One Ocean Port Vell, Barcelona

Location Spain is growing as a charter destination, and is only a short hop from the traditional Mediterranean grounds of the South of France and Sardinia. “We’ve seen a huge increase in vessels, and it’s great to see yachts with owners and guests on board enjoying being in the heart of a city,” says Paul Cook, general manager of One Ocean Port Vell. “We’re very visible here as well, which gives us plenty of opportunity to work with the community – corporate and social responsibility is very important to us.”
Amenities “The marina has seen a $100 million investment during its redevelopment, and that gives us capacity for roughly 160 yachts. However, that’s very flexible, and depends on the size of the yachts,” says Cook. Last summer the marina played host to Dilbar, the world’s largest superyacht in gross tonnes, as well as many other 100-metre-plus yachts.
The Gallery is a building in the heart of the marina and houses all the operations, as well as a fully equipped gym, a spa and a crew lounge. There is 24-hour security at all the entry points, and golf buggies to ferry you back to your yacht should you wish. The One Ocean Club is a private members’ club, restaurant and bar in the marina overlooking the water, home already to Barcelona’s most discerning clientele, and is open to guests of the marina. Just around the corner is MB92, a renowned refit and repair yard, and testament to the new development is the announcement that MYBA awarded the marina the position of host for the 2017 charter show, after 16 years in Genoa.
www.oneoceanportvell.com

Caroline Bay Marina, Bermuda

Location Located in Little Sound on the site of the old US Navy base, Caroline Bay Marina is the first big superyacht marina development on the Atlantic island. Bermuda has historically not seen much superyacht traffic, due in part to a lack of suitable infrastructure, but this year’s America’s Cup success and the development of Caroline Bay is set to change all that. “Caroline Bay Marina is the only marina in Bermuda capable of hosting multiple superyachts up to 250 feet,” says a Caroline Bay Marina spokesman.
Amenities Testament to the perceived success of the development is the building of a Ritz-Carlton hotel and residences on the site. “The three Bermudian developers had a vision to create a five-star resort for the benefit of Bermuda. We are a five-star island, now with five-star product. It is our wish that, as the superyacht community discover Bermuda and the new services offered, the island and Caroline Bay Marina will become a destination for larger numbers of superyachts over the next few years. This, in conjunction with the development of the Ritz-Carlton hotel and residences, will provide a level of service and quality never before offered in Bermuda.” Caroline Bay Marina is a full-service facility, offering electricity, fuel, water, black-water pump out, Wi-fi, concierge, provisioning and customs clearance.
www.carolinebaymarina.com

Red Frog Marina, Panama

Location Red Frog is located in the beautiful area known as Bocas del Torro on the Caribbean side of Panama, and the marina is about a day’s cruising north of the Panama Canal. Red Frog Marina used to be managed by IGY Marinas, which brought with it the security and service we’re used to seeing from IGY properties. However, in early June 2017 the company announced it had also bought the property, indicating a strong confidence in the destination’s potential to really grow over the next few years. “Every captain we’ve sent down there just wants to stay! It’s totally different,” says Bert Fowles, vice-president of marketing for IGY Marinas. “Interestingly, Red Frog Marina is a top destination for owner use of the vessel, not just as a place for chartering or stopping off in the yacht’s downtime. Our guests are often owners who actively seek us out and want to stay with us. The marina caters for yachts up to 300 feet.” Located in the Caribbean outside the hurricane belt, the natural harbour affords shelter and protection, and is a good base to explore the pristine beaches of Bocas del Torro and the rainforests of the region.
Amenities “The resort is associated directly with the marina, so there’s an integrated feel,” says Fowles. Marina amenities include Wi-fi, full-time security, and provisioning and a chandlery in town.
www.redfrogbeach.com