Recently, many world’s marinas have gone through deep restructuring to strengthen their offering and compete for superyachts' attention. At the core of this pivotal moment for yachting infrastructure, however, stood Porto Montenegro, one of the first purpose-built superyacht hubs. During the MYS 2019, the plans for further development of one of the 10 most stunning European superyacht marinas got revealed.
The project of Porto Montenegro dates back to 2007, when Peter Munk, a Hungarian-born Canadian businessman purchased a site in Montenegro for €23 million, with the purpose of building a superyacht marina that would rival mainstream destinations. With backing from LVMH Chairman, Bernard Arnault, Russian oligarch, Oleg Deripaska and Lord Jacob Rothschild, the Barrick Gold founder set out to develop the largest private-sector investment in the country.
Located near the coastal city of Tivat, Porto Montenegro's ambition was to become a homeport for some of the world's largest yachts by providing their crew and visiting owners with high end facilities. The development also included the construction of a strong ecosystem around the marina with condos, restaurants and a five star hotel.
Over its several years of development, Porto Montenegro caught the eye of new investors and in May 2016 it was confirmed that the development was acquired the Investment Corporation of Dubai, the city-state's investment arm.
Currently, Porto Montenegro has 450 berths for yachts from 12 to 250 meters in length (with a capacity to expand to 850 berths), 300 sold-out luxury apartments, as well as 60 units of ground floor retail with restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and amenities and a five-star Regent Hotel with over 130 luxury suites and apartments.
During a private event at the Monaco Yacht Show 2019, Porto Montenegro announced it was going to invest over €500 million in further development and new projects on site over the next 10 years.
Danilo Kalezic, Senior PR and Marketing Manager at Porto Montenegro, stated:
We are currently only building on 30 percent of a vast 24 hectares that once belonged to the Arsenal, a former Yugoslav naval base. To date, we have invested €500 million and I believe that in the next 10 years, we’ll invest additional €500 million to develop half of the remaining land. This is difficult to predict because the site study is still being adopted but we’re on the right track.
He also emphasised, that the Porto Montenegro village has been transforming from a summer destination to a year-round regional lifestyle-centre and multi-faceted business hub.
What is more, in 2019 the Regent Pool Club Residences, consisting of apartments and penthouse suites, positioned adjacent to the five-star Regent Porto Montenegro hotel, was completed. The space contemporary design with elements of Venetian and Italian aesthetics, by London’s WATG Architects and MHZ Paris.
In addition, the managers reported the summer season 2019 to be one of the most successful ever for Porto Montenegro. The village hosted such top-level events as the first RC44 regatta, the Gigayacht Captains Forum, the Sunreef Yachts rendezvous and Gumball3000 supercar rally, along with music, fashion and wine festivals.
Danilo Kalezic expressed on the high number of yachts and residential clients:
All berths for yachts under 30 metres were fully occupied this summer and overall occupancy was 11.5% higher compared to 2018. In the winter season, we recorded a 10.5% increase compared to last year.
Alongside continued upgrades to Porto Montenegro Yacht Club, the village also embraces new business dimensions, offering co-working spaces and new office hubs. In 2019, Porto Montenegro also welcomed its first family office for new business residents, with Monte Carlo Yachts, Beneteau, and Sunreef Yachts among them.
Meanwhile, Damen, the Dutch group behind Amels, has entered into a contract with Adriatic Marinas and the government of Montenegro to develop a superyacht repair and refit facility in a former shipyard in Bijela, Boka Bay. It is expected to become fully operational in 2021.
