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.
Heesen has announced the sale of a full-custom all aluminum motor yacht to a former shipyard’s clients. Project YN 20857, code-named Project Setteesettanta with an internal volume of 920 GT fits perfectly into the shipyard’s production portfolio. Frank Laupman of Omega Architects has been tasked with the design of the exterior lines of this new project, while Cristiano Gatto Design is responsible for the interior. “This new project possesses all the characteristics to become the crown jewel in Heesen’s fleet, and I’m sure it will create many ripples, just like M/Y Crazy Me did ten years ago!” comments Cristiano Gatto. Twelve guests will be accommodated in six large cabins. The owners have reserved the upper deck as their own private place, where the master stateroom is located forward with a 180-degree view and also enjoys private access to a huge terrace of nearly 200 sq. m – which can also serve as a touch-and-go helipad. The VIP cabin is situated forward on the starboard side of the main deck, adjacent to a fully equipped gym. Four large guest cabins, two twins and two doubles, can be found on the lower deck. An elegant oval staircase ascends through all four decks, running back-to-back with the crew staircase for perfect space optimization. The dining area on the main deck is located towards the stern, adjacent to the aft terrace. Thanks to wide sliding doors, this space seamlessly connects with the outdoors. The transom area is one of the key spaces on board Project Setteesettanta. Symmetrical sets of steps flank the four-meter infinity pool and lead the guests down to the swimming terrace, which features a hydraulic transformer platform for easy access to the water. With tenders and toys unobtrusively stowed in the forward garage behind gull-wing doors, the lazarette aft provides storage space for additional water toys. A draft of just 2.3 meters will allow Project Setteesettanta to cruise in shallow water. The yacht’s lightweight aluminum construction, combined with its advanced hull design, allow for the installation of two compact and fuel-efficient MTU 16V2000M72 (1,440 kW) diesel engines, which are very modest power plants for a yacht of 57m and 920GT. Project Setteesettanta will reach a top speed of 18 knots, with a transatlantic range of 3,900 nautical miles at 12 knots. “We are extremely honored that our clients have entrusted us with the build of a new yacht for the second time. YN 20857 will be a quintessential Heesen. Lightweight aluminum construction requires very specific skills. A full-custom, 57-meter motor yacht cannot be anything other than perfect, and there isn’t a shipyard in the world with a better knowledge of the techniques and disciplines needed to reach these heights. This will be a memorable journey that will lead to the creation of a dream, and we can’t wait to enjoy it with the owners of YN 20857 and their team,” comments Friso Visser, Heesen’s CCO.Tank testing will take place at the Wolfson Unit in Southampton on December 20 and 21, and construction will officially commence with the laying of the keel in August 2023.The yard has no fewer than 14 yachts currently in build, ranging from 50 to 80 meters, in both steel and aluminum. Deliveries run through 2026. Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Heesen Yachts
December 2, 2022
The superyacht Elandess was sold by Seattle Yachts broker Glenn Runyan representing the buyer and Dominic Millman of Burgess representing the seller.The 74m Elandess was built by Abeking & Rasmussen in 2018. In 2019 she received four awards at the Boat International Design & Innovation Awards. Elandess boasts interior and exterior design from the award-winning Harrison Eidsgaard of London and is built from steel and aluminum. Her naval architecture was made in-house. She features a modern interior with large lounging areas suitable for informal family time and entertaining on social occasions. She can welcome 14 guests across seven well-appointed staterooms, including a master suite, which is located at the bow. The 8-meter swimming pool on the sun deck is one of her most notable features.Thanks to twin Caterpillar engines she can reach 16 knots and cruise at 14 knots. Her last known asking price was EUR130,000,000.Abeking & Rasmussen was founded in October 1907. The German based shipyard is looking back to 114 years of ship and yacht building. A&R is now able to launch yachts of up to 125 meters length. Credits: Yacht Harbour archive
December 2, 2022
The 61st Antigua Charter Yacht Show is about to start. It was established in 1961, and celebrated its diamond jubilee in 2021. Set in the historic surroundings of Nelson’s Dockyard Antigua, the show attracts attendees from North America, Europe, and the Caribbean islands. The six-day schedule includes numerous network opportunities organized via the dedicated Hospitality Desk. Charter Yacht viewings are made directly with yacht teams, often with advance bookings. Showcasing the world’s finest Charter Yachts, the Antigua Yacht Charter Show attracts about sixty attending yachts, ranging from under 15m to 70m and over. Let's take a look at the finest superyachts, who will attend the Show from 4–9 December.Christina O99.06mCanadian VickersThe truly iconic superyacht was built by Canadian Vickers in 1943. She was first owned by the Canadian government as a WWII frigate, then bought by Aristotle Onassis in 1954. After that she was under different owners, including an Irish bank teamed up with Greek investors and had witnessed some of the most iconic events over the last century. She had her last refit in 2022 and remains the perfect setting for cruise in style and comfort. Christina O can accommodate 34 guests across 17 staterooms. She is available for charter with Morley Yachts from EUR700,00 per week. Faith96.55mFeadshipThe award-winning Faith was launched by Feadship in 2017 and received the World Superyacht Award for the motor yacht in 2018. She features a games deck and helicopter landing pad with a hanger below for a Bell 429 WLG helicopter. She has a revolutionary swimming pool made of glass panels that also form the ceiling of the beach club below. The Faith features exterior design by RWD, her interior was made also by RWD. The naval architecture by De Voogt Naval Architects. She can accommodate 14 guests and 26 crew members. Lady E74.37mAmelsLady E was launched in 2006 by Amels and went into rebuild in 2020. Refitted and extended by 6m, she sports a spacious new beach club. She features the BBQ deck with a new large hammam, a heated pool, a climate controlled gym and a beauty salon. 