Vauban’s Crew Program.
A VARIED MIX OF ACTIVITIES
Highlights of the winter season Crew Program have included complementary yoga classes, basketball tournaments, golf days, accompanied bike rides around the Côte d’Azur, and trips to local ski resorts and to see the Antibes Sharks basketball team.
In March, Port Vauban hosted a “Job Dating” career fair in the Bastion St Jaume to provide a networking platform for crew seeking work, with over 150 on board roles open to candidates, and seasonal positions for land-based professionals looking to work at Port Vauban and its sister ports in Antibes-Juan Les Pins, Cannes, Nice and Golfe Juan.
As well as continuing the Crew Program over the summer months with new sporting activities and social events, Port Vauban introduce now Café Ponton, a complimentary weekly breakfast truck that will provide crews with a place to enjoy a sociable alfresco meeting point in the mornings.
“Although the summer season is a lot busier for many crew, who have less personal time over the coming months, we see the Crew Program as a great way to offer some fun activities off the boat, such as early morning or evening sporting activities, paddle boarding, dockside barbecues and the weekly food truck. We are excited to continue the momentum of the Crew Program,” added Fourticq.
VAUBAN 21 AND FUTURE PLANS FOR THE PORT
The Crew Program has given the Port Vauban team a valuable opportunity to engage one-to-one with the crews in Antibes, both those already working on yachts as well as those looking to find work via crew houses and recruitment agencies. This improved engagement is already proving fruitful in creating a better understanding of what captains and crew are looking for from the port, as it continues its development of services and facilities.
A weekly Captains Apéro with complementary drinks and snacks has been organised by Port Vauban at the IYCA Beach Club as a way to engage with the superyacht captains both in Port Vauban and on the Quai des Milliardaires. In particular, this has assisted in helping captains to understand the ongoing developments of the new Vauban 21 project since the acquisition by Riviera Ports, providing an opportunity to discuss the project with Port Vauban’s directors in a relaxed and informal setting.
“It is an exciting time for Port Vauban with our anticipated new developments and offerings through the Vauban 21 project. The Crew Program continues to be an important part of this new direction for the services offered by Port Vauban and Rivera Ports. We are enthusiastic to continue building our strong relationship with the crew who use the port and make it what it is,” concluded Fourticq
ABOUT PORT VAUBAN - NEW CONTRACTS & PORT LAYOUT
The current consignment of contracts that Port Vauban Antibes has for yachts of all sizes is due to expire on 31 December 2021, and so the Vauban’s team is in the process of revising its layout and resigning contracts with existing clients, which will come into effect on 1 January 2022. The contracts will have a 24-year term maximum with guarantee of use.
Approximately 800 berths are currently for sale, including 300 for yachts from 20 to 170 meters. As one of the only ports in the region offering long-term leases of this nature, it provides owners with a unique opportunity to secure a premium berth and enjoy the best yachting location in the Med.
Check our Timeline platform to get the full access to our analytics platform, that offers you a detailed report on the timeline of each superyacht, real time market view to see the yacht market developing and much more!
