Port Vauban in Antibes is shining a spotlight on its major redevelopment and unique long-term berth acquisition opportunities through a newly released promotional film.
The French Riviera has long been a focal point of the yachting community in the Mediterranean, if not the world, and Antibes – located centrally between luxurious Monaco and festive St Tropez – is the beating heart of yachting on the French Riviera. One of the oldest port towns in Europe, Antibes can trace its roots back to before the Roman Empire, and it has held a position of nautical significance for millennia. With such history and heritage comes an unmistakeable cachet regarding the ownership of berths in this region.
Being Europe’s largest leisure port, Antibes’ Port Vauban is now setting out its store as the future of yachting in the Mediterranean, illustrated through a newly released promotional film.
Thanks to the redevelopment plans of Vauban 21, which recently acquired the prestigious Port Vauban operation, a unique new opportunity in the region to acquire long-term berths of up to 23 years’ duration is available to yacht owners of vessels from several metres up to over 170 metres.
Port Vauban is a perennially popular location in which to base a yacht, offering convenience to yacht owners, guests and charterers, as well as captains and crew. Unlike the facilities available at other popular marinas on the Riviera, Port Vauban’s centrally located helipad provides instant access to the region’s key spots. It is just a two-minute flight to Nice Airport, delivering expedient international travel for yacht owners and guests.
The port is a short car transfer or walk to some of the Riviera’s most celebrated and coveted social spots, from the quaint local restaurants of Antibes Old Town to the charming and historic Belle Rive Hotel to the high-society hangout of the Hotel du Cap Eden Roc.
Port Vauban’s new promotional film also highlights the modernisation and redevelopment plans for the marina and its facilities, including a brand-new harbourmaster’s office with gourmet restaurants, as well as the Port Centre, which will be a hub for the local community as well as an exposition space and yachting campus. There will be a number of additional state-of-the-art security measures implemented across the site in the coming months, and guests will be given access to a fleet of golf carts to improve mobility around Port Vauban and the town.
Antibes is a longstanding service hub for yachting companies and a convenient location for crew operations when not in guest mode. In addition to being easy to access from across Europe, Port Vauban is a year-round location for maintenance and operations. To bolster crew motivation, reduce turnover and a promote healthy lifestyle, a programme of activities targeted at crew will operate throughout the year, including the winter season.
As one of the only marinas offering long-term contracts in the region, Port Vauban’s offering is truly unique for the French Riviera. Some 800 berths are now available to acquire through new right-of-use contracts of up to 23-years’ duration, including 17 long-term berths for sale between 60 and 100-plus metres (two having just been sold).
Alongside the winter crew program, Port Vauban is now offering new winter berthing packages designed to deliver convenience and practicality to superyachts of 40 to 170 metres throughout the low season, from November to the end of April. This includes shorter minimum booking periods, the ability to carry out winter maintenance onsite (including provision of space for a container on the dock adjacent to the yacht) and the cheapest consumable rates in the Mediterranean.
“We are excited to present our new offering at Port Vauban through this appealing promotional film. With limited availability of long-term berths between St Tropez and Monaco, and a redevelopment plan that will make our facilities unmatched in the region, we are certain that Port Vauban is the future of yachting not just on the French Riviera but for the whole of the Mediterranean,” said Eric de Saintdo, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer.
Port Vauban is Europe’s leading marina in terms of volume, with 1,642 berths including 19 superyacht slips along the renowned IYCA, also known as “Billionaires’ Quay”. The port is conveniently located in the heart of the French Riviera, between Monaco and St Tropez and a short distance by water or road from Cannes, giving it an ideal position to be the capital of yachting in the Mediterranean.
With deep-water access, the IYCA’s berths are available for vessels from 60 to 170 metres in length, with a low-tide draft of seven metres across the entire basin. All berths on the IYCA are equipped with appropriate shore power for large superyachts and a conveniently located helipad is available for guests of vessels on the quay. The IYCA is ISPS Code compliant and has restricted access with 24/7 security surveillance.
Within Port Vauban there is a fuelling station next to the central capitainerie, and all yachts in the port are provided with high-speed broadband internet access as well as shore power and free pump-out of black and grey water. The port is currently monitored by 20 CCTV units, with plans for an additional 165 cameras to be installed, and there is onsite security covering the entire port.
