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.
Oceanco has announced the delivery of the 117m megayacht Infinity. Her recognizable exterior was made by Espen Oeino International and her contemporary interior was penned by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design and David Kleinberg Design Associates. She is Oceanco’s largest motoryacht to date and the largest yacht ever built in the Netherlands.The seven-deck yacht has elegant interior and exterior spaces, accommodations for up to 16 guests and includes an extensive wellness area with spa, sauna, gym, and yoga studio.The yacht boasts best in class crew areas, mechanical systems and technology and an unprecedented level of onboard comfort with a particular emphasis on low noise and vibration levels. Following an exhaustive development and engineering process, the hull and active stabilization has been intelligently optimized to deliver the next generation in both seakeeping and hydrodynamic efficiency.“She is the result of impressive teamwork from the owner’s team, Espen Oeino, Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, David Kleinberg Design Associates, Lateral Naval Architects, and all Oceanco’s co-makers and strategic partners. She represents the true power of co-makership that is central to all our projects,” says Marcel Onkenhout, Oceanco CEO. Oceanco was founded in 1987. Right now it is a world-class builder of custom superyachts up to the 140 meters range. Oceanco works with world-known designers such as Terence Disdale, Nuvolari-Lenard, Espen Oeino, Sam Sorgiovanni, Igor Lobanov, Tim Heywood and Andrew Winch to create some of the timeless and award-winning yachts afloat today.Credits: Oceanco
May 25, 2022
Bering Yachts has launched the first flagship yacht B145 Heeus. The first hull of the 44-meter expedition yacht was launched at the Bering Yachts shipyard in Antalya, Turkey.Bering 145 is made in a steel hull and with an aluminum superstructure. The expedition yacht was designed and built by Bering Yachts' team of in-house engineers and naval architects. With a length of 44.20 meters and a gross tonnage of 499 GT, this superyacht is ideal for long-distance autonomous cruising.“We are very proud that the first hull in the Bering 145 range has been successfully launched. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for Bering Yachts,” says Alexei Mikhailov, founder and director of Bering Yachts.Heeus is capable of accommodating up to 12 guests and embarking on unforgettable journeys around the world with the help of 10 crew members. She has a well-thought-out 6-cabin layout and a multifunctional flybridge with a hot tub and an equipped bar area. The master cabin is located on the main deck at the bow of the yacht. The cabin is framed by over 9.5 sq. m of glass windows. On the main deck there is a spacious salon with a dining area for 12 people and a seating area with upholstered furniture. Another dining table is located on the upper deck, in the sky lounge. On board Heeus there is also a spacious beach club and a garage area of over 25 sq. m.The yacht is equipped with two Caterpillar C32 ACERT engines with a capacity of 1200 hp. at 1800-2100 rpm (engines with adjustable operating speed range), the maximum speed of the yacht is 15 knots, and the cruising speed is 12 knots. The superyacht is equipped with a hybrid propulsion system. The B145 has an impressive fuel capacity of 95,600 liters. An autonomous cruising range of over 5,000 nautical miles allows its owners to reach any destination without discomfort.Bering Yachts is located in Antalya, Turkey. Its shipyard designs and builds semi-custom steel expedition yachts and luxury steel trawler yachts ranging in size from 50 to 145 feet. Credits: Bering Yachts
May 25, 2022
Feadship won four prestigious prizes at the 2022 BOAT International World Superyacht Awards (WSA) on Saturday 21 May. This year the ceremony took place in London. The gala ceremony to announce the winners of the 2022 Neptune trophies was held in front of a live audience at the historical Guildhall and completely sold out. As always, the winners were decided upon solely by a panel of superyacht owners, making the prizes even more appreciated by their industry peers. Viva Viva took home the Motoryacht of the Year award. “Such all round excellence”, the judges felt, “was largely due to the detailed consideration given to every aspect of the vessel. The owner’s knowledge and complete involvement with specifications also paid dividends. As a result, this yacht has it all, from an attractive exterior design with superb deck spaces to an enviable beach club and a modern interior by Peter Marino that connects with the outside through huge windows, plus a general arrangement plan entirely suited to the needs of the owner, guests and crew. Viva also lacks nothing on the technical and operational side”. The judges were equally impressed by “her sustainably minded power and propulsion system, optimal technical areas, a practical tender garage, excellent living and working facilities for her crew, and a superlative quality”. Viva is also the winner of the Displacement Motoryachts between 2,000GT and above category. SomniumThe next prize for Feadship was in the Displacement Motoryachts between 500GT and 999GT category in which the 55.20-meter Somnium was revealed as the winner. The judges noted that “Somnium is a full custom yacht built for an exacting owner who made bi-weekly visits to the shipyard throughout the design and build process”. VanishAnother