Acquera Yachting is participating in the 35th edition of the MYBA Charter Show, scheduled from April 28 to May 1, 2025, at the scenic Portosole Marina in Sanremo. As the pinnacle event for charter superyachts, the MYBA Charter Show attracts attendees from over 30 nations, making it a must-attend occasion for brokers, service providers, and management firms alike.For Acquera Yachting, this show serves as a pivotal moment to showcase its enhanced in-house processes and services amidst a period of rapid evolution and expansion. Notably, around 30% of Acquera Yachting's clientele consists of charter yachts, reflecting the firm's comprehensive capabilities in managing port operations, customs and immigration procedures, bunkerage, technical assistance, and bespoke lifestyle services such as concierge and entertainment.In today's fast-evolving landscape, charter clients demand not only opulence and convenience but also immersive, curated journeys tailored to their preferences. Recognizing this shift, Acquera Yachting remains steadfast in its mission to deliver groundbreaking solutions that integrate digital innovation, sustainability, and exclusivity.Caterina Oliviero, Chief Commercial Officer at Acquera Yachting, emphasizes the transformational nature of the charter market, stating:“Clients today seek extraordinary adventures in breathtaking locations, combined with impeccable service. By leveraging technological advancements and emphasizing eco-friendliness, we’re unlocking unprecedented possibilities for yachting enthusiasts. Our unwavering commitment lies in providing unrivaled experiences that define the future of yachting.”Through strategic investments and dynamic partnerships, Acquera Yachting aims to lead the way in shaping the charter industry of tomorrow.By blending expertise with innovation, Acquera Yachting looks forward to engaging with global partners and strengthening its position as a trailblazer at the MYBA Charter Show 2025.Credits: Acquera Yachting
April 9, 2025
Visionary Turkish catamaran builder VisionF Yachts is poised to revolutionize the marine industry with the debut of stunning new images of its groundbreaking E-Cat 80, a 23.97-meter fully-electric catamaran. Boasting advanced engineering and sustainable technology, the E-Cat 80 sets a new standard for eco-conscious luxury yachting. With two orders already secured, the first unit has been successfully delivered and is preparing to explore the picturesque waters of the Adriatic Sea.The E-Cat 80 combines elegance with efficiency, offering expansive interior spaces capable of hosting up to 14 guests across customizable layouts. Its interiors, crafted by acclaimed designer Marco Casali of TOO Design, embody a minimalist approach with calming neutral hues and thoughtful use of natural lighting. Vinyl wood finishes and sleek marble details further elevate the aesthetic, creating a harmonious blend of form and function.Powered by a cutting-edge electric propulsion system, the E-Cat 80 achieves optimal performance while minimizing environmental impact. Equipped with twin generators and a substantial fuel reserve, the yacht boasts an operational range exceeding 1,000 nautical miles, ensuring both reliability and long-distance capability. The vessel's spacious tender garage can store multiple watercraft, including jet skis, enhancing recreational opportunities for guests.Leveraging advanced solar technology, the E-Cat 80 generates renewable energy directly from sunlight, eliminating reliance on fossil fuels during daytime operation. This forward-thinking design positions the E-Cat 80 as a leader in sustainable maritime transportation.VisionF Yachts in Turkey was set up by Coşkun Bayraktar in Istanbul in 2019, but despite the shipyard’s relative youth it is a brand that is going places in the power catamaran world. In November 2020, VisionF Yachts debuted its first vessel, the VisionF 80. Credits: Kerem Sanliman/VisionF Yachts
April 9, 2025
Mengi Yay's 47.4-meter sailing yacht Seleda has entered the brokerage market for the first time since her delivery in 2021, listed for sale by Bertrand Vogèle and Sebastiano Pitasi of Next Yachting.Constructed to RINA class specifications using cold laminated wood, Seleda features an exterior design by the Turkish shipyard, naval architecture by Ginton Naval Architects, and interiors by BTA Design. The yacht has had only one owner since new, with her broker describing her as the "perfect balance of luxury, performance, and indulgence."Seleda accommodates 11 guests in five cabins, including a master suite with a lounge and office, two VIP cabins, and two twins. Eight crew members are housed in four cabins. The yacht's interiors are open-plan and contemporary, characterized by dark wood flooring and a mix of curved lines and geometric shapes in furniture, wall panels, and art pieces. The main saloon is bright and spacious, featuring a comfortable elongated sofa, bar, and dining table seating 10.Above deck, a large sundeck offers panoramic views, equipped with sun loungers and an L-shaped sofa. The long foredeck includes an elevated sunpad near an al fresco table, seating area, and tender storage, while the aft deck features an additional dining table sheltered from the sundeck overhang.Powered by twin 671hp Caterpillar diesel engines, Seleda reaches a maximum speed of 12 knots and cruising speed of 10 knots. She boasts an impressive 990 square meters of sail area.Seleda is listed for €11.5 million.Mengi Yay Yachts was founded in 1964 in Turkey. Now the company owns one of the largest (19,365 sq m) yards that were specifically designed for the refit and refurbishment of existing craft as well as the manufacturing of the new motor and sailing yachts. Credits: Mengi Yay Yachts