In 2017, Port Vauban was acquired by a triparty association and is now operated as part of the Riviera Ports network, which also runs marinas in Antibes-Juan Les Pins, Cannes, Nice and Golfe Juan. Under the new ownership structure, a large-scale redevelopment project is being carried out through Vauban 21 project, which will see an investment of 135 million euros over the next 24 years. The project will comprise a complete regeneration of the port’s facilities and amenities including a new capitainerie, restaurant and yacht club. There are also plans for an expansion of Port Vauban’s refit and maintenance shipyard infrastructure as well as installation of a 2,000m2 yachting campus for training courses, seminars and conferences.
The current consignment of contracts that Port Vauban Antibes has for yachts of all sizes is due to expire on 31 December 2021. Consequently, the Port Vauban team is in the process of revising its layout and signing new berth contracts, which will come into effect on 1 January 2022. The contracts will have a 24-year term maximum with guarantee of use, and are available to new as well as existing clients.
Approximately 800 berths are currently for sale, including 300 for yachts from 20 to 170 metres. 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 Mediterranean.
The Italian Sea Group has launched the 72-meter Admiral Armani megayacht, marking the first vessel designed in collaboration with Giorgio Armani. The ceremony took place at the company's Marina di Carrara facility, attended by representatives from the Armani Group, local authorities, and project team members.This yacht represents the first of two projects fully designed by Giorgio Armani, featuring distinctive exterior styling and interior design by Armani/Casa. The collaboration with The Italian Sea Group's Centro Stile combines minimalist aesthetics with advanced naval engineering.Key design elements include geometric volumes with curved surfaces, satin aluminum and steel detailing, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. The upper decks incorporate open-air lounges and a helicopter landing area. Interior materials feature Black Marquinia marble, golden Calacatta, and Canaletto walnut, complemented by custom lighting and fabrics."This yacht represents the confluence of Giorgio Armani's poetic elegance and The Italian Sea Group's technical excellence," said Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group.The Admiral Armani 72m will make its official debut at the Monaco Yacht Show in September 2025. The vessel measures 72 meters in length and represents a new direction in luxury yacht design through the Armani collaboration. Technical specifications and performance details were not disclosed in the announcement.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. Credit: Giuliano Sargentini/The Italian Sea Group
May 7, 2025
Silent Yachts has announced its 24-meter flagship solar-electric catamaran, the SY80, is approaching completion. The Italian builder recently launched two SY62 3-Deck Open models and one SY62 3-Deck Closed variant from its Fano shipyard as part of its plan to deliver 10 yachts in 2025.The SY80 will be available in three customizable configurations: 2-Deck, 3-Deck Open, and 3-Deck Closed. The model retains the sustainable features of Silent Yachts' smaller vessels while offering increased volume, accommodating up to 12 guests. Key features include an open layout, spacious staterooms, and ample storage for water toys."We can accommodate a very high number of different configurations, making the yacht of your dreams into a lived reality," said Silent Yachts CEO Fabrizio Iarrera. Owners can opt for an on-deck master suite or an open-plan salon with the master cabin below deck.Performance specifications include a top speed of 12 knots, cruising speeds of 7-8 knots, and battery capacities of 522 kWh or 696 kWh. The solar array peaks at 22.4 kWp, supporting near-zero-emission operation.The SY80 2-Deck variant will debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival (September 9-14), with sea trials expected in the coming weeks.Silent-Yachts is producing the world’s first fully solar-sustainable oceangoing production catamaran yachts. They are powered exclusively by solar energy and capable of cruising up to 100 miles per day. In 2009, founders Heike and Michael Köhler, who have spent 6,000 days cruising more than 75,000 miles all around the world, launched the Solarwave 46, the first fully self-sufficient blue-water catamaran after years of testing solar-powered propulsion, and they have been building boats ever since. Credits: Silent-Yachts
May 7, 2025
