Yacht news

With the yacht season in Europe entering its peak period, the world’s leading region by the total number of marinas (from tiny to huge) indeed faces yachts pilgrimage in its waters. Washed by 9 seas and the Atlantic, Europe disposes of over nine hundred seaports, with many of them being worthwhile places to visit. Yacht Harbour takes a look over 10 out of the most spectacular superyacht ports located in Europe.#1. Port Vauban, Antibes One of Europe's oldest and largest ports, Port Vauban is ideally located in the heart of the French Riviera, in Antibes resort, the Alpes-Maritimes department. The marina disposes of 1,642 berths (with 250 visitors' berths available), including 19 berths for superyachts along the International Yacht Club d'Antibes. Port Antibes is able to accommodate yachts of up to 170 metres in length, with a maximum draft of 7 metres.Port Vauban Antibes is hosted by an amazing coastal village, between Monaco and Saint Tropez, with an ancient look that attracts an large number of tourists. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing on unspoilt beaches and visiting superb parks and gardens that form this area's natural heritage. Rich with natural reservations such as the Exflora Park, the Eilenroc Gardens and the Thuret Park, the location was also in favour of the representatives of the artistic world. For instance, Picasso painted some of his famous painting in Antibes in the old Chateau Grimaldi that is open for visiting today. Those who are passionate about nautical sports will be enchanted by the Antibes Yacht Show that is held each year.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.#2. OneOcean Port Vell, BarcelonaOneOcean Port Vell is a top location for superyachts whose destination is Barcelona. Originally built for the 1992 Olympic Games, the Marina has recently completed its transformation to a 148-berth luxury facility with a full set of basic amenities, creating the ultimate destination for yachts up to 190 metres in LOA. A masterpiece of architectural design, the marina features a 2,750-square-metre glass gallery whith the port’s reception, an elegant crew lounge, a gym and a wellness centre and premium services such as 24h mooring assistance, car parking adjacent to berths, storage facilities next to berths, recycling facilities, tank cleaning, floating platforms, cranes and flatbed trucks with cranes, collection of used oil and waste from works.Located in the heart of Barcelona, OneOcean Port Vell offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the most vibrant city in Europe. Those who reach this marina will easily access Barcelona’s major attractions, while Barcelona’s old Customs building is situated right next to the port, demonstrating impressive architecture with its historical beauty. The marina itself represents a touristic attraction that receives more than 15 million people each year. This magnificent location is a sailor’s paradise, thanks to the secluded coves and natural surroundings.#3. Port Hercule, MonacoHosting the most influential events within their fields, Monaco Grand Prix in May and the Monaco Yacht Show in September, Port Hercule represents an opulent extension of all the attributives of Monaco life. Сovering almost 160,000 square metres, the berth provides anchorage for up to 700 vessels of up to 135 metres LOA.Set amongst the steep rising hills, the impressive setting is the ideal base to explore the sumptuous delights of Monaco and the surrounding area. With a combination of a naturally beautiful setting and a vibrant nightlife, makes Port Hercule a must-visit destination for anyone with a love of sailing.Located on the French Riviera, Port Hercule represents the only deep water port on this side of the coast. This marina receives millions of tourists each year, attracted to this city's rich culture and the opportunity to spend a wonderful vacation by the Mediterranean Sea.The natural sights in the area include The Exotic Gardens and the Observation Cave, The Princess Antoinette Park, etc. History enthusiasts will encounter unique collections that are well-preserved in the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology, the Oceanographic Museum and many more similar institutions. The Monte-Carlo Casino and Opera House, the Monaco Cathedral, the Rock, etc. are top choices of travellers who wish to explore Monaco and its flamboyant image.#4. Porto Montenegro, Bay of KotorAcquired by Dubai Government in 2016, Porto Montenegro Marina is a luxury marina by the coastal town of Tivat, on the charming shores of the Adriatic Sea. The largest marina in the region, Porto Montenegro Marina offers 450 berths for yachts of up to 250 metres in length. Meanwhile, the recently added 250-metre 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.Porto Montenegro Marina represents astonishing balance of a true taste, sense of freshness, unique nature, history and avant-garde solutions. Travellers and boat owners who will reach this port will witness impressive waterfronts, turquoise waters and a luxuriant vegetation.The town of Tivat is a charming settlement surrounded by the imposing Mount Vrmac as a picturesque aspect. Opulent hotels and guesthouses, friendly restaurants and an incredible gastronomy based on seafood and Mediterranean dishes welcome its guests into this paradisiacal environment.#5. Marina di Porto Cervo, SardiniaThe world’s second most expensive marina, Marina di Porto Cervo lays on the northern tip of Sardinia on the famous Costa Smeralda. Berthing fees can easily exceed € 2,500 during the high season, especially during the Deluxe Fair in June and the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup Regatta in September. The marina disposes of 60 superyacht berths for yachts up to 100 metres in LOA and maximum draught of 7 metres. This marina is one of the best equipped on this side of the coast and offers an endless list of activities for those who are passionate about nautical activities, water sports and leisure activities.The surrounding area boasts a mix of unspoilt natural beauty and modern luxurious facilities including clubs and high-end boutiques, fancied by the world’s most popular celebrities. Porto Cervo has hypnotic beaches with incredible shades of blue and transparent waters.#6. Puerto Banus, MarbellaPuerto Banus Marina is hosted by Spanish coastal town of Marbella, in the chic Costa del Sol. Originally built in 1970, the marina covers 150,000 square metres and has 915 berths with a clientele of the richest and most powerful people in the world.Protected by the Sierra de Marbella mountain range and flanked by beautiful beaches, Marina Puerto Banus attracts an increasing number of tourists thanks to its rich history and a well-reputed culture. Marbella features its historic charm and many important sights, as well as natural areas and entertaining festivals. Avenida del Mar, the Iglesia Mayor de la Encarnacion, Alameda Park, Museo del Bonsai, are just a few of Marbella’s main attractions. Las Murallas del Castillo is a fascinating historic place that was left behind by previous generations.#7. ACI Marina Dubrovnik, CroatiaSituated at a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the foothills of Srd hill, only 6 kilometres away from the centre of Dubrovnik, this marina is famous for its “Blue Flag” award winning clean sea. Voted best marina in the Adriatic in the “Flower of Tourism- Quality for Croatia” competition for three consecutive years, ACI Marina Dubrovnik boasts 380 berths and 140 dry berths, able to accommodate yachts up to 60 metres in LOA.The coastal area of the Dubrovnik region, comprising the islands of Korčula, Mljet, Lastovo and the Elaphite archipelago, as well as the Pelješac peninsula, makes ACI Marina Dubrovnik an ideal starting point for a complete boating adventure. The visitors will be able to explore Dubrovnik’s undersea world and protected underwater archaeological sites, along with exciting adventures in Prevlaka Park.#8. Grand Harbour Marina, MaltaGrand Harbour Marina is located in the central region of Malta, a splendid area in the Mediterranean and a fascinating historic location that belongs to the UNESCO Heritage. The port comprises 240 berths, able to accommodate vessels of up to 135 metres in length.The port offers all the basic marina services, along with a set of extra facilities that include technical assistance and repairs, travel lift, fuel bunkering, and what is most important for a perfect holiday, nearby dining facilities and bars. Some of the most renowned natural treasures in the area comprise mesmeric sandy beaches, Blue Grotto, the amazing Gozo Island where nature seems untouched by modern times. Gozo Island is also a home to the famous rocky formation known as the Azure Window.Other attractions are the Golden Bay Beach, a tranquil getaway, the Blue Lagoon on Comino Island, with its terrific turquoise water, the scenic Dingli Cliffs where one can admire a breathtaking view of the sea. What is more, Malta is rich in historic attractions, fine dining places, and souvenir shops.#9. Marina di Portofino, LiguriaOne of the most exclusive Italian marinas, Marina di Portofino is a former fishing village famous for its stunning landscape, picturesque houses and a tiny quaint harbour. Lying on the Italian Riviera of the Ligurian Sea, this place is highly appreciated by celebrities, politicians, aristocracy and footballers, representing a genuine billionaire’s playground. The marina has only 14 berths for yachts of maximum 70 metres in length and a maximum draught of 4 metres.Marina di Portofino lays in an impeccably natural environment that is filled with forests, beaches and historical monuments. Colourful buildings and homes can be seen on romantic waterfronts of the fishing village. Some of the main tourist objectives are the Statue of Christ of the Abbys, the 16th century Castello Brown, the Oratory of Santa Maria Assunta, etc. Additionally, gothic architectural elements and classic buildings can be also witnessed seen there, within the hidden gem of the Italian coast.#10. Port Adriano, MallorcaDesigned by Phillipe Starck, the Port Adriano harbour is situated just 9 km to the South-west of Palma de Mallorca. The marina boasts a total of 488 moorings from 6 metres up to 80 metres and a maximum capacity of up to 100 metres. Surrounded by areas of great natural beauty for sailing and other nautical sports, the marina makes an ideal base for exploration of Mallorca’s beautiful coast. That comprises the Malgrats Islands, the coast of El Toro and the North coast of Mallorca, recently declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.Those who reach this destination are eager to explore the astonishing city of Palma de Mallorca, where superlatives are used at every step of the way. Along with a distinguished maritime life, tourists will not only discover hypnotising flora and fauna, but also rare bird species and over 1,000 animal species that live here. Calvia's tourism is extremely well-developed, which is why tourists from the entire world can find luxury accommodation services by the beach, with green areas and a romantic environment.

