Marina at Keppel Bay has been awarded 'International Marina of the Year 2013-2014' as well as 'Best Environmental Initiative' at the Marine13 International Conference and Exhibition held in Sydney, Australia.

The inaugural two day marina conference was officially opened by NSW Minister for Roads and Ports, the Hon. Duncan Gay, MLC, who welcomed participants from 15 countries around the world. Read more on the Marina At keppel bay with World Marine Guide

Marina at Keppel Bay faced competition in the International Marina category from Korea, Turkey, America, Fiji and Dubai and its win acknowledges an impressive performance in best industry practice across all areas of it marina business, including marketing, environmental practices, community initiatives, services and facilities, customers service, training and development, financial performance and measurable outcomes.

The marina, which opened in 2008 on Keppel Island, was awarded for its environmental initiative, City Reef, a highly-rated integrated plan that has now attracted over 40 aquatic species to the marina. Collaboration with independent marine conservationists and research facilities continually monitor the project’s impact and improvement of the local marine eco-system.

The project incorporates many energy and water saving aspects, pollution monitoring and control systems and other green initiatives which complement the initiative, and has been further developed as a major visitor attraction and a learning platform as a guide for employees and scientific researchers.

View more on the marinas in Singapore with World Marine Guide

The awards are for the 2013/14 period and based on performance over the previous financial year period. MIA president, Andrew Chapman said the awards have been very well supported by industry, with 43 submissions received.

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 The CEO of Oman’s sovereign wealth fund has announced that its focus will be redirected towards boosting tourism in the country, following a spate of protests in the north of the country. Hassan Al-Nabhani has said 70 per cent of the fund will be invested in domestic projects moving forward.

In a Bloomberg Newsweek report, Al-Nabhani is quoted as saying, “We are trying to rejuvenate and achieve developmental goals in Oman through investments that are all commercially disciplined and seeking returns.” “The jewel of the crown is tourism, Oman is yet to reach its full potential in tourism”, he added.

The Wave, a purpose-built marina on the coast of Muscat, is perhaps Oman’s most prominent yachting landmark. Its custom-built superyacht marina, Almouj can accommodate vessels up to 65m and has plans to extend its number of berths from 120 to 400.And the Almouj management is confident that the country can resonate with superyacht owners. Speaking to SuperyachtNews.com, a spokesperson said: "Oman has all the ingredients to make it a superyacht hub - a stunning coastline, a variety of destinations to enjoy and, most importantly, new world class marinas to cater for the growing demand for berths.

Read more on marinas in the Middle East, Bahrain  Oman  Qatar United Arab Emirates with World Marine Guide

Of course, governmental establishments such as OmanSail not only benefit the country’s marinas, but also the local community, as well as preserving the country’s maritime heritage. The country’s marine manufacturing industry is still in its early stages, but looks very promising with emerging local boat builders producing vessels with very high standards."

Furthermore, in May 2012 Jebel Sifah marina opened in a location 45 minutes from Muscat. The project was part financed by the government vehicle Omran. Bruno Meier, general manager for ART Marine Marinas, believes that these flagbearers are a sign of Oman’s potential, although he feels its zenith is still a long way off. “ART Marine had an operation in Oman but the market was moving too slowly and we closed it”, Meier explained. But it is an area that Meier is monitoring closely, and one he expects to blossom in the long term.

Camper & Nicholsons Marinas operate the Middle East’s most prominent marina, Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi. The company’s sales and marketing director, Kurt Fraser agrees with Meier’s view about the long-term prospects for Oman but feels that traffic in the region is inherently tied to domestic yacht sales. “In the superyacht context we’ve learned that it’s very difficult to attract vessels from the rest of the world”, Fraser said. And although Yas has proved a very successful venture it is because of “a shift in our thinking away from larger yachts towards lots and lots of day boats.” Fraser does feel however, that countries such as Oman would benefit from the reinvigoration of the Middle East’s yacht show calendar, which has been cut back in recent years, that would induce visiting superyachts and prompt chartering in the area.

BSource William Mathieson  Superyacht News

MDL Marinas have announced that it has completed refurbishment projects at three of its UK marinas. The company has invested over £4m to-date, and Europe's largest Marina operator plans to continue to invest in the coming months.

