Barcelona

The port of Barcelona has a far reaching maritime history. Port Vell is the oldest part of the port and until the 1980´s lay in a state of disrepair. Through an extensive redevelopment program, prior to Barcelona hosting the Olympic Games in 1992, the entire port area underwent a complete makeover which saw it become the attractive and 'people friendly' location it is today. It has some excellent leisure developments such as the well known Aquarium (said to be the largest in Europe), and the cable car to Monjuic, in addition to hosting some of Barcelona´s best museums and finest parks. Whilst the Real Club Nautico de Barcelona is the closest marina to the city centre, Marina Port Vell - having been purpose built to service Superyachts visiting Barcelona for the Olympics - also enjoys a central position within the port, adjacent to the MB92 Shipyard and Barcelona´s fine city beach.

Today, the Superyacht industry in Barcelona is booming all year round. Over the past sixteen years the MB92 Shipyard - now with a 2000 ton syncrolift and a vast waterborne paint shed - has grown from being a small commercial repair yard into one of the most well respected Superyacht repair facilities in Europe. Because of the high standard of services available for Superyachts, Barcelona has now become the 'destination of choice' for many Captains, and the Superyacht marina at Port Forum provides a further berthing option - just a short taxi ride from the city centre. During the summer months, owners and guests can enjoy the architecture, art, exhibitions, gastronomy, shows and nightlife that Barcelona abounds with, all within a leisurely stroll or a short taxi ride from the three marinas. Further afield, the area of Catalunya offers a host of both historical and interesting sites such as picturesque Cadaques (the home of Salvador Dali), the gravity defying monastery of Montserrat, the ancient ruins of Empúries and the popular leisure resort and theme park of Sitges.

Last season saw us receiving some great feedback for Barcelona from numerous professional yacht crews who had really enjoyed the central location of such a major European city when taking some time off during the winter months. The International airport - just fourteen kilometres to the south west - serves all the major European cities and North American destinations; the ski slopes of Andorra are only a ninety minute drive away and, for the more adventurous, there is a sky diving club just an hour’s drive from the port. There is also a strong sporting element within the resident and non resident yachting community of the port and during the winter months, a regular five a side touch rugby session is organized amongst the Captains and crew along with football matches, indoor karting, tennis and golf. In all, the port of Barcelona really does offer something for everyone as is proven in the growing popularity of this city which is fast becoming one of the top destinations for Superyachts visiting Mediterranean Spain.