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, Barcelona
OneOcean 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 150-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, Monaco
Hosting 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 Kotor
Acquired 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, Sardinia
The 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, Marbella
Puerto 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, Croatia
Situated 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, Malta
Grand 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, Liguria
One 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, Mallorca
Designed 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.
On Saturday, April 20, Heesen announced the delivery of YN 20150 Cinderella Noel IV, following rigorous trials in the North Sea. The owners christened their yacht on December 23, 2023, marking an unforgettable moment for all shipyard employees and subcontractors involved in the construction.Stefan Zucker and Sven Stark, the clients' surveyors and project managers, expressed their appreciation for the shipyard's efforts, stating: "We have hardly experienced such intense involvement of clients ever before."Cinderella Noel IV stands out not only for her exceptional design but also for her owners' deep involvement. With a passion for sailing, the clients actively participated in the yacht's creation, bringing practical and technical insights from years of experience on the water.During three days of sea trials in challenging conditions, Cinderella Noel IV surpassed all expectations. Captain Bob van Zundert praised her swift responses and exceptional handling, even in rough seas.Built on a proven engineering platform, Cinderella Noel IV integrates a hybrid propulsion system chosen by the owner to minimize environmental impact. Heesen's hybrid system, powered by twin MTU 8V4000 M63 main engines and Danfoss electric motors, ensures cleaner, quieter, and more efficient cruising.Rick van de Wetering, Heesen's Chief Operating Officer, expressed pride in the collaboration with the owners and their teams, highlighting the strong bond formed during the 41-month construction period. He concluded, "On behalf of everyone at the shipyard, we wish them fair winds and following seas on their wonderful yacht."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: Ruben Griffioen/Heesen Yachts
April 22, 2024
The Italian Sea Group (TISG) has been honored with the "Best Performing Large Size Company" award at the Alychlo Awards 2024, marking its third consecutive win in this category.TISG secured the recognition for its outstanding turnover and EBITDA results, which ranked as the best in its reference category.The awards ceremony took place at the enchanting Pairi Daiza, a renowned botanical garden and zoo, bringing together 160 guests, including entrepreneurs and managers from companies in which Alychlo, the family investment company of Belgian entrepreneur Marc Coucke, invests.The Alychlo Awards celebrate companies, individuals, and teams that have achieved exceptional results. In the 2023 edition, 10 prestigious awards were presented to 10 outstanding winners.Alychlo, the cornerstone investor of The Italian Sea Group since its IPO, has investments in over 40 public and private companies across various sectors, with a focus on high-value-added companies that contribute significantly to job creation."We are extremely honored to receive this recognition and to be selected among important and excellent companies," commented Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group. "We thank Mr. Marc Coucke for his constant trust in our Group since its listing on Euronext Milan. We will continue working passionately and with dedication to achieve increasingly ambitious results."The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credits: The Italian Sea Group
April 22, 2024
Dynamiq has announced the appointment of Candaş Balcı from BLC Yachts as its exclusive dealer in the Republic of Türkiye. Based in Göcek, Candaş brings a wealth of experience to the role, with a background in naval architecture and extensive expertise in yacht sales. His dedication ensures that clients receive top-quality service and access to exceptional yachts."We are delighted to have Candaş join us as an ambassador who truly understands the essence of Dynamiq. With our production facility located in Türkiye, we are excited to offer Turkish owners a unique experience that is both innovative and close to home," said Sergei Dobroserdov, CEO of Dynamiq.Candas Balci, BLC YachtsThe collaboration marks a significant milestone for both Dynamiq and BLC Yachts, solidifying their presence in the 35-meter to 65-meter segment. Dynamiq's flagship 50-meter yacht is currently under construction at its state-of-the-art shipyard in