Port Vauban in Antibes is shining a spotlight on its major redevelopment and unique long-term berth acquisition opportunities through a newly released promotional film.
The French Riviera has long been a focal point of the yachting community in the Mediterranean, if not the world, and Antibes – located centrally between luxurious Monaco and festive St Tropez – is the beating heart of yachting on the French Riviera. One of the oldest port towns in Europe, Antibes can trace its roots back to before the Roman Empire, and it has held a position of nautical significance for millennia. With such history and heritage comes an unmistakeable cachet regarding the ownership of berths in this region.
Being Europe’s largest leisure port, Antibes’ Port Vauban is now setting out its store as the future of yachting in the Mediterranean, illustrated through a newly released promotional film.
Thanks to the redevelopment plans of Vauban 21, which recently acquired the prestigious Port Vauban operation, a unique new opportunity in the region to acquire long-term berths of up to 23 years’ duration is available to yacht owners of vessels from several metres up to over 170 metres.
Port Vauban is a perennially popular location in which to base a yacht, offering convenience to yacht owners, guests and charterers, as well as captains and crew. Unlike the facilities available at other popular marinas on the Riviera, Port Vauban’s centrally located helipad provides instant access to the region’s key spots. It is just a two-minute flight to Nice Airport, delivering expedient international travel for yacht owners and guests.
The port is a short car transfer or walk to some of the Riviera’s most celebrated and coveted social spots, from the quaint local restaurants of Antibes Old Town to the charming and historic Belle Rive Hotel to the high-society hangout of the Hotel du Cap Eden Roc.
Port Vauban’s new promotional film also highlights the modernisation and redevelopment plans for the marina and its facilities, including a brand-new harbourmaster’s office with gourmet restaurants, as well as the Port Centre, which will be a hub for the local community as well as an exposition space and yachting campus. There will be a number of additional state-of-the-art security measures implemented across the site in the coming months, and guests will be given access to a fleet of golf carts to improve mobility around Port Vauban and the town.
Antibes is a longstanding service hub for yachting companies and a convenient location for crew operations when not in guest mode. In addition to being easy to access from across Europe, Port Vauban is a year-round location for maintenance and operations. To bolster crew motivation, reduce turnover and a promote healthy lifestyle, a programme of activities targeted at crew will operate throughout the year, including the winter season.
As one of the only marinas offering long-term contracts in the region, Port Vauban’s offering is truly unique for the French Riviera. Some 800 berths are now available to acquire through new right-of-use contracts of up to 23-years’ duration, including 17 long-term berths for sale between 60 and 100-plus metres (two having just been sold).
Alongside the winter crew program, Port Vauban is now offering new winter berthing packages designed to deliver convenience and practicality to superyachts of 40 to 170 metres throughout the low season, from November to the end of April. This includes shorter minimum booking periods, the ability to carry out winter maintenance onsite (including provision of space for a container on the dock adjacent to the yacht) and the cheapest consumable rates in the Mediterranean.
“We are excited to present our new offering at Port Vauban through this appealing promotional film. With limited availability of long-term berths between St Tropez and Monaco, and a redevelopment plan that will make our facilities unmatched in the region, we are certain that Port Vauban is the future of yachting not just on the French Riviera but for the whole of the Mediterranean,” said Eric de Saintdo, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer.
Port Vauban is Europe’s leading marina in terms of volume, with 1,642 berths including 19 superyacht slips along the renowned IYCA, also known as “Billionaires’ Quay”. The port is conveniently located in the heart of the French Riviera, between Monaco and St Tropez and a short distance by water or road from Cannes, giving it an ideal position to be the capital of yachting in the Mediterranean.
With deep-water access, the IYCA’s berths are available for vessels from 60 to 170 metres in length, with a low-tide draft of seven metres across the entire basin. All berths on the IYCA are equipped with appropriate shore power for large superyachts and a conveniently located helipad is available for guests of vessels on the quay. The IYCA is ISPS Code compliant and has restricted access with 24/7 security surveillance.
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.
In 2017, Port Vauban was acquired by a triparty association and is now operated as part of the Riviera Ports network, which also runs marinas in Antibes-Juan Les Pins, Cannes, Nice and Golfe Juan. Under the new ownership structure, a large-scale redevelopment project is being carried out through Vauban 21 project, which will see an investment of 135 million euros over the next 24 years. The project will comprise a complete regeneration of the port’s facilities and amenities including a new capitainerie, restaurant and yacht club. There are also plans for an expansion of Port Vauban’s refit and maintenance shipyard infrastructure as well as installation of a 2,000m2 yachting campus for training courses, seminars and conferences.
