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Choosing where to moor a superyacht isn?t just a matter of size. Protection from the sea, safety, dock accessibility, technical services, and geographic location are equally important factors. And for a crew that may spend months in the same port, what happens on land inevitably becomes part of the equation as well.
Growing Demand for Superyacht Berths
The summer, now drawing to a close, has been dubbed by some observers as the ?summer of the gigayachts,? highlighting the increasingly widespread presence of these massive vessels along the Italian coast. As is well known, the Mediterranean is the favorite sea of yacht owners who refuse to compromise, boasting an unbeatable concentration of extraordinary beauty.
Then there is the fact?which is by no means insignificant?that Italian shipyards are global leaders in superyacht construction: superyachts are designed and built here, and very often sail from here. It is therefore no surprise that demand for berths for superyachts and gigayachts is particularly high along our coasts?a search that cannot be undertaken lightly.
How Is a Superyacht's Home Port Chosen?
When it comes to superyachts, in fact, nothing is left to chance: neither in their construction, nor in the management of the crew, nor, of course, when it comes to the home port, which is tasked with protecting and serving the vessel in every way.
"When a captain selects a berth for a superyacht, he takes into account a long list of factors," explains Andrea Barbagelata, president of Marina Porto Antico, which offers berths for superyachts up to 35 meters, maxi yachts up to 40 meters, and megayachts up to 75 meters. "The criteria guiding the choice have to do with infrastructure, accessibility, safety, the availability of services, and, of course, the attractiveness of the destination," Barbagelata lists.
Dimensions, Draft, and Mooring Safety
Once the dimensional requirements?%E2euros%93 regarding the superyacht?s berth, draft, and even the entrance?have been met, the captain?s attention shifts to safety-related issues. As noted by the president of the marina in downtown Genoa, the most significant threats to superyachts come from the sea itself?just as they do for any other vessel?which is why marinas that can provide solid defenses against storm surges and rough seas are highly valued.
At Marina Porto Antico, boat owners can rest easy thanks to the Port of Genoa?s breakwater and the concrete and pile-supported piers. The marina also serves as a good example when it comes to threats unrelated to the weather. Security is always on duty; a staff member is present at the marina 24/7 throughout the year, and access to the piers is restricted to boaters with badges, thus ensuring maximum privacy.
Accessibility of the pier for vehicles and guests
Furthermore, when choosing a berth for a superyacht, it is important to consider the dock as a whole: the home port of a large vessel must allow work vehicles and cars to pull up alongside the boat, both to facilitate maintenance and to ensure guests can board comfortably.
Specialized services and refits nearby
As Barbagelata confirmed, the ideal marina for maxi yachts is one that can provide, in the immediate vicinity, all the specialized services a crew might need. For example, within the marina in downtown Genoa, there are yacht agencies ready to provide assistance with customs procedures and dealings with the authorities, as well as to coordinate transfers, charters, and cleaning services.
Great attention must also be paid to maintenance services: it is no coincidence that Marina Porto Antico is often chosen by yacht owners who wish to have their superyachts refitted, thanks to its strategic location in close proximity to shipyards and mechanical workshops of unquestionable experience and quality.
Geographic Location in Relation to Future Navigation
The geographical location of the marina certainly cannot be overlooked, even though we know that superyacht owners and operators think in terms of long distances. In this sense, the home port should also be chosen based on the experiences and voyages planned for the coming months: For example, Marina Porto Antico is chosen by many owners for winter storage because it offers the opportunity to take cruises along the Ligurian coast on winter weekends, visiting iconic destinations such as Portofino and the Cinque Terre.
The home port as a place where the crew lives
Finally, it?s important to consider the crew?s needs: in this sense, the marina becomes a place to live, and for this reason as well, a marina in the city center is a particularly attractive option. Mooring at Marina Porto Antico, Barbagelata points out, means living in the heart of Genoa, just a short walk from restaurants, bars, gyms, theaters, movie theaters, and shopping streets.
Marina Porto Antico by the Numbers
- 270 boat slips
- 1 berth for a megayacht up to 75 meters
- 2 berths for maxi yachts up to 40 meters
- 5 berths for superyachts up to 35 meters
- 6 berths for boats up to 30 meters
- 15 NM from Portofino
- 25 NM from Portovenere
- 85 NM from Monte Carlo
- Draft up to 7 meters
- VHF Channel 74
- +39 010 2470039