Waterfront Costa Smeralda reopens its doors to the international yacht owners: from 29 June to 4 September, the Molo Porto Vecchio in the village of Porto Cervo will come alive with exclusive events and luxury ateliers hosting the world's most exclusive brands.Sanlorenzo returns for the fifth consecutive year to the renowned luxury temporary store, the exclusive seafront lounge immersed in the verdant Costa Smeralda, with its own pop-up space. A minimal and elegant lounge with clean lines was designed by Art Director Piero Lissoni. Inside the boutique the chrome reproductions of the fleet’s distinctive yachts can be found. The Sanlorenzo atelier is dedicated to nautical enthusiasts and admirers of the shipyard, a place that encapsulates the brand's core values and allows those who wish to create their own custom-made yacht to draw closer to the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that have always distinguished the company's philosophy.The Waterfront Costa Smeralda is one of the most exclusive summer venues, a destination for art, automobiles and luxury yachts, a summer ‘passeggiata’ among pop-up stores, exhibition spaces, lounge areas and the most prestigious yachts in the Mediterranean. An exceptional showcase in which to spend a few moments of relaxation, enjoying a unique view of the sunset well into the night.Sanlorenzo was founded in 1985 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 62 meters in length. Credits: Sanlorenzo
June 27, 2022
The newest 83m concept Dust was revealed by Spainished-based designer Jay Aberdoni. To create the vessel with the smooth and sleek silhouette Aberdoni was inspired by the stardust left behind by a comet. He also applied sports car aesthetics to create that notable exterior. For example, the wheelhouse features an inclined windscreen. Dust low bulwarks and large glass windows provide uninterrupted sea views. The outstanding 310 sq.m beach club with direct access to the sea, also has a fire pit, a bar, social area and place for relaxation under the sun. For active guests Dust is equipped with a garage suitable for one limousine tender, jet skis and an 8-meter tender. A glass-bottomed swimming pool aft located below the beach club. Dust can accommodate up to 16 guests across seven cabins on the main deck and owner suite on the upper deck. The interior features a neutral palette and minimalist furnishings. A spiral staircase with a curved LED screen, that connects the main deck, saloon, beach club and terrace, is located at the center of the living area. The forward-looking saloon is surrounded by sliding glass doors and provides guests direct access to the outdoor space.Credits: Jay Aberdoni
June 27, 2022
The new construction sale has been announced by FGI Yacht Group – the Oasis 34M Benetti was sold by vice president and sales broker Frank Grzeszczak, Jr. The yacht became the second new construction of 10 total Benettis sold by Frank Grzeszczak, Jr. over the past three years. The new unit of Benetti Oasis 34m series is scheduled for delivery in 2024. Benetti’s new Oasis 34M fiberglass superyacht, the younger sister of successful Oasis 40M, brings the Oasis Deck® solution in a length of just 34 meters. The yacht features opening wings extending the deck close to the water but safe from the waves; a magnificent pool close to the sea and within the social area; an obstructed 270-degree view off the stern; a mixture of sun and shade to let guests enjoy the deck at every time of the day; and a design that weaves the entire deck into a vast convivial oasis from the main saloon to the sea. The yacht’s exterior styling is the work of UK firm RWD and the interiors are by Bonetti/Kozerski, the New York based architects specializing in residential and hôtellerie projects, chosen by the shipyard for their international and cosmopolitan approach to design that values the aesthetics of discrete luxury. She can accommodate 10 guests across five cabins and seven crew members. The owner’s suite with full-height windows occupies the entire forward section of the main deck and can be fitted with a terrace that opens out on the starboard side. Thanks to two MTU engines the yacht can cruise at 14.5 knots and reach a top speed of 16 knots. 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 aluminium 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: Benetti
June 27, 2022
The design of MAKO with its silver colour and fluid exterior lines has been inspired by the Mako species of shark. Mako will be powered by a propulsion system that combines hydrogen, fuel cells and electric engines to be able to operate with a zero-carbon footprint. You will also be able to find battery storage system and solar panels which contribute to the yacht’s sustainable design.A key feature of Mako is a wide beach club platform for sports and activities with an aft garage door nearby for tender storage and manoeuvres. The wraparound aft deck also features a large seating area conceived as a soft “island” sunken into the teak aft deck that offers 270-degree views.Another main interior area is the "pavilion". Situated above the top deck, this space is intended to be used as an observatory, panoramic lounge, fitness studio or yoga space. Further inside the yacht is the "studio", where a double-height ceiling and large windows provide uninterrupted views and a greater connection to the sun, sea and sky and not only.State of Craft is now branching out into the superyacht industry with MAKO being its first nautical design.Credits: State of Craft
June 24, 2022
Sailors from HMS Duncan battled rough conditions to save a yacht drifting out of control into the middle of the English Channel.The Portsmouth-based destroyer responded to a plea for help from the coastguard after the yacht, with one person aboard, was reported heading out to off Weymouth with no working engine, power or communications – and in worsening seas.The Type 45 was anchored in Weymouth Bay around 5.30pm on Saturday amid trials and training following an extensive maintenance period.Despite sustained wind speeds of 30-35 knots, worsening sea conditions and reducing visibility, the ship launched one of her Pacific 24 sea boats with a crew of seaman specialists, an engineer and a medic aboard.The motor yacht in distress was drifting rapidly offshore in the wind and tide around Portland Bill and had no flares or working radio equipment onboard.The sea boat crew were about to abandon the search as conditions grew worse, until Leading Engineering Technician Jack Davies spotted the yacht’s mast in the worsening gloom.He boarded the vessel, reassured and supported the sole sailor aboard and repaired the engine in difficult conditions.‘The conditions were challenging but the team and I had the right kit, in the right place at the right time to answer the call from the Coastguard,’ said seaman specialist Petty Officer Adam Drozdowski, the sea boat’s coxswain.Medical assistant Petty Officer Tom Austin added: ‘It took real skill to put us alongside in the heavy sea without hitting the other vessel, with waves crashing over the front of the boat.‘The individual onboard was in the later stages of shock and clearly in a dire condition. I’m glad that we were able to make a difference.’After restoring power to the vessel, the team handed the situation over to the RNLI Weymouth lifeboat team, before returning safely back to HMS Duncan.‘It was really good to put everything I’ve learned into practice under some really testing conditions,’ said Jack.HMS Duncan has now resumed her trials.Credits: Royal Navy
June 24, 2022