The current consignment of contracts that Port Vauban Antibes has for yachts of all sizes is due to expire on 31 December 2021. Consequently, the Port Vauban team is in the process of revising its layout and signing new berth contracts, which will come into effect on 1 January 2022. The contracts will have a 24-year term maximum with guarantee of use, and are available to new as well as existing clients.
Approximately 800 berths are currently for sale, including 300 for yachts from 20 to 170 metres. As one of the only ports in the region offering long-term leases of this nature, it provides owners with a unique opportunity to secure a premium berth and enjoy the best yachting location in the Mediterranean.
Spanish builder Maxim Yachts will present its 13-meter Max 43 Comfort daycruiser at the upcoming Cannes Yachting Festival. The yacht features design by Alex Cherigny and naval engineering by Isonaval, constructed with a fiberglass hull reinforced by carbon fiber components in structural areas.The vessel's twin Volvo Penta D6 440 engines deliver a top speed of 45 knots. The carbon fiber hardtop shelters a helm station equipped with dual 16-inch Garmin displays and eleven analog gauges. Below deck, two double cabins provide accommodation, with the forward master cabin offering additional storage space.The main salon contains an L-shaped convertible sofa and a fully-equipped galley with ceramic cooktop, stainless steel sink, and capacity for multiple refrigerators. Teak decking covers all exterior surfaces, including the bow and stern sunbathing areas with removable cushions. The aft section incorporates fold-down terraces that increase total beam width by 1 meter when deployed.Entertainment systems include a JL Audio setup with eight speakers and two amplifiers. The yacht's construction utilizes vacuum-bagged fiberglass laminates with carbon fiber reinforcements in high-stress areas. This marks Maxim Yachts' first participation at the Cannes show following previous appearances at Genoa and other international boat exhibitions. Credits: Maxim Yachts
July 29, 2025
Azimut has unveiled its new 38.2-meter Grande Trideck superyacht, marking a design evolution for the Italian builder's flagship series. The vessel features interiors by Milan-based studio m2atelier, implementing their "Barefoot Luxury" concept focused on informal sophistication.The exterior design by Alberto Mancini retains Azimut's characteristic sleek profile while incorporating new elements like a recessed foredeck pool with integrated chaise lounge. The interior architecture emphasizes clean geometries, with straight horizontal and vertical lines creating an expanded sense of space. Diagonal elements appear selectively to establish intimate areas within the open layout.Notable interior features include a signature "Unveiling Wall" in the main salon - a motorized panel of vertical wood slats that slides open to reveal a hidden television. Floor-to-ceiling glazing throughout guest areas maintains visual connections to the seascape. The owner's suite utilizes layered glass partitions to preserve sightlines while ensuring privacy.Custom furniture pieces designed by m2atelier and manufactured by Giorgetti follow the Integral Design approach, ensuring stylistic continuity throughout all interior elements. The Sky Lounge incorporates a convertible hi-lo table that transforms the space between lounge, dining area and media room configurations."Light becomes the invisible thread that connects every environment," explained m2atelier founders Marijana Radovic and Marco Bonelli. The lighting design uses concealed LED strips and strategic window placement to accentuate material textures and spatial volumes.The Grande Trideck represents the first of three new models in Azimut's redesigned Grande series, with two additional yachts scheduled for debut at the September 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival. Technical specifications including propulsion systems and performance data remain undisclosed at this stage.Azimut's Product Design Director Federico Lantero described the project as creating "an atmosphere that evolves with those who experience it" rather than focusing on traditional displays of luxury. The design separates crew circulation routes while maintaining visual openness in all guest areas.Azimut Yachts is an Azimut Benetti Group brand. With its Atlantis, Magellano Flybridge, S, Verve and Grande collections, Azimut offers the widest range of 10 to 40 meters.Credits: Azimut Yachts
July 28, 2025
Ferretti Group's Pershing brand has introduced the GTX70, the smallest model in its Sport Utility Yacht series, measuring 21.76 meters (71'4") in length with a 5.42-meter (17'9") beam. The yacht made its world premiere during Pershing's 40th anniversary celebrations in Capri, Italy.Developed through collaboration between the Ferretti Group Product Strategy Committee led by Piero Ferrari, Vallicelli Design, and the Group's Engineering Department, the GTX70 was constructed at the Ferretti Group's Plug and Mould facility in Mondolfo. The yacht represents a more compact interpretation of Pershing's GTX concept, combining sporty performance with increased livability compared to similar-sized vessels.The GTX70 is powered by three Volvo Penta D13 IPS1200 engines, each producing 900 horsepower. Preliminary performance data indicates a top speed of 36 knots and a cruising speed of 30 knots. The propulsion system incorporates Volvo IPS electro-hydraulic steering and is complemented by Humphree