The port city of Jeddah, in Saudi Arabia, is a well-known destination for sailing enthusiasts. It offers countless opportunities for sailing and exploration on the water. The 122,000-square-meter Yacht Club is designed to accommodate yachts from all over the world, ranging in length from 10 to 120 meters. The marina can dock up to 95 boats. Visitors can also catch a glimpse of some of the world’s most prestigious luxury yachts as they stroll along the waterfront.
We have big events taking place here. One example is the Formula One Grand Prix, which attracts a lot of international traffic.
Oliver Rees, CEO of Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina.
Many international events are organized and held there every year. One example is the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which took place for the first time in Jeddah in 2021. It was the fifth full-night race title on the Formula One calendar, following the Singapore, Bahrain, Sakhir and Qatar Grands Prix. The Jeddah Corniche Circuit was located along the shore of the Red Sea offering amazing views for both drivers and the public.
Jeddah is now a port of entry, which means boats can arrive and check in directly in the marina. Customs and migration can be processed swiftly, in most cases under half an hour. For many, this is the ideal location for yachts coming from the Mediterranean and down to the Indian Ocean. “We can do customs and arrival control in 20 minutes,” said Oliver Rees. “For many yachts, this location is ideal.” International yacht owners can thus enjoy the warm winter and take advantage of the extended charter seasons.
The Jeddah Yacht Club is an exclusive club for members and their guests. It was founded on the maritime spirit and lifestyle in Saudi Arabia. It offers world-class sports and leisure activities, at the crossroads of historical Red Sea maritime routes.
The Club is a new platform in Saudi Arabia for the development of sailing, boating, and other types of water sports. Its vision focuses on raising awareness on the protection of marine biodiversity. It also wants to foster the preservation of the Red Sea through educational and sustainability programs.
Though entry to the Jeddah Yacht Club is reserved for members, the marina itself is open to the public. Visitors can take a placid stroll all the way to the west end and admire a standing architectural miracle: a 20-meter-high glass-and-steel structure inspired by a ship’s mast; its shiny surface reflects the sun and sea. Across the water, visitors will marvel at the famous “floating mosque,” which sits on pillars that keep it above sea level.
Along the picturesque marina visitors can wander around and enter some of the designer boutiques, enjoy a seafood meal at one of high-end restaurants. Some of the fish, freshly caught in the Red Sea, include the Ranid, Xeri, Ramour, the sea bass, and the Nagil, which is the most coveted fish in Jeddah, as it is tastier and has fewer bones. It can be either fried or grilled.
For travelers on the look out for an international menu, Le Comptoir De Nicole and Angelina Paris offer delicate French specialties. Le Vesuvio or the casual Detroit-style at Emmy Squared Pizza will delight them with their authentic Italian cuisine. Wagyu ramen at Mashi no Mashi is also a popular destination for those in the mood for Japanese flavors. Jeddah’s Marina has something to offer for everyone.
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