23 January 2014
More Choice of Yacht Marinas in the Med for 2014
The number of Mediterranean marinas and berths for superyachts has increased, giving more choice for destinations in 2014. There are certain destinations that must be visited whilst cruising the Mediterranean. For many years now, the hotspots of St. Tropez, Cannes, Monaco, Portofino and Porto Cervo have established themselves as favourites for the luxury motor yacht owner and those embarking on a superyacht charter. Over the last few years however, more marinas have been developed in countries that have previously had little sway in the superyacht industry. Whether due to lack of funding, or higher tax regulations, certain countries just haven’t had the capacity to accept large numbers of superyachts, until now.
After changes to its Matriculation Tax rules, Spanish waters are now far more accessible and appealing for yacht charters. The renovation of Marina Port Vell, in the heart of Barcelona, is set to be a big hit next Med season. “The original settlement was put in place by the Phoenicians and Romans and was then developed into a yacht marina in 1992 in time for the Barcelona Olympics,’ says Norma Trease, Director of Investors, Salamanca Marine. Barcelona, named ‘Top Beach City’ by National Geographic is rich in art, sport, history and architecture and now the guests aboard up to 160 large yachts can appreciate it in luxury. In Tarragona, six-year-old Port Tarraco offers 64 deep water berths and was designed specifically for superyachts. With new ownership it is now set for a further push with backing from MB92 and IGY Marina Management. Marc Colls, General Manager of Port Tarraco commented on the rise in superyacht sales during the economic recovery: “The number of superyachts delivered and afloat has increased, there are many new projects under construction, and the average length of new yachts is rising significantly. The superyacht service sector needs to prepare for this – that means being able to accommodate larger yachts of various sizes at any one time and providing the necessary facilities.” East of the Mediterranean, Limassol Marina in Cyprus opened last year with a capacity of 70 yachts of up to 110m. Porto Montenegro is also set to double its capacity to 490 superyachts by next season. “The range of new berths available will appeal to all ends of the market especially for super and mega-yachts soon supported from a state-of-the-art maintenance and refitting new facility, " Tony Browne, Marina Director said. Tivat, Barcelona and Limassol, will not be the only new places to accommodate more superyachts as further projects are planned across the Med over the next decade. Portonovi, a new luxury development in Montenegro, featuring a 250 berth marina, is set to launch in 2016 in the Bay of Boka Kotorska. James Wilson of Azmont Investments commented: “Montenegro is a culturally rich destination that is catching the attention of a truly international audience. As part of our work we are looking to maintain and enhance the surrounding areas whilst at the same time delivering an unparalleled luxury mixed-use resort.”
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