12 guests can be accommodated across six cabins. She is available for charter with Burgess from USD665,000 per week.Coral Ocean72.54mLürssen Coral Ocean (previously known as Coral Island), was built in 1994 and became one of the yard’s largest projects at the time and she was built to the designs of the late Jon Bannenberg, the convention breaking legendary Australian designer who is universally acknowledged as the godfather of modern yacht design. Following the change of ownership in 2019, Coral Ocean underwent an extensive refit, which was completed in 2022. Coral Ocean can accommodate 12 guests across seven cabins. Coral Ocean is available for charter with Ahoy Club. Her rate starts from EUR650,000 per week. Sherakhan69.49mA. Vuijk & ZonenThe 70 meter motor yacht Sherakhan can host 26 guests across 13 cabins. She was built in 1966 as a merchant navy training vessel by A. Vuijk & Zonen and was rebuilt in 2005. In 2022 Sherakhan had an extensive refit to elevate her into a high-tech yacht with new luxury amenities. She offers a choice of guest deck areas, from the generous wicker seating on the main deck or several loungers on the large foredeck to the stellar sundeck with a hot tub, wet bar and barbecue, dining tables and multiple sun loungers. The yacht is available for charter with Y.CO. Her rate starts from USD485,000 per week.Triumph65.23mBenettiThe 65m Triumph was delivered by Benetti in 2021 and was named after the owner’s motorcycle collection. She is constructed in steel and aluminum and designed by Giorgio M. Cassetta. Green & Mingarelli Design arranged the elegant interiors and many furnishing details, closely following the direction of the Benetti Interior Style Department. Triumph spreads across six decks and her guests can enjoy exterior terraces and verandahs, plus an open sundeck with a lounge and hot tub. Triumph can accommodate up to 12 guests and 15 crew on board. Triumph is available for charter with Royal Yacht International with a weekly charter rate starting from EUR650,000Illusion64.92mHeesenIllusion was delivered by Heesen in 2013 and fresh from a full refurbishment in 2019. Her fresh modern interior was made by the Bannenberg & Rowell design team. Yacht has a 106 sq. m sun deck with two lounge areas, and a large hot tub with sun pads aft. She also features a spacious air-conditioned beach club with fully equipped bar, sauna, day head and shower. She welcomes 12 guests in six double cabins, a full-beam master suite on the main deck with study and full-height glass sliding doors opening onto a private breakfast balcony to starboard, a VIP suite on the bridge deck and four lower deck double cabins. Illusion is available for charter with Royal Yacht International with a weekly charter rate starting from USD 462,000.Come Together60mDamen YachtingFirst Amels 60 Limited Editions superyacht was launched in Vlissingen earlier this year. Come Together features contemporary exterior design by the Monaco-based studio Espen Oeino International. She was built on Amels’ new ultra-efficient hull and features a metallic 'pebble' gray hull, and a superstructure in Matterhorn white and 'super jet black’. Bespoke interiors were created by Winch Design and features a warm palette, smooth edges, brushed finishes and a contemporary selection of furniture. The superyacht can accommodate up to 12 guests across six staterooms. Come Together is available for charter with Y.CO. with a weekly charter rate starting from USD 450,000.Credits: Antigua Yacht Show; Yacht Harbour archive
December 2, 2022
The British studio AB Yacht Design and Naval Architecture studio presented a 60-meter sportfisher superyacht concept which was named Project Canyon.It is a 60-meter long ultra-luxury, adventure focused sportfisher yacht. The exterior design is characterized by smooth lines and clear volumes, with just the tower betraying the mission of the yacht. She has been made for an owner who would enjoy more being on a 24 meter motor yacht rather than any typical 60 meters superyacht. The lifestyle of such an individual is depicted in every aspect onboard. The main aim of the concept is to let the owner and the guests experience the privilege of being really close to the sea, but with the comfort, amenities and space missing from a smaller yacht.Project Canyon can accommodate 12 guests in six cabins and features a pool, a wet bar, an open-air cinema and a 5.15-meter WilliamJet Rescue Tender.The sportfisher will be able to reach a top speed of 22 knots. AB Yacht Design and Naval Architecture was founded in 2018 by Aristotelis Betsis. Aristotelis has graduated from the University of Strathclyde with the degree of Master of Engineering in Naval Architecture. In 2018 and 2020 he had been shortlisted as a finalist at the Young Designer of the Year Award, organized by Boat International and Oceanco. Credits: AB Yacht Design and Naval Architecture
December 1, 2022
The 48.8-meter superyacht EIV sold by Allied Marine broker Dean Anthony representing the buyer and seller with the help of co-listing broker Kevin Bonnie of IYC Yachts.EIV was built and delivered by Rossinavi in 2020 for an American client. She has an aluminum hull and aluminum superstructure. The 498 GT vessel’s exterior and interior was made by Enrico Gobbi’s Team for Design, while her naval architecture was made by Rossinavi and Arrabito Naval Architects. She can accommodate 10 guests between five well-appointed cabins. She features contemporary interiors, with fabrics from Hermès, Rubelli and Armani Casa. Accents come in onyx, leather and bronzed brass metals.She also features a spacious lower deck swim platform, a hot tub on the foredeck, and a circular alfresco dining table at the aft. She is powered by MTU engines of 2600 hp each giving her a maximum speed of 19 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots. EIV's maximum range is 3600 nautical miles at 10 knots. Rossinavi is an Italian manufacturer of custom steel and aluminium superyachts 28m in size and larger. The Rossi shipyard was founded in 1970s and is located in Viareggio.Credits: Yacht Harbour archive
December 1, 2022