Developments at Porto Mirabello

We speak to the marina's owner, Alessandro Menozzi, who reveals a number of changes for both owners and crew.

Located a few hours travel from Monaco, and nestled closely by Forte dei Marmi, Viareggio and Portofino, Porto Mirabello can be found in the Gulf of Poets, so-called due its scenery influencing the likes of Mary Shelley and Lord Byron. With over 100 berths that can host vessels from 24 to 140m, the port has increased the number of larger superyacht berths this year by 11, meaning there are now 17 berths to accommodate yachts between 60 and 140m. A recent report from The Superyacht Intelligence Agency found that Italy has the largest amount of berths in the Mediterranean for 30m+ vessels, which now comes to a total of 940 with the 11 new berths at Porto Mirabello.

As part of its ongoing investment in improving the facilities, the marina has committed to developing a range of crew services. Understanding how these can influence a captain’s and owner’s decision as to where to take their vessel, spend time, or indeed choose a home port, Porto Mirabello has a number of new features aimed at crew. “The captains and crews are very important to us at Porto Mirabello, they often visit the same ports many, many times with different guests, and we wanted to make sure they enjoyed their time with us and that there were enough crew focused services that they would want to come back again and again,” explains Alessandro Menozzi, owner of the marina.

Commenting on the high level of English crew that are within the industry, Menozzi explains the reasoning behind the marina’s venues with a distinctively British feel, such as The Royal Mirabello, a typically English pub. “Our purpose is for all crew to feel at home,” says Menozzi. The marina also features a 25m swimming pool and a further 10 restaurants and bars.

These developments are proving beneficial to the marina, with Menozzi seeing a large increase in visiting yachts this summer so far. “We have hosted 55 per cent more yachts visiting in 2017 compared to the previous year. Many of the most exclusive vessels have stayed with us in the last few months such as M/Y Savannah, M/Y Grace E, M/Y Just J’s, M/Y Achilles, M/Y Emuna, M/Y Romea, M/Y Samar and M/Y Serenity.” The high-profile yachts bolster the marina’s reputation and are a key indicator in the high quality of the area.

It is not just luxurious owner and crew facilities that are attracting yachts to visit the marina, Menozzi also highlights how the area’s close proximity to the superyacht facilities in Viareggio are an additional bonus for yachts in need of any repairs. “Being surrounded by a nautical alliance that includes the most prestigious shipyards in the world is an important aspect, it allows those who live in the harbour to have the best technical assistance during the winter and to enjoy everything the harbour and the City offers during the summer.”

Looking ahead, Menozzi and his team will continue to expand on the marinas facilities. “In January of 2018 we plan to open a fitness centre in the marina only for yachting guests and crew. We are also building 360 panoramic suites overlooking the marina to provide additional onsite facilities for 2019 and beyond,” he reveals. The continual investment in shoreside facilities by marinas is indicative of best business practices in order to keep everyone on board happy.

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