Superyachts and the question of where to safely harbour them have been in the news after the August 2024 sinking of the Bayesian during a storm in the Mediterranean.
But the issue is not a recent one. The expansion of superyacht ownership means there is growing demand for places to accommodate such huge vessels. Elite Traveller notes there are “more and more yachts on the water, many of which are well above 130ft” and cites data suggesting there are seven superyachts for every berth in the US. But never fear, investors and marinas are responding.
From the Antibes to the Bahamas
The list of ports upgrading to be able to welcome superyachts includes Port Vauban whose Quai Camille Rayon has seen investment worth €135 million ($146m) from Antibes’ International Yacht Club to transform it into a facility dubbed “Billionaires’ Quay”. Head down the Mediterranean coast to Barcelona’s Port Vell and you’ll find 151 berths for yachts up to 620ft (189m), rivalled for berth size only by Porto Montenegro.
Of course, such harbours need to do more than simply offer a safe haven and be far more than what Ra’anan Ben-Zur, the developer behind the largest marina in North America calls “a glorified parking lot”. With owners paying around €8.5m ($9.1m) for a ten-year lease on a 280-ft berth in the Antibes, and just 10% of yacht time spent out at sea, clubhouses and five-star hotels too match the expectations not only of owners but those who “rent out” the spot when owners are absent.
Oligarch standards
This means facilities must be up to oligarch standard, helipads should be on standby, and those stepping off the yachts expect luxury shopping in the vicinity. The standard of living also needs to meet the needs of crew members who are used to the high life. Elite Traveller notes that Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor also offers an International School so the kids’ can get a schooling in between sailings or perhaps Mum and Dad can drop in to say hello and pick up report cards.
Ben Zur’s project, Habacoa, will bring 150 berths up to 720ft (220m) to the Bahamas and in addition to the usual five-star hotel, restaurants, shopping and wellness facilities, will feature an exclusive, members-only yacht club, a casino and Zaha Hadid Architects-designed nightclub complex.
Sustainability?
Sustainability is also high up the wish list these days, especially in North America, where Ben Zur points out there is huge pressure on coast lines with nearly “all oceanfront land” developed. According to Super Yacht Times, Habacoa has made various environmental commitments including “working with marine biologists to transplant any corals potentially impacted by construction to vetted locations so they can safely flourish.”