After extensive sea trials in the Baltic sea and final interior outfitting back at the yard, the 111-metre superyacht TIS by German builder Lürssen has now been delivered. The six-deck superyacht has departed the yard and is underway to the Mediterranean, due to arrive in Gibraltar on June 17. She had first hit the water at the yard's Rendsburg facility in August 2018 while her technical launch took place in October 2018.The 111-metre project was managed by Moran Yacht & Ship, overseeing exteriors and interiors by British studio Winch Design. TIS features a curved superstructure contrasting with the straight lines of her decks.Photo by @superyachtblogThe yard stated earlier that with her 'long and well balanced sheerline', the yacht represents 'a supremely elegant yacht, despite the considerable size'.Within a wide beam of 16.85 metres, the voluminous yacht would allow both relaxation indoors and large parties outdoors. She will provide accommodation for up to 16 guests across eight guest staterooms and a spacious master suite on a private deck. Key features on board include sweeping superyacht staircases at the transom, setting the tone for a sophisticated interior design.Photo by @superyachtblogTIS comes complete with a 12-metre swimming pool on the main deck aft, two helicopter pads and a resort-inspired spa area at beach club level. The tender storage will house two 13-metre tenders, two additional 10-metre tenders, a submarine and diverse watersports toys.All in all, with her 111-metre LOA, TIS would not even enter a list of the 10 largest vessels by the legendary builder, that is currently busy with 142-metre superyacht Redwood.