The 52-meter sportfisher Special One, built by Royal Huisman with design by Vripack, has received the Judges' Special Award at the 20th World Superyacht Awards in Venice. The yacht competed in the Best Motor Yacht – Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts 50m+ category.Judges described Special One as "spectacularly different," with one noting: "She is truly special! This yacht is so unusual, so different and so successfully done." The award recognizes the vessel's unique combination of sportfishing capabilities and luxury amenities.Vripack's co-creative director Bart Bouwhuis commented: "The owner's desire to build one of the coolest and challenging boats to ever hit water was unwavering from the outset." The design maintains traditional American sportfisher proportions while incorporating innovative features like a 28m² fish cockpit, DJ station, and cinema with rising projector screen.Interior highlights include walnut and oak finishes, a 237-piece parquet dining floor, and a sky lounge with custom blue glass chandelier. Technical innovations include laser-powered fiberglass exterior lighting.The World Superyacht Awards ceremony took place in May 2025, honoring exceptional vessels in the global luxury yacht market. Special One represents Royal Huisman's first sportfisher project and Vripack's largest motor yacht design to date.Royal Huisman is a Dutch shipyard established in 1884 in Ronduite, building and refitting custom luxury sailing and motor yachts at its shipyard in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.Credit: Guillaume Plisson, all provided by Vripack
May 7, 2025
The upcoming South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show 2025 at Ocean Village Marina in Southampton will showcase several world and UK premieres from leading marine manufacturers. The event, scheduled for May 9-11, will highlight new models across both power and sail categories with a focus on innovation and sustainable technologies.Among the notable debuts, Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding will present the Hardy 45 European, making its world premiere. The 45-foot vessel combines offshore capabilities with inland waterway navigation, powered by twin Yanmar 440hp engines reaching speeds up to 28 knots. Dave Cockwell, Founder and Sales Director, stated: "Our all-new Hardy 45 European provides an extraordinarily luxurious and secure environment for ocean crossings and long-distance cruising."Hardy 45The show will introduce four models to the UK market for the first time, including the BENTE28 sailing yacht with its distinctive IMOCA-style dodger, the high-speed Delta 33 Coupé from Sweden, the modular Axopar 29 Sun Top adventure boat, and the versatile Saxdor 340 GTWA walkaround cruiser.Hanse 360Additional show debuts will feature the award-winning Hanse 360 sailing yacht, recently named European Yacht of the Year 2025, alongside the FJORD 39 XL powerboat and the Absolute 47 Fly flybridge cruiser. The Hanse 360 offers an optional sustainable sail package using recycled materials.Absolute 47 FlyTim Mayer, Sales and Marketing Director at MDL Marinas, commented: "Each year the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show grows in scale and significance." The event will display over 90 boats both in-water and shoreside at the Harbour Hotel Southampton location.Credits: South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show
May 6, 2025
Benetti has launched FB287, a fully customized 67-meter steel yacht from its B.Now series featuring the Oasis Deck® design. The vessel represents Benetti's steel-hulled superyacht expertise, with exterior design by RWD and interiors by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. Engage Maritime served as owner's representative throughout the project."The launch of FB287 demonstrates the capabilities of the Benetti shipyard and the possibilities for clients to realize their ultimate expression of the yachting lifestyle," said Daniela Petrozzi, Benetti Sales Director.Key customizations include a rectangular elevator, marble guest staircase with glass balustrade, widened corridors, and multiple pool areas - an infinity pool on the Oasis Deck®, a spa pool on the observation deck, and a reflecting pool with waterfall effect on the owner's deck. The yacht features a lower-deck spa complex with sauna and steam room, a main deck saloon with grand piano, and an entire upper deck dedicated to the owner's private use.Originally conceived with light beach house interiors, FB287's owner requested a darker, richer aesthetic inspired by Gatsby-era styling. The final design incorporates woods like sycamore, ebony, and macassar, along with specialty marbles and metal detailing. Despite the dramatic style change from initial concepts, the design maintains seamless flow between interior and exterior spaces through coordinated material selections.Following launch, FB287 will undergo sea trials before scheduled delivery this summer. The project marks Benetti's successful adaptation of its B.Now platform to meet specific owner requirements while maintaining the series' signature indoor-outdoor living philosophy.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Giuliano Sargentini/Benetti
May 6, 2025