Sparkes Marina in Hayling Island has undergone a full refurbishment of its facilities with berth holders enjoying new toilet, washroom and laundry rooms. Queen Anne’s Battery in Plymouth has also undergone an extensive refurbishment with modern showers, toilets and washing facilities on-site. The two investments alone total over £500,000.

In addition, Ocean Village Marina in Southampton has seen upgrades to the internal décor, as well as upgraded modern facilities in line with Sparkes Marina and Queen Anne’s Battery Marina. "We are committed to investing in our marinas and these three projects have transformed the berth holder facilities we offer,” says Jon Eads, COO at MDL. “As Europe’s leading marina operator we are committed to not standing still and are continually looking at ways to not only improve and update our marinas, but also to ensure our customer service and marine locations are of the very highest standards.”

View details on Sparkes Marina , Plymouth Queen Annes Battery Marina and Ocean Village Marina with World Marine Guide and other marinas on the UK South Coast

MDL owns and operates 19 marinas and boatyards in the UK. The company also has two marinas in the MDL Mediterranean network – Sant Carles in Catalonia, Spain and Marina dei Cesari in Fano, Italy. A third Mediterranean location, Marina del Gargano in Manfredonia, Italy, is due to open in May 2013.

Source MDL Marinas         http://www.mdlmarinas.co.uk/news/investment

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The 5 Most Exclusive Marinas To Visit On A Superyacht

Superyachts are the playthings of the rich and many yachts are now heading back from the Caribbean for the Mediterranean charter season. But, where is the place for you and your superyacht to see and be seen?

Boat International has identified five of the most chic and most expensive marinas to moor up and bump bows with the best of them.

The luxury market is continuously exploring new ways to help the super rich spend their money. The sea still remains a prime spot, allowing its explorers exclusive time off in the private surrounds of a superyacht, but owning a superyacht means not only initial capital outlay – often into tens, and sometimes hundreds, of millions – but also annual running costs that stretch well into seven figures. A large part of those costs are incurred by mooring fees – after all, a yacht has to be berthed somewhere. To moor in one of the world’s most expensive marinas during high season, a superyacht owner can be expected to pay up to $4,130 per night, and during prime time events such as the Monaco Grand Prix rates can skyrocket to $100,000 or more for a five-day stay in Monaco’s prime berths. Here is our list of the five most expensive, and most desirable, places to park one’s megayacht.

Marina di Capri, Italy

You can expect to pay around $4,000 per night in high season for a place to dock in this Italian marina. Capri has been a favorite with the rich and famous for many years now. In the 1950s, the likes of Clark Gable, Sofia Loren and Jackie Kennedy would congregate on the this island. Today, it is not unusual to see both Rising Sun (8^th largest yacht in the world) and Pelorus (20th in the Top 100 Largest Superyachts), both owned by media mogul David Geffen, floating out at anchor. A-list celebrities such as George Clooney, Beyoncé and Jay Z are also often seen exploring the tiny island, or gracing one of its super excusive nightclubs.

Marina di Portofino, Italy

High season prices skyrocket up to $3,335 per night for a mooring in this exclusive marina. Portofino was once a small fishing village and has only one road in and out, which incidentally is usually closed, allowing the area to remain unspoiled. Arguably one of the prettiest harbours out there, Marina di Portofino is where only the wealthiest can afford. It has only 14 berths maximizing the privacy and therefore the exclusivity of the marina. If you get a spot, expect to mingle with the likes of Steven Spielberg (owner of the yacht Seven Seas), Coldplay front man Chris Martin and pop singer Rihanna. It is also a favorite spot for Russian billionaire AndreyMelnichenko, owner of the 119 metre Philippe Starck-designed superyacht A.

 Porto Cervo, Sardinia

To moor your 50-metre-plus superyacht in this super luxe port it is going to set you back up to $3,100 a night in high season – and why not, seeing that back in 1959 Prince Karim Aga Khan carved out this village as a private retreat for his wealthy friends and family. Today, it is a little different from HRH the Aga Khan’s original dream. The “village” today is made up of high-end boutiques, and designer nightspots including the nearby infamous Billionaire nightclub. The world’s largest superyachts are often seen gracing the surrounding seas too, including the 110 metre Dilbar, and Serene, the world’s ninth largest yacht. It was in this very town a few years back that George Clooney was refused entry into one of the exclusive nightspots.