Antalya, with promising build slots available for delivery in 2026. This partnership underscores Dynamiq's commitment to providing exceptional yachting solutions to clients in Türkiye and beyond.Dynamiq was founded in 2014 by experienced yacht broker and designer Sergei Dobroserdov. Dynamiq is the first company in the superyacht industry to introduce an online configurator, allowing the yacht to be easily and transparently customized down to the last detail. Dynamiq unveiled its first launch, 39m Spring (ex-Jetsetter), at the 2016 Monaco Yacht Show to wide acclaim. The following project, the GTT 115 M/Y Jaaber, was developed in conjunction with the renowned Studio F.A. Porsche design firm and successfully unveiled at the 2017 MYS. The latest addition to the Dynamiq fleet is the GTM 90 Beach Club and new Global series of long-range explorer yachts.Credits: Dynamiq
April 22, 2024
Cantiere delle Marche's dedication to crafting exceptional vessels reaches new heights with the sale of the Flexplorer 165 to a distinguished European yachtsman. Representing the shipyard's largest explorer yacht to date, this milestone sale underscores Cantiere delle Marche's unwavering commitment to excellence.Vasco Buonpensiere, co-founder and CEO of Cantiere delle Marche, expresses pride in the achievement: "The sale of the Flexplorer 165 marks a significant moment for our shipyard. In an industry marked by fluctuating tides, our steadfast dedication to quality and precision has yielded remarkable results." Buonpensiere emphasizes the shipyard's resilience in navigating market challenges, attributing the success to the enduring reputation of their explorer yachts.Ennio Cecchini, co-founder and President of Cantiere delle Marche, highlights the distinctive qualities of the Flexplorer 165, noting its striking design and embodiment of the shipyard's core values.The Flexplorer 165, boasting a length of nearly 49.90 meters and a beam of 9 meters, showcases the renowned exterior design by Sergio Cutolo/Hydro Tec. Collaborating with Hus studio for the interior, the yacht promises timeless elegance and unparalleled comfort.Equipped with an impressive A-frame crane capable of lifting over 4.5 tons, the Flexplorer 165 offers exceptional handling of tenders and water toys. Powered by twin Caterpillar C32 Acert engines, each generating 970kW, the yacht ensures reliability and efficiency on every voyage.The decision to offer the Flexplorer 165 on the charter market reflects the owner's confidence in its ocean-going capabilities, long-range endurance, and unmatched comfort. CdM's story begins in 2010. The facilities cover an overall surface of 16˙000 square meters, including 7˙000 sq. m of workshops and 1˙000 sq. m of docks. Since 2015, the shipyard has been the world’s leading builder of explorer yachts. Based in Ancona, Cantiere delle Marche builds yachts from 26m to 43m in length.Credits: CdM
April 19, 2024
Sacs Tecnorib makes a return to the Palma International Boat Show, marking the commencement of the boating season in the Mediterranean. The event, celebrating its 40th anniversary, serves as a platform for showcasing the latest innovations and trends in the maritime industry, drawing over 32,000 visitors, hosting nearly 300 exhibitors, and featuring more than 250 boats on the water.Pirelli 42At the M-30 Pontoon P2 stand, hosted by official distributor Swiss Yachting, SACS Tecnorib will proudly display its renowned Pirelli Speedboats range. Among the highlights are the Pirelli 30, 35, and 42 models, renowned for their exceptional performance and sleek design. These walkaround vessels offer a perfect blend of style and functionality, catering to discerning boating enthusiasts.Pirelli 35The Pirelli 30, serving as the entry-level model, sets the stage for the walkaround range with its compact yet powerful build. Meanwhile, the Pirelli 35 impresses with its rugged 11-meter frame, boasting meticulous attention to onboard accessories. Completing the lineup is the Pirelli 42, the flagship model renowned for its versatility and unmatched performance on the water.Pirelli 47Adding to the allure are the Rebel 47 and Strider 13, exhibited by dealer Helimotor. Designed by Christian Grande, the Rebel 47 embodies luxury day-cruising with its modern design and elegant exterior layout. On the other hand, the Strider 13, also envisioned by Grande, stands out for its exclusive lines, safety features, build quality, and versatility, catering to owners seeking both performance and spacious comfort.Strider 13Each vessel showcased at the Palma International Boat Show epitomizes SACS Tecnorib's commitment to excellence, combining cutting-edge design with uncompromising performance to deliver an unparalleled boating experience.Sacs Tecnorib Spa was established in 2021 from the union between TecnoRib srl and Sacs srl. Credits: Sacs Tecnorib Spa
April 19, 2024