Interceptor trim control and Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilizers. The yacht holds CE Class A certification, the highest safety rating for vessels under 24 meters.Exterior spaces feature a two-level stern configuration with a 23-square-meter beach area that expands to nearly 8 meters in beam when side terraces are deployed. The swim platform utilizes dual linear lift technology, functioning both as a tender launch platform and an extended lounge area. The main deck offers 10% more interior space than comparable models, while exterior areas are 30% larger.Accommodations include three cabins for six guests: a full-beam master suite amidships with walk-in wardrobe, a forward VIP cabin, and a guest cabin with crosswise bed arrangement. Crew quarters forward contain two bunk beds and a separate bathroom. Interior design emphasizes spatial perception through mirrored surfaces and LED lighting strips by Altraluce.The 16-square-meter sportbridge divides into three functional areas: a sunbathing space aft, central dining section with L-shaped sofa and extendable table, and forward helm station. The area can be shaded by either a standard awning or an optional carbon fiber bimini top.Notable features include a main deck galley with retractable glass panel connecting to the cockpit, and a helm station with pillarless windscreen for 360-degree visibility. The bow area can be configured with either sun pads or a dinette featuring a convertible table.Construction utilized Pershing's plug and mould technology, with the hull and superstructure built at the Mondolfo facility dedicated to GTX series production. The yacht's design maintains signature GTX elements including the near-vertical bow and arch-shaped profile while introducing more compact proportions.The GTX70 joins the Pershing lineup as the brand's third GTX model, following the GTX80 and GTX116. Its debut coincides with Pershing's 40th anniversary year, marking the brand's continued expansion into the sport cruiser segment.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
July 28, 2025
Northrop & Johnson has listed the new-build 26.5-meter explorer yacht Project Mako Shark for EUR6,825,000, with Yacht Broker Deniz Kaymaz representing the sale. The steel-hulled vessel, designed by Rıza Tansu and built by Tufan and Yachting Co., features a naval-inspired design with a 7.63-meter beam and shallow 1.8-meter draft.Powered by twin Cummins X15 600hp heavy-duty diesel engines, the yacht achieves a maximum speed of 12 knots with a cruising speed of 11 knots. The propulsion system delivers an exceptional 4,500-nautical-mile range at an economical 8 knots, supported by 28,000-liter fuel tanks. Engine room insulation ensures quiet operation at 58 dB in guest areas during cruising.The interior showcases marine-grade oak paneling with matte finishes, complemented by tempered glass partitions and stainless steel accents. Guest accommodations include a full-beam main deck master suite with office area and marble-clad rain shower. Four additional cabins (two VIP doubles, one twin, and one convertible) feature en-suite bathrooms with anti-fog mirrors and teak flooring.Common areas utilize scratch-resistant synthetic leather upholstery and shock-absorbing decking materials. The galley is equipped with commercial-grade Miele appliances and corrosion-resistant fixtures.The yacht offers two layout options: a crew-operated version with upper deck helm station or an owner-operated configuration with private sky lounge. Exterior spaces include an aft deck dining area with weather-resistant furniture, a convertible foredeck lounge with sunbed padding, and an upper deck with non-slip teak surfaces.Project Mako Shark's classification includes RINA Comfort Class certification for noise and vibration levels. The vessel is currently available for purchase with delivery scheduled for Q2 2026.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
July 28, 2025
The 42.2-meter motor yacht Song of Songs has entered the market at EUR22,888,000 through Camper & Nicholsons, with Chief Commercial Officer Asia Julien Solari and Sales Broker Della Pearce representing the central agency. The vessel is also available for charter in Southeast Asia.Constructed in 2023 by Heysea Yachts as the first model on their Asteria 139 platform, Song of Songs was designed in collaboration with VYD Studio. The 431GT yacht features a semi-displacement hull powered by twin Caterpillar C32 ACERT engines, achieving a top speed of 19 knots with a 2,000 nautical mile range at 14 knots cruising speed.The yacht's layout accommodates twelve guests across six cabins, including an upper deck master suite with private aft terrace, a main deck secondary master, and three VIP suites plus one convertible cabin on the lower deck. Crew quarters provide for seven staff members.Notable amenities comprise a 120 square meter sun deck with hardtop-covered dining area and bar, a main deck beach club with transformer platform, and a forward lounge area featuring a hot tub. The contemporary interior design utilizes light oak joinery and marble finishes throughout the living spaces.With 26,300 liters of fuel capacity and average consumption of 320 liters per hour at cruising speed, the yacht is equipped for extended voyages. A 120KVA Kohler generator handles onboard power requirements. The vessel's design emphasizes indoor-outdoor connectivity through extensive glazing and multiple al fresco entertainment areas.Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
July 25, 2025