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.
The 57m former cable laying vessel is ready to be transformed into an expedition superyacht. The yacht was launched in Holland in 1968 by the E.J. Smit & Zoon shipyard. After over 30 years of successful commercial sailing, she has been stripped to her bare steel framework and is now prepared for a large scale conversion project. Following the transformation, she will sail as a luxurious superyacht, whilst preserving her excellent seakeeping abilities that once made her a successful cable laying ship.The project will be undertaken by Turkish shipyard ICT Yachts. The team will be full of superyacht experts such as Frank Laupman’s Omega Architects and the naval architecture has been penned by Van Oossanen Naval Architects.Project Phoenix can accommodate 12 guests in six staterooms, private owner deck is included. The yacht will be able to reach a top speed of 13.5 knots and will have a range of 11,000 nautical miles. Project Phoenix is now for sale with Ocean Independence. Her asking price is 29 500 000 euro. Credits: Ocean Independence
May 15, 2021
Florida based Norwegian designer Kurt Strand has revealed a number of interesting superyacht concepts. We picked up three of them. Miami 133m Miami is the explorer yacht with six decks. She has a 20m beam. She’s made for the ultimate yachting experience and has everything for an active-lifestyle – a large selection of water toys, including two tenders, two helicopter pads, two Mercedes G 6X6 off road trucks. She also features a 360 degree all-round view sky bar, a cinema and a night club. Miami can accommodate 20 guests in ten cabins. She has a top speed of 20 knots. Aurora Borealis 122m Aurora Borealis is a 122m explorer inspired by Norwegian nature. The yacht is 6-storeys high, has a length of 122m and a massive 20m beam. A large helicopter pod is located on the aft deck. In front of the landing pod is a swimming pool with a retractable glass floor, to move the helicopter inside the hangar, large enough to park two helicopters. Accommodation is for 20 guests and 48 crew and has a huge selection of tenders and toys. In the aft is a drive-in bay area for a submarine and a 45 feet tender. The owners will enjoy a 180 degree view from the 400 sq m suite with outdoor hot tub, gym, spa, office, library, wine cellar. She can reach a top speed of 20 knots. Florida 160m Florida is the 160m sailing superyacht concept. It has a space age technology wing masts made from carbon fiber. Three 80m tall wing sails are electro-hydraulic telescopic retractable. If that alone isn’t beyond spectacular, the wing sails are even covered with the latest state of art solar panels. In case of no wind this superyacht can transform into "solar sail" mode. The control system will automatically adjust the sails into an optimal angel against the sun rays. When it's windy, the yacht gets into sail mode and can also produce electric power from solar panels. To always keep the sun absorbing surface high glossy, a built-in system will wash and polish the wing mast every time it retracts. The “solar sails” can even be raised when the yacht is laying in a harbour. It will turn the sails automatically away if wind comes up. Power will be stored in the battery bank and can be used for the onboard Hydrogen production as well.At the bottom of the yacht are fitted hydro generators, which also produce electric power while the yacht is moving under sail. All electric power produced will be stored in a 5MW battery bank and can be used to create Hydrogen directly on board of the yacht . In case of no wind or sunshine the yacht can be run on hydrogen fuel power cells. The yacht also has a backup genset system, running on fossil fuel. However fossil fuel will be rarely used, depending on where in the world the yacht is situated.Sail yacht Florida provides an ultimate, luxury water travel experience. She will accommodate up to 24 guests in 12 luxury suites and 40 crew members.Credits: Kurt Strand
May 14, 2021
The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Yacht Code (the “Code”) has been updated. Here is the 2021 updates: • new requirements for modern design elements such as underwater glazing for observation lounges and glazed bulwarks; • helicopter landing areas (Annex 2 of the Code) revised throughout with alternative standards for firefighting; • shipyards now have the possibility to apply for a Helicopter Landing Area Technical Certificate (HLATC) issued by an Aviation Inspection Body (AIB); • a more practical approach for submersible launching; • a practical approach to structural fire protection for Category 2 yachts; • modified rescue boat requirements to provide a practical alternative standard for yachts < 500 gross tons; • updated radio equipment requirements; • modified firefighting appliances to provide alternative standards when taking the typical size of the yacht into consideration; and • safe working practices for working over the side and man-riding cranes were clarified and addressed to meet national requirements. International Registries, Inc. and its affiliates (IRI), who provide administrative and technical support to the RMI Maritime and Corporate Registries, organized an RMI Yacht Technical Working Group (YTWG) to make recommended amendments to the Code. Marc Verburg, IRI’s Fleet Operations Manager, Yachts, led the YTWG whose members consisted of representatives from the RMI Registry, Classification Societies, yacht managers, naval architects, surveyors, maritime safety consultants, and aviation experts. The Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) was also instrumental in the review of the amendments to the Code. “It was a privilege to work with such a global team of experts. The Registry truly appreciates their assistance with the amendments to the Code which now further reflects the recent changes in the market, from a practical approach to helicopter landing areas and facilities to the use of glass without compromising safety,” said Marc Verburg. “The 2021 version of the Code allows builders and designers to create innovative and safe superyachts to a practical standard,” he continued. In 2020 SYBAss members were responsible for the construction of almost 60% of 40 meter or more yachts delivered worldwide. “We are an innovative industry which embraces new technologies and materials, so we’re pleased to see this reflected in this forward-looking update of the Code. It takes a practical approach to the requirements of the superyacht industry and is fully aligned with the mission of the International Maritime Organization,” said Lorenzo Pollicardo, Technical and Environmental Director, SYBAss. “The RMI offers many options for yacht owners in terms of registration and operation through the various chapters of the Code,” said Patrick Bachofner, IRI’s Director, Geneva Office and Worldwide Director, Yachts. “The practical amendments brought forward in this revision to the Code once again set the RMI yacht registry apart from others,” he concluded.Credits: Wikipedia; Kurt Cotoaga/Unsplash