Italian yard Canados has launched the first hull in its 120 Caesar series. The owner’s third Canados, the fully-custom 37-metre yacht represents the latest version of the series, which has a redesigned superstructure, flybridge, aft deck and transom. The superyacht features exterior and interior designs by Cristiano Gatto studio in a close cooperation with the owner and his own personal designer. All fitted furniture was hand-crafted in-house at Canados, while free-standing furniture manufactured and decorated by Reflex Angelo.The interior is trademarked with a salon with massive windows, creating a close to the ocean view and a large amount of natural light inside. The kitchen is custom-made by Italian designer Boffi. The guests’ on-water activities will be optimised through an oversized bathing platform, under-sole storage for personal watercraft, plus the 4.30m tender garage that turns into a beach club. Furthermore, 120’ Caesar stands out from the others thanks to her floor-to-ceiling main deck side glass walls and optional terraces featuring pop-up security guardrails. 120’ Caesar offers accommodation to ten guests across five cabins with the owner's suite, featuring two fold-out terraces, located on the fore section of the main deck. The four guest suites meanwhile will sit down below.Acoustically insulated engine and studied noise management plan provide owner and guest silence and comfort while cruising. Powered by two MTU 16V 2000 M96L 2,600 HP engines, the yacht will be able to reach a top speed of 27 knots and a cruising speed of 23 knots.The 120’ Caesar yacht will be the first delivery over 30 metres since the yard’s acquisition by Michel Karsenti in 2015. She will now begin sea trials, ahead of her delivery in a few weeks' time. It was earlier announced, that the yacht was to spend summer season in Southern Italy and show at Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2019.

The recently opened Feadship yard in Amsterdam has welcomed home the 50-metre superyacht Broadwater, with Feadship Refit & Services responsible for pre-season deck and engineering works on the vessel.Broadwater was launched under the name Blue Moon in 2000, as the world’s first all-aluminium yacht over 500 GT. She features designs by Donald Starkey, along with naval architecture by Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects.As Broadwater will soon be sold, the current owners wish to ensure that any outstanding issues related to class certification are resolved in order to speed up the sales process.Broadwater completed an all-encompassing refit in May 2017. The modifications included a completely new interior design refit by Adam Voorhees for a six-stateroom layout.Currently listed for sale through Worth Avenue Yachts, Broadwater is asking $25,500,000.Together with Broadwater, the yard has welcomed her 52-metre sistership Rasselas. Launched in 1994, the yacht will undergo an inspection in advance of a potential refit.

The US-based designer Steve Kozloff, the founder of the Goliath series of polar expedition superyachts, has presented a new six-deck polar class explorer concept Sterne Arctique, measuring 72 metres in length. Sterne Arctique is conceived as a powerful blend of refined elegance and robust abilities to travel from pole to pole. Her ice class hull has been designed to easily break through moderate ice conditions.Sterne Arctique would host 12 guests in full luxury across six cabins, including 4 twins and 2 master suites. Her extensive glass work bathes her interior space in an abundance of natural light. To assure safety of the passengers aboard, Sterne Arctique is equipped with two free fall lifeboats that can be deployed in the worst of conditions.The passengers of Sterne Arctique will have two decks of protected walk ways at their disposal. The yacht design includes a spacious fly bridge with full command and control.As to the amenities, the yacht is equipped with a full-size swimming pool at the bow, boasting hard retractable covers so draining is not required in rough conditions. Furthermore, Sterne Arctique features a full beam beach club with retractable decks. Her cavernous garage can handle multiple tenders and other water toys.The vessel’s integrated 235-square-metre aircraft hangar offers storage to four small helicopters or two medium ones. Thanks to the huge landing area, safe aircraft operations will be possible even under rough conditions.Sterne Arctique also features heated handrails and heated doors to minimise icing problems. The two large cranes can help load and off-load special research equipment easily.Speed wise, the yacht will be capable of top speed of 12.65 knots and cruising speed of 10 knots, with no need to refuel for extended periods of time. Sterne Arctique is large enough to be configured for standard diesel-electric propulsion or hybrid, thus the decision would lay on the owner's discretion.In January 2019, Steve Kozloff introduced to the world a modern concept of ice-breaking superyacht Kosatka. She would feature 90-metre LOA and 6 decks, with a super strong hull capable of withstanding the load that the yacht will experience as it passes through multi-year ice layers.