Port de Saint-Tropez, Cote d'Azur

Saint Tropez in the south of France has long been associated with the rich and famous. Originally made famous by Bridget Bardot in the 1950s, this French Riviera town still holds the heart of jet-setters, models and celebrities alike.The town has largely kept its quaint charm with its narrow streets. The marina doesn’t actually allow superyachts over 70 metres, instructing them to drop anchor out of port.  Bernard Arnault’s superyacht Amadeus is often seen floating off France’s Côte d’Azur, along with the iconic 88 metre Maltese Falcon, originally built by US venture capitalist Tom Perkins and now owned by Elena Ambrosiadou. Hotel million-heiress Paris Hilton is another fan of Saint Tropez and can be found sampling the delights of La Voile Rouge – one of the most expensive beach clubs in town.

Ibiza Magna, Balearics

This marina is often referred to as one for the young, rich and trendy. Ibiza Magna is located minutes away from the island’s casino strip and infamous nightclub Pacha – renowned for it’s extortionate bar prices and all-night parties.

For those with yachts below 60 metres be prepared to pay up to $3,660, and for superyachts over this length, once again the preference is to drop anchor outside of the main port. The Indian steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal’s yacht has been seen out at anchor here, along with arguably the most famous yacht in the world – and the current largest yacht on the planet – Eclipse, owned by Roman Abramovich.

In Ibiza, superyacht billionaires mingle with the stars like Jade Jagger and Kate Moss who either own or regularly rent villas on the island.

For most superyacht owners or megayacht charterers, you could say that these pricey mooring fees are nothing but a drop in the ocean, but it’s not only the very rich and very famous who get to enjoy superyachts and megayachts in these exclusive locations – you can too, if you have the wherewithal to charter one of these magnificent vessels. Even the very largest can be available for a once in a lifetime holiday of unparalleled luxury.  Speak to Jack Tar about Superyacht Charter

Source http://www.boatinternational.com/

Paul Darrouzet acquires Able Point Marina for an undisclosed sum. Australian billionaire Paul Darrouzet has bought Able Point Marina in Airlie Beach for an undisclosed sum. Darrouzet is the former chairman of Foxleigh Mining. Able Point Marina is listed with World Marine Guide

The 507-berth Able Point Marina was placed into receivership in September 2011. It was put up for sale about a year later, but withdrawn from the market after it failed to gain high enough offers. A marketing agent told the Whitsunday Times that interest in the marina had intensified over the past month. Darrouzet acquired the marina ahead of prospective buyers from China, Malaysia, New Zealand and Australia.  The marina had been purchased by Meridien in 2006 for A$65m. A receiver was appointed for Able Point and another Meridien marina property in late 2011 as the company ran into financial troubles.

Darrouzet said he plans to invest in upgrading the marina, with a new tavern, public access areas and other tourism-related facilities. "The marina is the primary departure and arrival point for boating enthusiasts in Queensland," he told the paper. "Having frequented the Whitsundays for more than 25 years, I am determined to facilitate a positive change with the expansion of services and activities for both residents and tourists."

The local regional council welcomed the news. "Abel Point Marina has long been valued by the community as a tourism, transport and recreation hub so it is encouraging to see the marina earmarked for beautification and further upgrades," Mayor Jennifer Whitney told the paper.  "Council is optimistic that the change of ownership and the proposed upgrades will lead to greater employment opportunities for skilled marine staff and give the local tourism industry a much-needed boost."

Source IBI Plus

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Despite winter storms, attendance was up nearly five per cent
The Montreal Boat and Water Sports Show said that its attendance increased by 2.5 to 5 per cent. The Quebec Marine Association’s show ended on February 10th.

The 275-exhibitor show said this year’s attendance went up despite snowstorms. Last year, the show posted a 30 per cent increase over 2010. The show is the largest of its kind in Quebec, with more than 400 models of boats. The show included presentations by Damian Foxall, who has won four world-tour races, and Francis Bouillon, a defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens NHL team.

Organisers said the boat selection this year was “diversified” to attract a wider range of boater. The show at Place Bonaventure had twice as many sailboats as last year, and the other styles included yachts, small fishing boats, runabouts, pontoons and dinghies.

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World Marine Guide has added Indonesia to the guide of world marinas.

The first marina in Indonesia to be added to World Marine Guide is Nongsa Point Marina and Resort  on the north coast of Bintan island. The marina is part of a tourist resort and has excellent facilites

If you would like your marina, anchorage or yacht facility included in the guide you can Add Your Marina for free to World Marine Guide. You can also add for free your marine business in our Directory or an advert for marine equipment in our Classified section also for free.