April 8, 2025
Exteta x Riva have collaborated to produce a line of outdoor furnishings that combines the design philosophies of both brands. The collection is inspired by Riva's heritage and the nautical lifestyle, offering a contemporary aesthetic rooted in the traditions of Italian craftsmanship.Materials and design elements from Riva motorboats are integrated into the Exteta x Riva collection, creating a seamless blend of sophistication and durability. The pieces are designed to enhance both residential and yacht environments, offering versatility and style.The collection includes seating, upholstered furniture, tables, and complementary accessories, all crafted with high-quality materials. The use of sapele mahogany and stainless steel reflects the attention to detail and timeless appeal of Riva’s legacy.The Exteta x Riva collection is intended to bring a refined touch to outdoor living, with thoughtful design elements that mimic the elegance of Riva yachts. Each piece is designed to complement both residential and nautical settings, providing users with a cohesive and stylish experience.Credits: Exteta x Riva
April 8, 2025
Ocean Independence has announced the addition of Thanuja to its fleet after an extensive four-year refit. This 50-meter-long yacht, which began life as Grayzone, has undergone such a dramatic transformation that it is being hailed as the equivalent of a brand-new build. The refurbishment, carried out by a collaborative effort between several Hamburg-based firms, has prepared Thanuja for her debut charter season.Originally built by Concept Marine in Turkey back in 2011, Grayzone arrived at Serenity Shipyard in Antalya in 2021 for what was intended to be a simple refit. However, the scope quickly expanded into a total overhaul. The yacht was dismantled down to its bare metal structure, and major changes followed. The stern and aft decks were extended, increasing the overall length from 43 to 50 meters, while the flybridge received substantial upgrades.As a result of these modifications, the vessel's gross tonnage (GT) grew significantly—from 380 GT to 463 GT. These alterations were so profound that the classification society deemed them comparable to constructing a new yacht altogether. Renamed Thanuja, the yacht emerged from the shipyard with a fresh identity and vastly improved capabilities.Main saloon At the heart of this ambitious project stood the Hamburg-based yacht design and engineering firm iYacht GmbH. They developed the initial concept, handled the exterior design, and managed the naval architecture. Working within the constraints of the existing hull and prior design elements, they successfully adapted the vessel to meet the new owner's expectations while retaining some of its original character.While the original plan called for minor cosmetic updates to the interiors, the project evolved into a comprehensive redesign under the guidance of Katharina Raczek Design, another Hamburg-based firm. Their team crafted a luxurious living environment capable of hosting up to ten guests across five elegant staterooms. Additionally, the crew quarters were enlarged to accommodate a staff of nine. Every aspect of the interior – from bespoke furniture and lighting to detailed decorations –was meticulously curated by Katharina Raczek Design.Sky loungeStefan Zucker, founder of the consultancy Zucker & Partner, played a pivotal role in managing the project. His expertise ensured smooth coordination among various parties involved, resulting in a cohesive outcome. Furthermore, the owner contributed his own experienced project manager to ensure that every detail aligned with the vision.Each deck aboard Thanuja offers unique spaces tailored for different moods and activities. Guests can relax in the shaded sanctuary of the main deck aft or enjoy panoramic views from the expansive upper deck, which boasts plush sofas, an al fresco dining area, and a barbecue setup. The sundeck invites guests to unwind with its hot tub, lounge chairs, and well-stocked bar, making it perfect for both daytime leisure and evening entertainment.Owner cabin In addition to the aesthetic improvements, Thanuja underwent a thorough technical revamp. All electrical systems, wiring, and pipework were replaced, and the engine room was upgraded with state-of-the-art components. Powered by twin MAN engines equipped with SCR units, the yacht meets the strictest environmental standards set by IMO Tier III regulations. Advanced bow and stern thrusters further enhance her maneuverability.With her combination of luxury, performance, and versatility, Thanuja is primed for success in the competitive charter market. Adelheid Chirco, Central Agent at Ocean Independence, expressed confidence in the yacht's appeal, highlighting its ideal size and stunning amenities. Starting at EUR210,000 per week, Thanuja will be available for charters in the Mediterranean, promising unforgettable experiences for her future guests.Credits: Ocean Independence
April 8, 2025