coveted award came in the Displacement Motoryachts between 1,500GT and 1,999GT category. Vanish scored “particularly highly for her appearance and interior layout” which are from the drawing boards of Harrison Eidsgaard Design. The judges also were impressed by “the extremely high quality of build seen throughout the yacht”. Overall, the jury felt, Vanish “is not a revolutionary yacht, but one that completely fulfills her owner’s requirements, offers delightful interior and exterior spaces, and is guaranteed to turn heads wherever she goes”.Jan-Bart Verkuyl, Feadship Director / CEO Royal Van Lent Shipyard, who attended the ceremony, said that “receiving four awards including Motoryacht of the Year is another great recognition for the passion of our Feadship craftsmen and the teamwork of all parties involved. We would like to thank the owners of Viva, Somnium and Vanish, who made this possible.” Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Feadship
May 25, 2022
Lürssen Group will open its Rijeka engineering center in Croatia. The center will develop ideas and design some of the most modern and expensive vessels in the world.Lürssen Group first entered the Croatian market in the Kvarner regions as the majority owner of the largest hotel chain in Opatija – Liburnia Riviera Hotels. This was followed by a joint venture with the state-owned company Aci, to build the Porto Baross marina in Rijeka, worth more than 360 million kuna in total. After that the Rijeka was chosen as a development and design center.55m Moon Sand at Lürssen facility "This is a city in which we've found highly motivated and quality employees. This is where we see great potential in terms of engineering, as well as the development of tourism," says Peter Lürssen.City of Rijeka and Mountain Učka"Over the next five years, the face of the City of Rijeka will change, especially when viewed from the sea. Let's look at this investment as an investment in highly educated people, so it's definitely something good that is happening in Rijeka," said Marko Filipovic, Mayor of Rijeka.Lürssen is a German shipyard with headquarters in Bremen-Vegesack and shipbuilding facilities in Lemwerder, Berne and Bremen-Aumund. Founded in 1875, Lürssen is one of the world's leading builders of custom luxury superyachts and has launched many of the largest yachts in the global fleet.Credits: Lürssen; Wikimedia
May 24, 2022
Al Waab received the Judges’ Commendation Award for “Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 45m and above” category at the World Superyacht Awards 2022 in London. Al Waab offers a whopping 42% more exterior space (including storage for two tenders) and 8% more interior space than comparable yachts on the market. “Yachts are getting longer and wider, but owners still want to stay below the 500GT mark,” says Gökhan Çelik, Alia President. “We’ve seen increasing interest in this kind of yacht and to be one of the first with such an impressive project is an important milestone for Alia.”The amount of space and the flow of the layout were crucial to the owner's enjoyment of his yacht. With design and naval architecture by Vripack and GCC-based SF Yachts serving as the owner’s representative during the build, maximizing the available volume and guaranteeing comfort were key considerations. The clean and modern exterior is matched by the contemporary yet evergreen interior design. The owner wanted to avoid bright direct light, hence the diffused lighting throughout the vessel with soft, muted beams. Matt-finished bamboo slats on the ceiling help to absorb the natural sunlight flooding through the large floor-to-ceiling windows by day. A key feature is the gold, illuminated wall installation with integrated crystals in the stairwell that covers all three decks. Glass is also a central element in the design. The result is uninterrupted sight lines and a seamless flow between interior and exterior spaces. Glass bulwarks on all decks provide uninterrupted outboard views and large outdoor areas for guests to enjoy the vistas in a private and comfortable setting. Other features include a drop-down bulwark in the dining area, which replaces the traditional formal dining room with an al fresco breakfast area just two meters above the water on the starboard main deck. Much of the onboard seating is designed to face outboard for a true connection with the sea.The yacht can sleep up to 12 guests in six staterooms, including a lavish split-level master suite on the upper deck with a private 4-meter pool on the foredeck. A sprawling beach club in the stern is another key feature. Moreover, by placing the tender bay in a sunken deck in the bow the tenders are easily accessible yet hidden from view. Despite her generous volume and a top speed of 13.5-14 knots, Al Waab’s twin Caterpillar C18 (725hp/533 kW) diesel engines burn 35% less fuel than similar-sized yachts.Even before her delivery Al Waab was making waves and a 60-meter project currently in build at the Alia shipyard reunites the Vripack and SF Yachts teams.Alia Yachts was founded in 2008 by Gokhan Çelik and Omer Koray. Located in the port of Antalya on the beautiful Turkish Riviera, Alia Yachts shipyard currently occupies approximately 8,000 sq. m, including three construction halls with their suites of specialist workshops and a dedicated interiors facility. With an additional 16,000 sq. m under development for 2019, Alia Yachts will rank among the top facilities in the region.Credits: Pozitif Studio/Alia Yachts
May 24, 2022