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World Marine Guide now has over 900 marinas listed and we are constantly looking to add more. We realise that mapping the worlds marinas is a huge undertaking but we will not refuse any marina from anywhere.

Each marina listed is described in detail giving information on the approach and the entry. A guide of services, contact details etc. is also supplied along with any other marine information we receive. A google map and satellite photo shows the port and surrounding area along with photos of the harbour. Three day weather information, is on each marina page as well as links to other useful artcles for yachts using the marina.

You can update your information at anytime and provide news items which we can publish as blogs. You can add your marina by using the "Add your Marina" button on the home page or by emailing the information to the address below. If you would like to view a marina already on our site to see what yours could look like click this link

www.worldmarineguide.com is growing, help us grow faster.

email:- nick@worldmaringuide.com

Superyachttimes.com have recommended their superyacht of the week for yacht charter with this glowing account of the yacht "Baron Trenck"........

There has long been a more adventurous aspect of yachting, a side which has been particularly developing and gaining considerable popularity during recent years. More and more, sailing a superyacht does not only involve visiting familiar destinations, but treading outside of the beaten track for a more expedition-style experience. Such travels obviously add specific requirements to the vessels involved, still combining luxury, style and comfort but with a more venturous take on superyachting. Baron Trenck, built at Eurocraft, is a superyacht that perfectly suits these requirements, adding a spicy edge to all her adventures.

Baron Trenck's exterior look is the perfect introduction to what she is all about, combining traditional lines of a modern superyacht with influences of a strong, confident ice-breaker. Looks aren't just merely for aesthetic purposes, since a higher bow enables her to properly handle bow spray and a wider beam assuring a smooth ride no matter how rough the seas get. All this combined with a draft of three metres allows Baron Trenck to easily manoeuvre everywhere, from the roughest seas to the smallest bays or more intimate marinas. Meanwhile, guests are supplied with all comfort and luxury, turning this superyacht into the perfect choice for a stylish charter with an attractive, adventurous twist.

Baron Trenck's charter rates start € 125,000 per week in the low season, to € 135,000 per week during the high season and is available through Camper & Nicholsons International. Read the full report and view more photos.

View other Yacht Charter companies with World Marine Guide

Camper & Nicholsons International
Carine Zanotti
+377 97 97 77 45
czanotti@camperandnicholsons.com  
www.camperandnicholsons.com

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Three Marinas on the Island Lolland and Falster have successfully qualified as the first Blue Star Marinas in Denmark:
Stubbekøbing Lystbådehavn – 4 Stars
Gedser Lystbådehavn – 4 Stars
Nysted Lystbådehavn – 4 Stars
The Blue Star Marina certification is currently the only worldwide available marina certification program offered by an independent certification body. First and foremost, IMCI puts emphasis on marine certification and does not have any association and/or membership requirements. Thus the International Marine Certification Institute is able to offer an objective third party assessment.

Lolland and Falster are located at the south Baltic coastline of Denmark with a lot of other Danish islands. This area is very attractive and a well-known boating area in the Baltic Sea. View more marinas in Demark with World Marine Guide

During the summer, a lot of Danish, German and Swedish sailors visit the charming Danish town harbours. The attractiveness of this area travels in seamen circles and attracts more and more boaters from the Netherlands, England and other countries as well.

All three Marinas are managed by the Guldborgsund community. Ms. Jane Errebo, responsible for the tourism management, was proud to receive certification for these three Marinas. She says:" It is a good starting point for further activity in the area. For the community, it is of utmost importance to also offer attractive marine tourist locations with a safe and reliable infrastructure. In addition, the in-town marinas are often hot spots for tourism – not only for boaters."

The 4 Star rating compliance of the Blue Star Marina certification comes with 96 requirements. Criteria include: external presentation, sanitary installation and hygiene, service facilities, food and chandlery supplies, leisure facilities, environmental protection and waste management practices, security and safety.

The Blue Star Marina certification is currently the only world wide available marina certification program offered by an independent certification body. First and foremost, IMCI puts emphasis on marine certification and does not have any association and/or membership requirements. Thus the International Marine Certification Institute is able to offer an objective third party assessment guide.

Source IGY marinas and  www.imci.org