May 14, 2021
Cadamà, the world’s only wooden Maxi for the physically impaired, races with a mixed crew of wheelchair-bound and able-bodied sailors. She was built 50 years ago in mahogany and iroko by the Beconcini Yard in La Spezia. Designed by Laurent Giles, she was launched in 1951 for the then president of A.C. Milan, Albino Buticchi. Since 2014, Cadamà belongs to Andrea Brigatti. Despite being confined to a wheelchair after an accident, Brigatti continues to go to sea and teach the sport of sailing. Andrea BrigattiMaking his dreams come true, beginning this June “Altura Senza Barriere” will be the first offshore sailing school for the disabled aboard a classic wooden Maxi.She has an overall length of 22 meters and a beam of just over 5 meters. Rigged as a ketch, Cadamà has 300 square meters of sail area, with a 30 meter tall mainmast and a 17 meter mizzen. This year’s program will include participating in the “Vele d’Epoca nel Golfo”, the third edition of the rally for classic and vintage yachts organized by the Italian Classic Yachting Association (AIVE) in Le Grazie (near Porto Venere) from June 4th to the 6th. Since she was launched in 1971, Cadamà is qualified to race in the Classic division (for yachts from 1950 and 1975) in all the yachting events of the season, and the “Vele d’Epoca nel Golfo” will feature a celebration on her 50th anniversary. On the following weekend, June 11-13th, together with the association “Timonieri Sbandati”, Cadamà is organising “Altura Senza Barriere” (No Barriers to Offshore), the first offshore sailing course for disabled sailors. The crew of Cadamà and two Italian National Sailing Association (FIV) instructors will accompany the participants as they sail offshore, taking turns at the helm and the sheets. The start on the 11th will be from Viareggio, the night of the 12th will spent in port in Le Grazie, with the finish on the 13th back in Viareggio. Participants will receive an official certificate upon their return. The organising team’s intention is that this will be the first of many further editions!Cadamà is available for charter. Her three permanent crew members are well versed in the needs of up to a maximum of seven guests, with a spacious triple-berth cabin with its own head aft and two twin-berth cabins with a shared head forward. Credits: Paolo Maccione
May 13, 2021
We’ve all heard about the marvellous trips we can take on charter yachts, but what can families do together on a yacht holiday? Here’s a small guide for some excellent charter choices based on Burgess' expertise. Trying out new watersports or taking in the magnificence of the natural world, both above and below the surface, is always a great idea! SnorkellingSnorkelling is a popular pastime with guests on many charter yachts because it can be enjoyed by the whole family, with relatively little skill required. Especially when on Attitude. She’s a great base for a snorkel safari, as she has a relatively shallow draft that can take you close to the best snorkelling spots, where you can dive straight off the swim platform to explore a nearby reef.WaterslidesInflatable waterslides are a really popular feature of many charter yachts today, as they offer a thrilling activity straight from the top deck of your yacht that children love. Waterslides are child friendly, safe and fun – and make fantastic shots for social media. Titania has a 13m waterslide and is always a favourite that guests come back to time and again for entertainment. KayakingKayaking provides a relaxing watersports experience in a peaceful, motor-free environment. Whether you’re heading out for a short solo paddle or bringing everyone along for a half-day’s guided expedition, kayaking is a great workout, as well as a chance to get closer to nature.Latitude can visit remote areas and provide the most breathtaking kayaking experiences. In the right surroundings, kayaking can feel like you are stepping into your own private National Geographic documentary.Scuba divingThere’s no feeling on earth like the harmony of scuba diving in pristine waters teeming with sea life, and with a charter yacht you can gain access to the kinds of dive sites that are rarely visited by others. Whether you base your entire family vacation around scuba diving, or see it as an added bonus, there is a wealth of choice available when it comes to luxury yacht charters.The spacious and luxurious Hemisphere catamaran has two diving instructors in its crew and is certified as a PADI dive training centre. AquaparkExcellence has an aquapark on board, so why not challenge the whole family to a race on board a giant, floating aquapark to see who earns the title ‘champion of the seas’? The crew will be sure to keep things fun, as well as safe by providing life jackets for everyone. TrampolineAs an extension of your Aquapark or as a standalone feature, a trampoline is a safe and fun activity that will keep guests of all generations entertained for hours on end. Not only is it fun, but it’s a great workout, too. Practice your aerial skills by flipping and leaping to your heart’s content while burning off a particularly indulgent lunch on board. The elegant Dream can be a super-fun superyacht to charter. Included in her large array of watertoys is a water trampoline as well as a giant inflatable slide, an anti-jellyfish pool, surfboards and even a windsurfer, meaning you can go home with a new skill as well as all the amazing memories of your trip.Credits: Burgess
May 13, 2021