10 new superyacht playgrounds

(SuperYachtWorld) -- Superyacht cruising is opening up beyond the usual hubs with marina facilities being developed and upgraded around the world. Check out 10 of the newest sailing playgrounds.

1. Ao Po Grand Marina, Thailand
Apart from the stunning backdrop of the region, a large part of the attraction of the Ao Po Grand Marina is its proximity to major facilities. Phuket International Airport is only 15 minutes away, as are major hotels and resorts.
"Yacht owners and charter companies choose our marina for its 24-hour access, with zero tide restrictions and its prime location at the gate of Phang Nga Bay, Phuket's premier sailing ground," says managing director Khun Kasem Chiarasomboon.
2. Lusail Marina, Lusail City, Qatar
North of Doha's business district is the 96-berth Lusail Marina. The Arabian Gulf has plenty to offer, from deserted anchorages in dramatic landscapes to spectacular dive-sites and hi-tech cityscapes.
The marina "will be the place to be for yacht owners in Qatar and beyond," says Matthew Bate, director of operations for Mourjan Marinas IGY.
3. Marina Bizerte, Tunisia
"Yachts have been visiting Bizerte for years, but they haven't been inclined to stay," says Tim Morley from Morley Yachts. "Now they will find a warm welcome and enchanting facilities."
The marina, on the country's north coast, is due to open in December with space for yachts of up to 110 meters. The unspoiled coast has numerous attractions. Try reef diving at Tabarka or sightseeing in the Roman ruins at Carthage.
4. The Victoria International Marina, Canada
The boutique marina, on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, is due to start construction shortly. It will have 33 floating slips for yachts up to 45 meters.
"This is certainly the most exciting marina development in the Pacific Northwest," says Lachlan MacLean, general manager of marina operations at WAM Development Group. "It will be Canada's first marina catering exclusively to large recreational yachts." A scenic walkway will connect the marina with the beautiful city of Victoria.
5. Yas Marina & Yacht Club, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Located at the heart of the Yas Marina Formula One circuit, this marina aims to combine the spirit of the Arabian desert with the elegance of Monte Carlo. There are myriad onshore distractions, including the Ferrari World and Warner Brothers theme parks.
"The core of Aldar Marinas' vision is to create a safe, sustainable, enjoyable and rewarding recreational boating culture in Abu Dhabi," says general manager Paul Lane.
6. Port Adriano, Mallorca, Spain
Port Adriano is an ideal starting and finishing point for a charter. The marina is close to Palma and is currently in the final stages of an enlargement program that will create berths for superyachts up to 60 meters.
"We aim to be a worldwide reference port for superyacht captains and owners," says manager Isabel Teruel.
7. Marina Pez Vela, Costa Rica
Located on the pacific side at Quepos, there is room for yachts of up to 60 meters at Marina Pez Vela. The marina has a full-service boatyard -- the only one for nearly 800 miles and there are also plans to build 200 residences and a boutique hotel with views of the ocean.
"Marina Pez Vela fulfils a long-standing demand to open up more of Central America to larger cruising yachts. We are providing a new and much-needed marina to serve as a home base," says Jim Bronstien, partner in charge of sales and marketing.
8. Karpaz Gate Marina, Cyprus
After decades of restriction, this pristine cruising ground has only recently opened up. Situated in the Turkish part of Northern Cyprus, Karpaz Gate Marina is due to open in May. The layout of the marina follows input from many superyacht owners and their captains.
"It's always been a priority to ensure that the marina becomes a popular and lively destination for locals and international visitors alike," says managing director Roy Klajman.
9. Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, British Virgin Islands
"We created this marina in harmony with nature, with no dredging," says David V. Johnson, chairman of Victor International. Yacht Club Costa Smeralda is the new sister to the original club in Porto Cervo, Sardinia.
Located on the north-eastern tip of Virgin Gorda, the region offers plenty of activities. Party at Jost Van Dyke, dive the wrecks, play ashore at the Baths, eat lobster in Anagarda or simply soak up the warm tropical sun in a secluded anchorage.
10. Porto Montenegro, Montenegro
Porto Montenegro in the Bay of Kotor offers direct access to some of the best cruising in the Adriatic, where rugged mountains rise from the shoreline and medieval towns cling to the water's edge.
Porto Montenegro is "creating a visionary marina and home port that will offer land-based services, facilities and amenities to captains and their crew that mirror the standards guests expect to receive on board a yacht," says general manager Tony Browne.

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/01/26/new.superyacht.playgrounds/index.html?iref=allsearch

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